When is Summer break gap housing?
Winter Gap Housing
Winter gap housing starts in December after finals end and residence halls close. It lasts until the first day of Spring semester classes.
Summer Gap Housing
Summer gap housing begins in May, beginning on the last day residence halls stay open, and continues until the first day of Fall semester classes.
(Example: May 18 – August 24, 2026)
📌 Keep in mind:
Exact dates may change, so be sure to check the academic calendar and emails from Residential Life for the most up-to-date information.
Who is eligible?
Full-time students who are registered for the upcoming semester. For more information, please visit: Gap Housing Eligibility Criteria
Do you have a physically safe space to stay during Winter/Summer break?
The flowchart asks: 'Do you have a physically safe space to stay during winter/summer break?' If Yes, no action needed. If No, it asks three qualifying questions: 1. Are you a resident? 2. Are you registered for the upcoming semester? 3. Can you provide documentation of your situation? If the answer to all three is Yes, the student should complete the Intake Form on the Student Portal. If the answer to any of those three is No, the student is directed to the Student Appointment Form to meet with a Social Worker.
What are examples of housing insecurity?
Students who are identified and verified as homeless, examples: recently evicted from their home, couch surfing, unforeseen damage to their home (fires, flooding, etc), or in a physically unsafe environment.
As part of the intake process for staying on campus during gap sessions, documentation of your situation will be required. Verification will be conducted by PCCC Social Workers.
📌 Disclaimer:
PCCC is a confidential resource, and all information shared will be handled with care and privacy.
Is there a deadline?
The deadline for Summer 2026 Gap housing is May 1st, 2026. On-campus housing will not be guaranteed after May 1st.
Will food be available?
Dining Services have limited operational hours during the winter/summer sessions. For meal support, the Panther Food Pantry will be open on Wednesdays 12-4pm throughout summer 2026. Please visit our Instagram to stay up to date on our hours: OW_CARECENTER.
Who will know I applied?
SUNY Old Westbury is committed to protecting student privacy throughout the Gap Housing process. Information provided in the Gap Housing Intake Form may be shared internally with Residential Life with Auxiliary Services Corporation to coordinate care. All information is accessed on a need-to-know basis and is not disclosed publicly.
I'm an athlete, do I need to apply?
If you are an athlete and also experiencing homelessness, all requests must go through the SUNY Old Westbury - Summer/Winter Gap Housing Intake Form for further follow up.
If you are an athlete and not experiencing housing instability, for housing inquiries please contact: reslife@oldwestbury.edu
What if I am denied?
You will be provided with a list of resources that can further assist you.
How do I apply?
Complete the intake form on your SUNY OW Connect portal under “Dining and Housing” A PCCC Social Worker will follow-up within 3-5 business days.