The University of Delaware’s Winter Session registration is now open for any student who wants to make their winter ‘count’ by earning credits during break. Winter Session, the five-week term between fall and spring semesters, gives students the opportunity to earn up to seven credits in a condensed format.

Approximately 500 undergraduate and 50 graduate courses are available during the day or evening on a wide variety of topics. There are also online classes that can be taken anywhere a student may be.

UD Winter Session classes are open to everyone, including students from other colleges and universities. UD Associate in Arts Program (AAP) students may choose to study on the Newark campus or take classes at any of the AAP campuses.

Winter Session is an ideal time for students to accelerate their progress, lighten their spring semester, or even catch up on degree requirements needed to finish on time. Research shows students who take 30 credit hours each year have a significantly higher chance of graduating in four years with a bachelor’s degree. Likewise, students enrolled in an Associate in Arts degree program are more likely to graduate in two years if they follow this credit benchmark.

Edoardo Frezza, a senior neuroscience and Italian double major, said, “Winter Session allowed me to knock out some required courses that both alleviated the intensity of my future semesters and opened up the opportunity to add Italian as a second major. I could take two full 7-credit winter semesters my freshman and sophomore years. My junior year, I used the quiet nature of Winter Session to study for the MCAT.”

AAP graduate Christian Wills took Introduction to Sociology and Human Heredity & Development on the Wilmington campus last Winter Session. Wills, who is now a junior English major on the Newark campus, said, “Taking a winter class at University of Delaware’s AA Program allowed me to finish my two-year course and graduate with my associate degree. It was a great experience that helped me pursue my future goals at the University.”

Students also use Winter Session to concentrate on a challenging subject or to study abroad.

Senior Chloe Hoag said, “Winter Session has allowed me to graduate a year early with an exercise science degree. It’s a great way for students to be able to focus on those hard courses like organic chemistry or calculus. Winter Session has also enabled me to go abroad to Heidelberg, Germany. Without the Winter Session option, I would not have been able to study abroad with my regimented curriculum.”

Winter Session also offers an opportune time for students to explore something new that they may not be able to fit into the regular semester. Sophomore accounting major Ruomin Xu took a ballroom dancing class last winter, noting that it pushed her outside of her comfort zone.

“Although this dancing has no relationship with my major, I think I can feel happy in my academic life at UD and I can meet different people and strengthen my social life,” Xu said.

For students hoping to extend their winter break a bit longer, the University will offer about 50 four-week courses. The five-week term begins Jan. 7, while the four-week classes start Jan. 14.

Registration closes Jan. 10 for five-week classes and Jan. 17 for four-week courses.

Discounts and financial aid

Winter Session provides financial benefits: UD offers a 25 percent discount on the standard per-credit rate for all students who take at least 6 credit hours. Nonresident students who take UD-Online Distance Learning classes outside Delaware may qualify for an even lower rate. See the online site for options and conditions.

In addition to potential loan eligibility, any student who currently receives a Federal Pell Grant may qualify for additional Pell funds to help cover Winter Session costs. Students who need a winter class to meet their graduation requirements and have exhausted other resources may apply for a Blue Hen Success grant, designed to provide one-time funding to help a student graduate. See additional details on the SFS Special Sessions page.

Student Life programming

The Division of Student Life will offer programs throughout Winter Session to provide students opportunities to explore new places, meet people different from themselves and have fun. Programs this winter include:

• Study at Home, designed to help students connect with and explore the campus community and discover nearby cities that offer rich insight into the history and development of our region.

• Hot Chocolate Festival, an event emulating the grand festival hosted by the City Bakery in New York, complete with an array of gourmet hot chocolates and other treats.

• Crucial Conversations, a series of discussions moderated by members of the Blue Hen Leadership Program that provides an opportunity to reflect and engage with peers on current events.  

For more information on special winter activities visit www.sites.udel.edu/studentlife/winter.

On-campus housing

Students may live in the residence halls during Winter Session if they are registered for winter courses or participating in a University-sponsored activity. There is no additional Winter Session housing fee for students already living in the residence halls for fall or spring semesters. Students who live in the residence halls only during Winter Session will be charged a housing fee.

Students currently living on campus who register for in-person Winter Session courses will be automatically signed up for winter housing in their same room assignment. Students participating in a University-sponsored activity, taking online classes, or who do not already live on campus must complete the Winter Session housing application via the MyHousing portal. Students who do not plan to live on campus during Winter Session should cancel their housing.

Meal plan and dining options

UD Dining will offer students the ability to dine at multiple residential and retail venues across campus. Students living in traditional residence halls or suites must enroll in a full meal plan, which contains a designated number of all-you-care-to-eat meals and/or points. Pencader and Russell Dining Halls will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the week and for brunch and dinner on weekends.

Students living in the Christiana Towers Apartments, Graduate Student and Family Housing or off-campus may choose any of the plans offered.

For additional information, visit the Winter Session website.