Washington University in St. Louis (WashU), located in St. Louis, Missouri, operates on a traditional semester-based academic calendar. The university structures its academic year into two main semesters—Fall and Spring—with an optional Summer session for additional coursework or internships. Typically, the Fall semester begins in late August and concludes in mid-December, while the Spring semester starts in mid-January and ends in early May. WashU also incorporates significant breaks, such as a winter break spanning late December to early January and a spring break in March, aligning with many other U.S. universities. This structure supports a balance of rigorous academics and opportunities for rest or experiential learning.
The academic calendar at Washington University in St. Louis aligns closely with national norms for U.S. universities, particularly in the Midwest, with semesters mirroring those of peer institutions. Key holidays like Labor Day and Thanksgiving are observed, ensuring compatibility with regional and national schedules. For international students, the extended winter break offers flexibility for travel, while the optional summer session provides opportunities for accelerated learning or catching up on credits. WashU’s calendar also accommodates research-intensive periods, especially for undergraduates involved in faculty-led projects, with breaks strategically placed to support mental health and academic focus. While specific dates for 2025–2026 are estimates based on historical patterns, students are encouraged to check official university announcements for confirmed schedules.