A Monthly Publication for First-Year Villanova Families

Winter break begins after your Wildcat's last final! For planning purposes, final exam schedules are published in advance of testing, although it's always a good idea to double-check with your Wildcat, as some adjustments to the original schedule may be made.

Residence halls will close at noon on Saturday, Dec. 20. If your Villanovan is remaining on campus for a University-sponsored activity or event, the Winter Break Housing Application and Early Arrival Form for Spring Semester will be live on Tuesday, Nov. 25 in the Housing Portal. 

It's important to keep in mind that students will not be able to remain on campus without University approval beyond noon on Saturday, Dec. 20, so our offices ask that you please make travel arrangements accordingly.

Prior to leaving for the semester, resident students are asked to dispose of opened food, remove all trash from the room and take it to an outside trash receptacle, close and lock windows and doors and unplug all appliances (except the refrigerator and freezer).

The Division of Student Life has mailed each member of the Class of 2029 and their family a copy of A Guide to Your Sophomore Year. For those students remaining on campus over Thanksgiving Break and for students with international home addresses, we've mailed the guide to their VU address. This new publication is designed to give you and your Villanovan an early look at their upcoming sophomore year, and the way that our new Villanova University Cabrini Campus will fit into our students' lives beginning in August 2026. While home together over break, please take the time to read through the booklet (or view it online) and talk about the opportunities awaiting your Wildcat in their sophomore year. I think you'll find it very informative!

After Thanksgiving break, we will host several in-person student information sessions in which Student Life staff members will lead a more in-depth discussion about the housing process, review the new shuttle system that will connect the two campuses, and introduce the Class of 2029 to the Cabrini Campus’ housing opportunities, dining experiences, dedicated student study spaces, renovated student center and modern recreation facilities.

Beginning in January 2026, we'll offer student tours of the Cabrini Campus for members of the Class of 2029. Please encourage your Wildcat to attend an information session and to be on the lookout for tour registration, which will open in December.

As your rising sophomore begins the spring semester, they may be thinking about their academic path and how to cultivate the interests they're developing, as well as where they may be living next year. We invite you and your Villanovan to consider and discuss our Sophomore Living and Leadership Communities (SLLC), in which sophomores can enjoy the opportunity to live, learn and lead in a vibrant residential setting on the Cabrini Campus. Together, they can explore their personal leadership style, connect with mentors and take part in high-impact experiences that will strengthen their sense of purpose and commitment to service.  

Details about the three communities—Advancing Women Leaders in STEM, Sophomore Service-Learning Community and the Space Between: Personal and Professional Development in CLAS—as well as information about the application process and deadlines can be found by visiting  the SLLC website.

We can help your Wildcat if they are in need of a notary! Please have them schedule an appointment in Handshake using the "Specialty Appointments" tab or by emailing careers.info@villanova.edu.

Over the last year, Villanova students have recovered more than 3,000 pounds of food on campus. Most Mondays through Thursdays, the Food Recovery Network (FRN) collects and packages dining hall food that has not been served from Dougherty and Donahue dining halls. Food is distributed to food pantries and other community-based organizations to help feed and educate more than 300 families!

Follow the Food Recovery Network on Instagram to learn more about their efforts and events. Students are always welcome to join; as they say, "low commitment—big impact!"

Staff members from Residence Life and Dining Services, in partnership with offices across campus, will serve up Late Night Breakfast for students (free of charge!) on Friday, Dec. 12 from 9-11 p.m. It's become a festive tradition that serves nearly 1,000 students each semester. And since no breakfast is complete without a little extra fun, we raffle off amazing door prizes throughout the evening! Encourage your Wildcat to stop in for a hearty meal before exams begin!

Villanova University Office of Parent and Family Relations

Phone: 610-519-6212

Email: parents@villanova.edu