Travel Planning
Academic Year Breaks
The following information should help in planning for student travel for the 2026-2027 school year.
The Student Life Office approves travel arrangements and assists with transportation at the beginning and end of major vacations to and from campus to local transit hubs—including:
The Student Life Office approves travel arrangements and assists with transportation at the beginning and end of major vacations to and from campus to local transit hubs—including:
- Dartmouth Coach Bus Station in Lebanon, NH (for connections to Logan Airport in Boston and New York City)*
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT)
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)*
- Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB) for service to Boston, New York City, and Westchester County on Cape Air*
- Amtrak at White River Junction (WRJ)*
- Greyhound Bus Terminal, White River Junction*
While the Upper Valley is conveniently located near several airports, most students and families will choose to fly via Boston Logan for the most options/routes/flight times. Please note that Uber/Lyft is not an option for travel from the airports and ground transportation needs to be pre-arranged.
*KUA will arrange transportation from these locations. Unaccompanied minors need individual travel arrangements and KUA should be notified as soon as possible.
Visiting Campus
If you're planning a campus visit, you can find information on hotels, travel, and area attractions on the Visiting KUA page.
Residence Hall Closures
Students may remain on campus for long weekend breaks (October 11-13, February 1-2, and April 18-20).
Residence halls close for our three longest breaks and student must leave campus Thanksgiving Break (November), Winter Break (December), and Spring Break (March). To initiate travel, students must submit a REACH request leave and obtain parent, host, and KUA approval before departure. Please contact Melissa Longacre in Student Life with questions.
Residence halls close for our three longest breaks and student must leave campus Thanksgiving Break (November), Winter Break (December), and Spring Break (March). To initiate travel, students must submit a REACH request leave and obtain parent, host, and KUA approval before departure. Please contact Melissa Longacre in Student Life with questions.
Although arranging long-distance travel can be challenging, travel must be arranged so that classes, examinations, or other school obligations are not missed.
Fall Break
Students May Leave: Thursday, November 19 after 11 a.m. or last commitment
Residence Halls Close: Friday, November 20 at Noon
Residence Halls Reopen: Monday, November 30 at Noon
Winter Break
Students May Leave: Thursday, December 17, after Noon
Residence Halls Close: Friday, December 18 at Noon
Residence Halls Reopen: Monday, January 4 at Noon
Spring Break
Students May Leave: Thursday, March 4 after 3:30 p.m. (or last commitment)
Residence Halls Close: Friday, March 5 at Noon
Residence Halls Reopen: Monday, March 22 at Noon
End of Academic Year
Graduation will be held on May 22. Residence halls close at 4 p.m. for summer break
Graduation will be held on May 22. Residence halls close at 4 p.m. for summer break
International Student Break Options
We recognize that identifying arrangements when campus is closed can be challenging for international families. During these times, we expect that students’ plans will include adult supervision and prioritize student safety.
Our international students most often:
1. Return home to be with family
2. Stay with a friend or classmate
3. Stay with a family member or family friend who lives in the U.S.
4. Participate in a school-break program offered by another organization
If you are interested in participating in a school-break program managed by an external organization, please contact Bernarda Del Villar, International Student Coordinator.
