During winter break, hours for on-campus services may be limited. The following list details a sampling of services for Tar Heels that will be available over the winter break. Visit each area’s website for additional information and updated hours of operation.
Campus Health and Counseling and Psychological Services
Many health care services remain available to students over the break. Campus Health is open Saturday, Dec. 13, and Campus Health, Student Stores Mini Clinic/Pharmacy and CAPS will be open weekdays through Dec. 23. Services reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 2. Students can also access mental health resources on the Heels Care Network.
When Campus Health or CAPS are closed, you can receive mental health support 24/7 by calling (919) 966-3658 to speak to a mental health professional or calling (919) 966-2281 for UNC Nurse Connect and on-call providers for non-emergent medical situations.
Campus Recreation
During winter break, some facilities will be open with special hours. See this calendar for more detailed information.
Carolina Dining Services
Carolina Dining Services will have a variety of locations open during winter break. Students can use flex to order delivery anywhere on campus from Takeout Central, which offers access to delivery from over 30 local restaurants, as well as Brenz Pizza, Domino’s and Wings Over Chapel Hill. Students can also access some resources through the Carolina Food Pantry Network.
Many local restaurants are open and offer take-out and delivery options. For information on local restaurants, check out Visit Chapel Hill. For information for local grocery stores, including delivery or pickup, visit the following links:
Carolina Financial Well-Being Center
The Carolina Financial Well-Being Center will offer virtual coaching appointments available during break. Schedule an appointment.
Carolina Housing
Except for Ram Village apartments, all residence halls will close for winter break at 10 a.m. Dec. 13. Residence halls will reopen at 9:00 a.m. on Jan. 4. See the Carolina Housing website for more information on break closure. Students who choose to remain in their Ram Village unit or seek housing for an approved hardship should fill out a winter break housing request form to confirm their plans with Carolina Housing.
Chapel Hill Transit
The Safe Ride route will not operate from Dec. 7- Jan. 10. Chapel Hill Transit will operate with limited routes Dec. 24 through Jan. 2. No transit will operate on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, Chapel Hill Transit will run with Sunday service, meaning no U or NU routes will be available. See the Town of Chapel Hill’s website for more information.
Student Wellness
Free Sleep Kits, Snacks, Tea, and Coffee
Stop by SASB North 0103, Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., to pick up free sleep kits, snacks, tea, and coffee. Our office will be open during our regular hours through December 19.
- In-person professional wellness coaching will be available through December 19 and will resume January 12, 2026.
- Virtual wellness coaching will be available throughout winter break with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Free and confidential substance use counseling is available throughout finals and winter break. New-client appointments are held in person, and returning clients may engage in virtual appointments (if they are in North Carolina) on a case-by-case basis.
The Carolina Recovery Group will still meet on Monday night throughout the break. Thursday night meetings are TBD. Contact Hayden Graham at [email protected] for more information.
*Please note that this space is exclusively for people in or seeking recovery and is NOT open to observers or for educational purposes.
Student Wellness will be closed December 22 – January 1 for the holidays. Hours are subject to change; visit their website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Things to do
- Visit the Ackland Art Museum (for free!) and catch Color Triumphant, a modern art collection. Closed Dec. 24, 25, and Jan. 1. The exhibit runs until Jan. 4.
- Carolina and the surrounding area offer many opportunities for nature walks and hikes. Healthy Heels offers favorite spots where students can explore nature around UNC-Chapel Hill.
- Check out Heel Life and community calendars for additional activity ideas.
Violence Prevention and Advocacy Services
Confidential support and services will be available on weekdays through Dec. 23. Services will resume Jan 2. Email [email protected] or call (919) 962-1343 to schedule a time to meet. For more information about support and resources available for individuals impacted by harassment, sexual misconduct, interpersonal violence, or stalking, visit Violence Prevention and Advocacy Service’s Campus and Community resources page or the Safe at UNC website.
-Payton Wilkins ‘25