Know before you go: Campus updates for Winter Break
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 8, 2025) — With Winter Break quickly approaching, many University of Kentucky students are packing up to head home for the holidays. For students staying on campus, it’s important to be aware of adjusted hours and closures across campus during the break. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect — and where to find the most up-to-date information.
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UK Dining. Many dining locations will have adjusted hours, and some will be closed entirely during the break. Check for the most up-to-date hours of operation for each location.
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University offices. University offices will be closed Dec. 24-Jan. 2.
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Gatton Student Center. Gatton Student Center (GSC) will be open on a limited schedule.
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Dec. 20 – UK Bookstore will be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
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Dec. 21 – The entire GSC will be closed.
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Dec. 22-24 – GSC will be open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The UK Bookstore and the Apothecary will be open 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Dec. 25, 26 – The entire GSC will be closed.
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Dec. 27, 28 – UK Bookstore will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Dec. 29-31 – UK Bookstore and the Apothecary will be open 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Jan. 1 - The entire GSC will be closed.
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Jan. 2 - GSC will be open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. The UK Bookstore will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and the Apothecary will be open 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Jan. 3 – UK Bookstore will be open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
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Jan. 4. - UK Bookstore will be open 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
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UK Housing. Nonbreak residence halls will close at noon Saturday, Dec. 20, and reopen at noon Saturday, Jan. 10. Students are expected to check out within 24 hours after their last exam. Students in need of housing for Winter break must notify UK Campus Housing at ukhousing@uky.edu.
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WildCard Mobile ID: Students who get a new phone during the academic break are advised to install their Mobile ID on the new device before returning to campus. Instructions for Apple users. Instructions for Android users
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UK Campus Recreation. Alumni Gym, Johnson Center and Lancaster Aquatic Center will each operate on adjusted winter hours. Find specific hours for each location online.
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Big Blue Pantry. The pantry is closed on all university holidays and any other days UK is closed.
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UK Libraries. Many campus libraries will be closed during winter break. Check current library hours and closure information online.
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UK Transportation Services. Changes to parking and transportation services on campus can be found online. Visit the UK Transportation Services website for the latest parking information and service updates.
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Regional Airport Shuttles. UK Transportation Services offers regional airport shuttle services for students traveling over break. Seats fill up fast, so be sure to register online for your ride.
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University Health Service. 8 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, by appointment only.
As the semester wraps up, take time to plan ahead — whether you’re traveling home or spending the holidays in Lexington. Knowing what’s open — and when — ensures a stress-free and safe winter break for all Wildcats.
Looking for additional resources? Learn more by visiting the Student Success website.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.