College period is a TERM used to refer to the time when students attend college. It is usually divided into semesters, terms, and sessions. A SEMESTER is an academic period of around 15 weeks, usually lasting from late August to mid-December or from mid-January to mid-May. A TERM is a shorter academic period, usually lasting around 8 weeks. A SESSION is a shorter period of time, usually lasting around 4 weeks. All three of these periods make up the college period.