Family & Guest Engagement
Student LifeWelcome to the Hill!
Families and guests are important partners in the student experience. Explore resources, information, and opportunities to stay connected and support your student throughout their time at Nichols.
Local Guide to the Area
Looking for somewhere to eat? Places to shop? Check out the guide below!
Staying Overnight?
Book with the following preferred accommodations as early as possible :
The Publick House:
Sturbridge, MA
508-347-3313
Inquire about Nichols College rate:
use code 0926NC
Sturbridge, MA
508-347-3313
Sturbridge Comfort Inn & Hotel
Sturbridge Host Hotel and Conference Center
Holiday Inn Express (Sturbridge & Auburn)
Hampton Inn (Sturbridge & Auburn)
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriot (Auburn)
*Rates subject to change based on availability.
Athletics Composite Calendar
Looking for what sporting events are happening on campus? Click the link below!
Engage Event Calendar
Curious about what events your student can attend on campus? Click the link below to check it out!
Interested in Golf?
Head on down to the Dudley Hill Golf Club for a round! Book your tee time here!
Family & Friends Day 2026
Schedule
Friday, October 16
- Dinner at the Bison Den, 4:00pm-7:00pm, The Bison Den
- Gather your crew and head to the Bison Den for dinner! Enjoy delicious eats, good vibes, and a special Family & Friends Weekend menu made for sharing the fun.
- Women’s Volleyball Match vs Curry College, 6:00pm-8:00pm, Athletic Center
- Quad Glow, 8:00pm-10:00pm, Copper Quad
- Enjoy some fire pits and s’mores!
Saturday, October 17
- Check-In and Breakfast, 10:00am-11:00am, Fels Main Lounge
- Stop by, check-in for the day, grab a coffee and a pastry, and mix and mingle with other Bison and their support systems! Nichols faculty & staff will be present, and a short welcome will be given by Student Life leadership!
- Women’s Soccer Game vs Wentworth Institute of Technology, 11:00am, Soccer Field
- Beyond the Classroom, 11:00am-11:45am, Fels Main Lounge
- Shop the Bookstore, 11:45am-12:00pm, Fels First Floor
- VIP Bison Suite, 12:00pm-2:00pm, Athletics Aerobics Room
- Stop by the VIP Bison Suite for free giveaways and a great view of the football game! Enjoy light refreshments and cash bar. Hosted by the Office for Advancement & Alumni Relations.
- Football Game vs Curry College, 12:00pm, Vendetti Field
- Men’s Soccer Game vs Wentworth Institute of Technology, 2:00pm, Soccer Field
- Fall Fun, 1:30pm-3:30pm, Guest House Lawn
- Join us for a festive Fall celebration filled with cozy vibes and fun. Enjoy a variety of lawn games, sip seasonal favorites, get creative at the build-your-own flower bouquet station, and discover even more surprises along the way.
- Shuttle Rides to Woodstock Orchards and Treehouse Brewery, 3:00pm-6:00pm, Woodstock, CT
- Spend the afternoon exploring, enjoying the local flavors, and making memories with family and friends! The shuttle will run roughly every 30 minutes.
- Student Favorites, 3:30pm-6:30pm, Campus Wide
- Craft – Fels Main Lounge
- Campus Rec Favorites – Copper Quad
- Ping Pong and Pool – Fels Main Street
- Field Hockey Game vs Western New England University, 4:00pm, Vendetti Field
- Alternative Dining Options, 4:30pm-7:30pm
- Looking for a great spot to grab dinner? Check out these local recommendations and find your next favorite place to eat!
- Dudley
- Yummy’s Restaurant
- Jimmy’s Pizza
- Dudley House of Pizza
- Webster (10 minutes)
- Samuel Slaters
- Point Breeze Restaurant
- Casa Laura Tacos
- Thai Lemon Grass
- Rose Room Cafe
- Dudley
- Looking for a great spot to grab dinner? Check out these local recommendations and find your next favorite place to eat!
- Music Bingo, 7:00pm, Daniels Auditorium
- Join us for an epic round of Music Bingo featuring a variety of prizes!
- S’mores Fest, 8:00pm, Copper Quad
- Enjoy some fire pits and s’mores with all the toppings!
Registration
Register here for Family and Friends Day!
