Winter Break University Closure | International Students
The University of Guelph will be closed on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026. During this time, most university services will be closed, and staff and faculty will not reply to your inquiries. This includes the GPS Advisors. Therefore, it's important to plan ahead!
- Preparing for Winter: For information on how to best prepare for winter, where to get winter clothing and gear, login to read our curated Preparing for Winter checklist!
- Safety During the Winter: Want to learn about how to be safe during the winter in Canada. Login to read the ‘Walk like a penguin’ article to learn some tips and avoid slips!
- In Case of Bad Weather: As the colder weather settles in, here’s how to find out if the University is closed due to snow, ice or other inclement weather.
- Communicate in Advance: Make sure you reach out to staff and faculty in advance if needed and familiarize yourself with the following support and resources available during this closure period.
Immigration, Travel, and Arrival
For inquiries regarding immigration, we encourage you to refer to the IRCC website and our Immigration Information webpage for the most up-to-date information. Login for more information about immigration documents needed for your travel. You can also find information on getting to Guelph from the airport here.
Upon arrival, you may be looking to get settled and set up for the new semester. Read our setting up your phone in Canada, and useful apps page to learn about key things to have handy on your phone!
If you anticipate arriving late, or are unable to make it for the Winter 2026 term, you may attend the “Navigating Late Arrival, Deferral, or Withdrawal” webinar on Wednesday, January 7 at 10:00 A.M. for more information. Register for the webinar here.
Please note: In Canada, public holidays include December 25th (Christmas Day), December 26th (Boxing Day), and January 1st (New Year’s Day)
Hospitality and Food
As part of the university closure, the majority of the hospitality locations on campus will be closed. For a list of adjusted hour of operation before the winter closure, visit this Hospitality Services webpage. Some restaurants in Guelph also have an option to order delivery directly through their website. Explore off-campus food options on this webpage. If you have a meal plan, you can use your meal plan to pay for food at off-campus partner restaurants.
Public Transit and Shopping
During public holidays, public transit (bus, train, etc.), grocery stores, and shopping malls might operate on reduced hours and services. Make sure to shop in advance, check each store's opening hours and the public transit schedule to plan ahead for your trip.
Guelph Public Transit offers an on-demand bus ride service during the holiday. Note: Guelph Transit University Passes will be activated on January 1, 2026 for the Winter 2026 semester. Other ways to pay your bus fare include using an OnYourWay fare card, the OnYourWay app, or cash.
You can book your on-demand bus ride as early as seven days in advance up to 15 minutes before your trip using any Guelph Transit bus stop as pick up and drop off points. You are encouraged to book as early as possible to secure your trip time. Read more about how to book an on-demand ride. Visit the City of Guelph’s Getting Around page, to learn more about Guelph Transit during the holiday.
Emergency Services
In case of emergency, Campus Safety Officers will still be available. You can reach Campus Safety in case of EMERGENCY by dialling x52000, 519-840-5000, or 911. In non-emergency situations, call x52245. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Campus Safety Office webpages.
We encourage you to download the Safe Gryphon App, which allows you to stay up to date on safety alerts on campus and have easy access to emergency services from your phone. To learn about all features of the app, check out U of G Alert and SafeGryphon App.
Student Wellness
If you are in crisis, feeling unsafe, or worried that you might hurt yourself or others, there are several resources available to you that are open 24/7:
- Good2Talk – Good2 Talk is a free, professional and confidential counselling support for students in Ontario. Call: 1-866-925-5454
- Here 24/7 - In Crisis or Need Support? Call 1-844-HERE247 (1-844-437-3247) anytime. They provide support to people in the Waterloo Wellington Region.
- Crisis Text Line: Text "UofG" to 686868
More information can be found on the Student Wellness webpage about Urgent Help.
Health Services on campus will be closed during the Winter break. During this time, you can access services at an off-campus drop-in clinic. You can find a list of Community Healthcare Providers and Drop-in Clinics here. Not all places direct bill to UHIP, so you may have to initially pay out of pocket. Make sure to save the receipt to include when you submit a claim on the UHIP Claim page for reimbursement.
Counselling Services for International Students
During the university closure, if you are in need of counselling, you can use the GuardMe service. Through this service, you can:
- Get support via chat, phone or through ongoing virtual appointments
- Access anywhere and anytime. Support is Available 24/7
- Free to access for University of Guelph International and ELP (English Language Program) students
- Counsellors understand your culture & speak your language
- Confidential
Resources for LGBTQ2IA+ Students
- Compass Community Services
This line provides free, confidential emotional support and referrals to community resources seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., including holidays. Call or text: 226-669-3760 - LGBT Youth Line
Youth Line offers confidential and non-judgmental peer support through our telephone, text and chat services. Get in touch with a peer support volunteer from Sunday to Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:30 pm. Call: 1-800-268-9688