The University of Hull has officially released its academic calendar for the 2025–2026 academic session. The schedule follows a trimester-based structure, dividing the year into three main teaching and assessment blocks. Each trimester includes twelve weeks of learning, followed by exams and short breaks.
Whether you are a first-year student arriving for the first time or a returning postgraduate, planning your year around the official timetable is the best way to stay organised. Below is a fully detailed and reworded summary of the University of Hull term dates for 2025–26, based entirely on the university’s official PDF schedule.
Trimester 1 – September 2025 to January 2026
The academic year begins in mid-September with an Induction Week designed to help new students adjust to university life, meet tutors, and complete registration. After induction, formal teaching begins the following week and continues until mid-December.
Detailed schedule for Trimester 1:
- Induction Week: Starts on 15 September 2025
A week dedicated to orientation, student registration, campus tours, and academic introductions. - Teaching Begins: 22 September 2025
This marks the start of Week 1 of the first teaching block.
From 22 September to 12 December 2025, students will experience twelve weeks of teaching. During this time, lectures, seminars, and workshops are held across all departments.
After Week 12, classes pause for the university’s Winter Break, which lasts three weeks.
- Winter Holiday: 15 December 2025 – 2 January 2026
Once the holidays end, the focus turns to assessment and feedback:
- Examination Period: 5 January – 16 January 2026
- Marking and Feedback: Week beginning 19 January 2026
So, the first trimester runs from 15 September 2025 (induction) to 19 January 2026 (feedback). It includes 12 weeks of teaching, 3 weeks of vacation, and 2 weeks of examinations — a well-structured start to the year.
Trimester 2 – January 2026 to May 2026
The second teaching period begins soon after the first trimester’s marking week. Students return to lectures and tutorials in late January and continue through spring.
Trimester 2 officially starts on 26 January 2026 and runs until early May. It follows a similar 12-week structure to Trimester 1.
Key dates for Trimester 2:
- Teaching Weeks: 26 January – 2 May 2026
- Spring Break: 30 March – 10 April 2026
A two-week holiday that gives students time to relax, revise, or travel before final assessments.
After the spring break, the final three weeks of teaching take place, followed immediately by examinations.
- Examination Period: 4 May – 22 May 2026
Trimester 2 combines intense study with a well-timed mid-year break. By late May, students typically complete most coursework and begin preparing for the summer term or practical placements.
Trimester 3 – May 2026 to August 2026
Trimester 3, also known as the summer teaching block, is especially relevant for postgraduate courses, healthcare programmes, and students completing dissertations or resits. It provides an opportunity for extended study or research-based projects.
- Start of Teaching: 25 May 2026
Summer modules and placement learning begin immediately after the second exam period. - Teaching Weeks: 25 May – 31 July 2026
A full ten-week period of structured teaching and supervised academic work.
Assessments and resits then follow in August:
- Resit and Exam Weeks: 3 August – 14 August 2026
After this, the university transitions into preparation for the next academic cycle.
Summary Table: University of Hull Term Dates 2025–26
| Trimester | Teaching Period | Breaks | Assessment Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 22 Sep – 12 Dec 2025 | Winter Break: 15 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026 | 5 – 16 Jan 2026 |
| Trimester 2 | 26 Jan – 2 May 2026 | Spring Break: 30 Mar – 10 Apr 2026 | 4 – 22 May 2026 |
| Trimester 3 | 25 May – 31 Jul 2026 | – | 3 – 14 Aug 2026 (Resits) |
Understanding the Trimester System at Hull
Unlike the traditional two-semester calendar used by many UK universities, Hull’s trimester model offers greater flexibility and a smoother pace of study. Each term has its own distinct rhythm — shorter bursts of teaching with structured assessment phases.
This system is particularly beneficial for:
- Postgraduate students who undertake projects and dissertations across multiple trimesters.
- International students who may prefer smaller, more manageable study blocks.
- Courses with placements (like nursing, teaching, or health sciences) where learning continues throughout summer.
Tips for Hull Students (2025–26)
- Arrive Early for Induction: Be on campus by 15 September 2025 to make the most of the Welcome Week activities.
- Use Breaks Strategically: The winter and spring breaks are ideal for catching up on reading or revising for upcoming exams.
- Plan Around Assessment Windows: Avoid scheduling travel during early January or early May since exams occur during these periods.
- Check Course-Specific Variations: Some postgraduate or professional programmes (like Law or Medicine) may have bespoke calendars.
- Accommodation Planning: Students staying for Trimester 3 or resits should confirm housing availability well before July.
Highlights of the 2025–26 Academic Year
- The academic year begins on 15 September 2025 with orientation events.
- Winter holidays run from mid-December to early January.
- The Spring Break occurs from 30 March to 10 April 2026.
- The final resit period closes on 14 August 2026.
- By September 2026, preparations for the next academic year will begin.
This layout allows students to balance study, rest, and personal commitments efficiently throughout the year.
Conclusion
The University of Hull academic calendar 2025–2026 provides a well-organised framework that supports steady academic progress. With clear term divisions, balanced breaks, and defined exam slots, students can plan their workload and downtime effectively.
Starting with induction in September 2025 and ending with final assessments in August 2026, this calendar ensures a full year of structured learning and opportunities for success.
Staying aware of these dates helps every student make the most of their Hull experience — academically, socially, and personally.