When do colleges start classes?

Just a quick question from a curious junior here. I hear that college schedules are a bit different than our high school ones. When do colleges usually start their classes?

The exact start date for colleges can vary widely, but there are some general trends. Many schools that follow a traditional two-semester academic year often begin their fall semester in late August or early September, while the spring semester typically kicks off in mid to late January.

However, some colleges and universities run on a quarter system rather than semesters, with each quarter lasting about 10 weeks long. For such institutions, the academic year might start in late September or early October, and the winter quarter typically begins in early January.

Furthermore, some institutions have unique calendars. For instance, those that use a "4-1-4" system have two 4-month terms separated by a 1-month term in January known as a "J-term" or "January term". In this case, the fall term often starts in late August or early September, the J-term starts in early January, followed by the spring term in February.

Keep in mind, these are just general guidelines! It's always a good idea to check specific college websites for accurate information concerning their academic calendar. Every year, they will post the exact dates for the beginning and end of each term, as well as breaks and exam periods.