Staying in campus accommodation over the winter break?

News

Posted on Monday 24 November 2025

An update about catering, helpdesk, cleaning, reception and mailroom opening times over the winter break.

Catering and shops

Retail and catering outlet opening times change during the vacation - visit Eat at York opening times to see what is open and when.

Helpdesk times

The University Facilities Helpdesk will be closed from 4.45pm on Tuesday 23 December 2025, reopening at 9am on Monday 5 January 2026.

But don’t worry, any emergency faults can be reported at any point during the closure period via our non-emergency telephone line +44 (0) 1904 32 4444 or for more urgent concerns +44 (0) 1904 323333.

Cleaning - student residential areas

Normal cleaning will be provided until 1.45pm on Friday 19 December. Limited cleaning only will be available on Monday 22 December and Tuesday 23 December.

There will be no cleaning in residential areas between Wednesday 24 December and Friday 2 January 2026 inclusive.

Emergency cleaning cover will be available between Saturday 27 December and Wednesday 31 December, as well as between Friday 2 January 2026 and Sunday 4 January 2026.

Normal cleaning services will resume on Monday 5 January 2026.

All areas will be supplied with waste bin liners and toilet rolls. Additional stock can be requested at the Campus East and West receptions throughout the winter break.

Launderettes

All launderettes on campus will be accessible during the winter break and are open as usual. If you find that your college launderette is closed for any reason, please go to the nearest open reception and ask for a key to access that launderette.

Travel

There will be limited services on public transport on certain days across the winter break.

First York will be operating a limited timetable on University of York bus services from Sunday 21 December and will resume normal service on Sunday 4 January 2026. There will be no University bus services on Thursday 25 December (Christmas Day), Friday 26 December (Boxing Day), and Thursday 1 January 2026 (New Year's Day).

Visit the First York website or download their App for full details and any late notice changes.

Reception services

Campus East Reception (Ron Cooke Hub) and Campus West Reception (Information Centre) aims to remain open 24/7 throughout the winter break, including on Thursday 25 December (Christmas Day), Friday 26 December (Boxing Day), and Thursday 1 January 2026 (New Year's Day).

Please note that these arrangements may be subject to change.

Last posting dates for Christmas

If you're sending letters or parcels to family or friends over the festive season, check out Royal Mail's last posting dates for your mail to arrive before 25 December.

The University mailroom's will remain open until 12 noon on Wednesday 24 December.

Dalham Farm Mailroom (Campus West mailroom) will remain closed on 25 to 30 December, reopening again for one day on 31 December 7am to 12pm, and will close again on 1 and 2 January 2026. The mailroom will open as usual on 5 January 2026.
Piazza Mailroom (Campus East mailroom) will remain closed on 25 December to 28 December, reopening for three days on 29, 30 and 31 December, 8am to 12pm, and will be closed on 1 and 2 January 2026. The mailroom will open as usual on 5 January 2026.

Did you know?
University Mailroom's are open to both staff and students and can be used to post letters, packets and parcels at a discounted price. We work with Royal Mail and Parcelforce to bring you the best prices.