Academic Calendar

MIT runs on a "4-1-4" calendar: there are two four-month terms per academic year, separated by the month-long Independent Activities Period (IAP) in January. The fall term runs from September through December, the spring term from February through May. During term-time, each month includes at least one three-day weekend -- a chance to relax, travel or catch up on work.

Classes are held on weekdays only, generally between the hours of 8AM and 5PM, though some classes are held between 7PM and 10PM. You generally have significant freedom in scheduling classes and can almost always choose not to sign up for a class that meets too early in the morning or too late in the evening. You can expect to spend about 12-20 hours per week in class, though you are free to take as many classes as you like (with your advisor's approval) without incurring extra tuition costs.

The current year's academic calendar is available here, and predicted future key dates for the next five years are available here.