Thanksgiving is a US holiday on the fourth Thursday of November. Many schools close for several days. Winter break is longer, often three to five weeks from mid-December. Campuses get very quiet, so plan early.
Many dorms (student housing) close over winter break. Some also close at Thanksgiving. Check your housing contract or email the housing office now.
Ask about break housing: some schools let you stay for an extra fee, or move you to one building that stays open.
Dining halls often close or open short hours, even when dorms stay open. Buy food before break. Stores also close or open short hours on Thanksgiving Day and December 25.
Ask the international office about host programs. Some schools and local groups invite international students to a family Thanksgiving dinner.
You do not need a travel signature to travel inside the US. Carry your passport, I-20 (or DS-2019) and student ID. Book buses, trains and flights early; prices rise near the holidays.
Ask your DSO (the official at your international office) for a travel signature on page 2 of your I-20. Ask 2 to 4 weeks before you leave. For F-1 students a signature is generally good for one year.
J-1 students ask their RO to sign the DS-2019.
Check your passport: it should be valid at least 6 months after the day you return.
Check your visa stamp. A visa can expire while you are in the US; you can stay and study. But to come back from most trips you need a valid visa. Ask your DSO if a short trip to Canada or Mexico allows automatic revalidation.
If you need a new visa, apply in your country of nationality or residence. Most applicants now need an in-person interview, and waits can be long. Book the appointment before you buy a ticket.
Hand-carry your I-20 and documents. Never put them in checked bags.
Winter break is not your "annual vacation". It does not use up your vacation, as long as you are enrolled for the next term.
F-1 students may work on campus full time during official school breaks if they will enroll for the next term. Off-campus work still needs CPT or OPT. J-1 students follow their sponsor's rules; ask your RO.
A quiet campus in the cold and dark can feel heavy. Make a plan for each holiday day.
Join events from the international office, a religious community or the library.
Save the campus police number and 988 (the mental health crisis line, by call or text).
Tell a friend if you will stay alone in a dorm.
Leaving for winter break without a travel signature.
Booking a flight home before checking your visa date.
Finding out on December 15 that your dorm closes tomorrow.