Hey Hawkeyes and Future Hawkeyes! I bet you are excited for fall break right about now. I know as I finish my last few exams this week I am ready for a well-deserved break. I’m not going to lie, navigating fall break if you are not familiar with the university can be a little tricky, so here are some things I learned over the years:

1. The Residence Halls Will Lock You Out (if you don’t sign up for break housing)

The residence halls on campus do not close on fall break, you are welcome to stay (for free!), but you MUST sign up for break housing through the housing portal. The buildings run on a shortened staff during these times, so locking the building to everyone except approved residents is routine. There are always mishaps in the system though, so if you find yourself with your IowaOne card not working, just head to the 24/7 fall desk (Currier) to get a temporary card to let you in.

2. The Dining Hall(s) Close Early

The Friday break starts, the dining hall does not serve dinner. If you are hitting the road Saturday morning to go home, make sure you have a dinner and breakfast plan!

3. Food’s Limited 

With the dining halls completely closed and many campus locations closed, food is very limited during fall break. It is a great idea to plan your meals (here) and stock your fridge if you have one.

4. Check Your Email/ICON Page At Least Once

You shouldn’t have anything due over fall break, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get an important email or a professor adding an assignment the day school resumes. Although you are on break, make sure you are staying on top of things and not missing deadlines!

5. Rest Up!

This is probably your last chance to rest before finals, use it. The last thing you want is to wear your body down and get sick right before coming back to school. So, keep a good sleep schedule, eat healthy, and get outside!