My kid is telling me they’re taking a January term class and idk what that actually means in practice. Does it change when they need to be physically back in NYC, do dorm and meal plan rules change during J-term, and is the academic workload more like a compressed full semester course (daily assignments) or more like a short workshop? I’m trying to figure out whether we should treat it li
January Term (J-term) at New York University is an intensive academic session where students complete a standard four-credit course over a condensed period of two to three weeks, specifically from January 5 to January 16 for 2026.
Physical Presence in NYC Students are expected to be back in NYC by January 5, as classes typically meet for several hours each day to cover the equivalent of a full semester's curriculum in a short time frame. While many courses are held in person at the Washington Square or Brooklyn campuses, there are also online options available.
Dorm and Housing Rules
- Students with fall and spring housing licenses do not need to apply separately for J-term housing, as it is included in their academic-year license.
- Those with only spring housing or who are non-residential must apply for J-term housing, which is not guaranteed.
- Standard residential policies apply, including guest restrictions.
- Standard meal plans are not active during J-term; however, students can use Dining Dollars (if they have a spring meal plan), Campus Cash, or credit cards at select dining locations that remain open.