When Does Spring Semester Start? When Does It End?

Winter break offers students a well-deserved hiatus from academics, but after that it’s straight back to classes for the spring term.

When does spring semester start? At most schools, students return to campus in mid- or late January. The semester typically runs through early May. However, schools on the quarter system often start earlier.

Before planning a visit to see family or choosing a winter study abroad program, make sure to check your school’s academic calendar for the exact dates of spring semester.

Colleges generally go back to school in January, but the exact date varies. For example, some colleges return as early as Jan. 3, 2022, while others start as late as Jan. 26, 2022.

Classes start Jan. 26 at William & Mary, while New York University goes back Jan. 24. University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a Jan. 25 start date for spring semester, while the University of Michigan starts Jan. 5.

Why do schools offer such drastically different start dates? Many schools on the semester system offer a winter term or January term that pushes back the spring start date. NYU, for example, offers a January term from Jan. 3-21, while winter term runs from Dec. 17-Jan. 24 at UMass Amherst.

Semester schools also tend to have a later start date than schools that use the quarter system. Most of the University of California schools and the University of Washington return for winter quarter on Jan. 3.

At most schools, the last day of class falls in the first week of May. Students then take finals before commencement in mid- to late May.

For example, the last day of class at UMass Amherst falls on May 4, 2022. UC Berkeley holds its final classes Apr. 29, 2022. The last day at NYU is May 9.

Sometimes factors outside academics shape the academic calendar. The University of Louisville holds its last class Apr. 25, 2022, in order to finish the term before Kentucky Derby Day, which takes place the first Saturday in May.

While all schools admit students in the fall, some colleges also admit undergrads for spring start dates.

For example, the University of Southern California not only admits spring students but also recommends fall opportunities like studying abroad for degree-seekers starting in the spring. Other colleges like NYU also offer spring admission.

These institutions typically offer orientations and other services for the spring semester. However, not all schools offer spring admission. Before considering a spring start date, check each school’s policy or reach out to an admissions counselor.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of a spring semester start date? For some students, starting college in spring means more time to work or travel. Others may feel less prepared for college if they start late.

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