Spring Break Information 2026

All You Need to Know About Spring Break

Spring Break is around the corner! It begins March 9th through March 15th. Residence halls remain open during the break. No application to stay is necessary. Both the Piedmont and Eisenhower Desk will maintain their normal hours of operation throughout the break. Mason Regional Shuttles has your ride covered to Virginia Beach or New York City!  Book your one-way or round trip for as low as $40, exclusively for Mason Patriots! Act fast – secure your spot today because it won’t last long! *Mason ID required when boarding*.

What else can you do around campus during Spring Break? Feast your eyes on our Spring Semester Dining Hours! Whether you’re living on or off campus, our doors are open for you. Not forgetting that our meal plans are up for grabs with sweet promotions.

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Helpful Tips About Mason Dining

Meal Plan Access Dates

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Meal Swipes

Please note that the meal plan swipe access will be limited. Meal plans swipe access available during the break:

  • Independence Extended 

  • Independence Ultimate 

  • INTO Independence 

Other meal plans (Independence, Liberty, and Patriot Plans): 

  • Last Day to Use Meal Swipes: Friday, March 6 (End of Business Day) 

  • Swipe Access Resumes: Sunday, March 15

Student in dining hall

Dining Dollars

Dining Dollars Available Throughout Spring Break

Your meal plan includes Dining Dollars for use across campus. During spring break, these funds remain active and can be used to:

  • Shop On-Campus: Buy snacks & meals at open retail spots.

  • Get Robot Delivery: Order via the Starship app. 

  • Save at Dining Halls: Get $2 off the at-door price when you use your Dining Dollars there.

 

Where to Use Your Plan During Spring Break

 

Dining Hall: The Globe (March 9-13)

Retail Locations: Limited options available. Check hours of operation.

Globe Dining Hall

Regional Shuttles

Regional Shuttles

One-way or round-trip tickets from Fairfax Campus to New York City, Richmond, Philadelphia, Virginia Beach, and other cities are now available for Spring Break, with departures on Friday, March 6 and return trips on Sunday, March 15. One-way tickets start as low as $40.

Shuttle Routes & Schedules

Shuttle Routes and Schedules

Shop local, get groceries, and explore Northern Virginia with George Mason Shuttles. FREE with your Mason ID. Note: The campus shuttle service will have an abbreviated schedule during the break. Please check the timetable ahead of time.                 

Regional Transits 

George Mason University student showing a mobile transit pass at a Metro station near the Blue and Yellow lines

Whether you plan to travel afar or stay locally, check out information on various ridesharing options, Mason shuttles, and parking information.                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Deposit Mason Money

Deposit Mason Money

Deposit Mason Money onto your Mason ID and conveniently make purchases on and off campuses, such as the Bookstore, dining halls, retail dining, Student Health Center, fitness centers, Grubhub, and more.                 

Lost Your Mason ID?

Mobile ID

Download the Mason Mobile ID and access meal plans, buildings, and campus services throughout the break.                                                                                                                                                                

Get Discounts with Patriot Perks

Get Discounts with Patriot Perks

Enjoy up to 25% discounts at local restaurants, beauty salons, entertainment, and retail with your Mason ID.                                                                                                                                                                                                  

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Spring Break FAQs

Which specific dining locations will be open?

Dining halls and retail locations will operate on limited spring break schedules. For the most current hours, please visit the Mason Dining Hours of Operation page. 

Craving your favorite meal? Use your Mason Money to order from off-campus restaurants on Grubhub+. Enjoy $0 delivery fees on orders of $18 or more. (Activate Free Here).

Where can I use my meal plans during the break?

If you have an Independence Extended, Independence Ultimate, or Independence INTO meal plan, your meal swipes will remain active for dining hall access. 

All students can use their Dining Dollars to: 

  • Shop On-Campus for snacks and meals at any open retail location. 

  • Order Delivery or Takeout via the Starship robot delivery service. 

  • Save at Dining Halls and receive a $2 discount off the standard door price. 

Need to upgrade your plan or add funds? Visit the Online Mason Card Office; changes take effect immediately. 

How to get to the airport from the campus?

There are three major airports located in the Washington, D.C. metro area: Dulles International Airport (IAD), Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA), and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Mashall Airport (BWI). Click here for information about each airport and transportation options.

I lost my Mason ID. What should I do?

If your card is lost or stolen, log into the Online Mason Card Office and select “Lost/Stolen Card” to deactivate your Mason ID to prevent any unauthorized usage of Mason Money and meal plans. Activate your Mason Mobile ID on your mobile devices to access your meal plans, residence halls, and campus services. Once you activate your Mobile ID, log back into the Online Mason Card Office and reactivate your card to continue accessing your services. Please note it may take up to 15 minutes for your card access to be fully restored.

 

If opting for a physical Mason ID, visit the Mason Card Office during business hours to get a replacement card. There is a $25 fee for a card replacement.

How do I access meal plans if my Mason ID is lost/stolen/damaged?

  • During Business Hours: Activate your Mason Mobile ID on your mobile devices. If opting for a physical Mason ID, visit the Mason Card Office for a replacement card. There is a $25 fee due at the office.
  • After Hours: Please contact a dining manager to coordinate access to dining halls, as meal plans cannot be accessed without the Mason ID.

Is parking enforcement still active?

Yes. All standard parking rules and enforcement remain in effect. You must park in your assigned/permitted lot. With fewer cars, enforcement may be more noticeable. 

Is mail and package delivery still happening?

Campus mail services will operate on the normal schedule. Package delivery from carriers (USPS, UPS, FedEx) will continue.