URI Academic Calendar

The University of Rhode Island (URI), located in Kingston, Rhode Island, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. This structure includes a fall semester typically beginning in early September and concluding in mid-December, a spring semester running from late January to mid-May, and optional summer sessions for accelerated learning or additional coursework. URI also incorporates a brief winter intersession in January, offering students opportunities for intensive short-term courses. Key breaks, such as Thanksgiving and spring break, align with national holidays and provide students with time for rest or travel. This calendar structure supports a balance of academic rigor and personal downtime, catering to a diverse student body.

• Fall Semester Start: September 3, 2025 (first day of classes following Labor Day weekend).
• Thanksgiving Break: November 26–30, 2025 (campus closed for the holiday).
• Fall Final Exams: December 15–19, 2025 (exam period marking the end of the semester).
• Winter Intersession: January 5–23, 2026 (optional short-term courses).
• Spring Semester Start: January 26, 2026 (classes resume after winter break).
• Spring Break: March 9–13, 2026 (mid-semester break for students).
• Spring Final Exams: May 4–8, 2026 (end of academic year assessments).
• Commencement: May 16–17, 2026 (graduation ceremonies for eligible students).

• Early Action Deadline: December 1, 2024 (non-binding application option with notification by late January 2025).
• Regular Decision Deadline: February 1, 2025 (standard application deadline with decisions by mid-March 2025).
• Priority Financial Aid Deadline: March 1, 2025 (recommended date for FAFSA submission to maximize aid opportunities).
• Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1, 2025 (deadline to confirm attendance for admitted students).
• International Student Application Deadline: February 1, 2025 (additional time required for visa processing and documentation).

The University of Rhode Island’s academic calendar aligns closely with regional and national norms for semester-based systems, particularly in the Northeast, where fall and spring terms mirror those of neighboring institutions. Breaks such as Thanksgiving and spring break coincide with public holidays, ensuring consistency for students and families. The winter intersession offers unique flexibility, especially for international students or those seeking to accelerate their studies. Additionally, URI’s admissions timeline accommodates a broad applicant pool by providing early action and regular decision options, with clear deadlines for financial aid and enrollment confirmation. While specific dates for the 2025–2026 academic year and admissions cycle are estimates based on historical patterns, they reflect typical scheduling for universities in the region.