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Staying in campus accommodation over the winter break?

News

Posted on Wednesday 11 November 2026

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, Shop and Drink at York opening times to see what is open and when.

Helpdesk times

The University Facilities Helpdesk will be closed from 4pm on Wednesday 23 December 2026, reopening at 7.45am on Monday 4 January 2027.

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 18 December. Limited cleaning only will be available on Monday 21 December, Tuesday 22 December and Wednesday 23 December 2026. 

There will be no cleaning in residential areas between Wednesday 23 December and Friday 1 January 2027 inclusive.

Emergency cleaning cover will be available between Monday 28 December and Thursday 31 December, as well as on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 January 2027. 

Normal cleaning services will resume on Monday 4 January 2027.

All areas will be supplied with waste + recycling 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. 

Reception services

Campus East Reception (Ron Cooke Hub) and Campus West Reception (Information Centre) will operate the following opening hours:

  • Closing 11pm, Wednesday 23 December, reopening 7am, Tuesday 29 December 2026.
  • Closing 6pm, Thursday 31 December, reopening 7am, Saturday 2 January 2027.

Receptions will be open as normal (7am to 11pm) on all other days.

Mailroom and 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.

Mailroom opening hours over the winter break:

  • Dalham Farm Mailroom (Campus West) will remain open until 12 noon on Thursday 24 December. It will close on 25 to 29 December, reopening again for one day on 30 December, 7am to 12pm. The mailroom will open as usual on 4 January 2027. 
  • Dalham Farm Student Mailroom (Campus West) will remain open until 12 noon on Thursday 24 December. It will close on 25 to 28 December, reopening again for one day on 29 and 30 December, 8am to 12 noon. The mailroom will open as usual on 4 January 2027. 
  • Piazza Mailroom (Campus East mailroom) will remain closed on 25 December to 28 December, reopening for three days on 29, 30 December, 8am to 12pm, The mailroom will open as usual on 4 January 2027. 

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.