Traditions

• Bison Fest, is hosted during the last weekend of the semester and features food events, novelty programs, and live entertainment. We have hosted concerts and DJ Glow Rave Parties.
• Bingo events are offered monthly and feature themed and big prizes including video game consoles, Apple products, games, kitchen appliances and more!
• Nichols After Dark offers a themed rave atmosphere, hosted bi-weekly by Campus Activities Board, that features a live DJ, food, and bar for those 21+. Themes in the past have included a mechanical bull, photo booth, and a neon glow night.
• Seasonal Fests
  • Summer Fest during Opening Weekend featuring a Campus Carnival and Welcome Week
  • Fall Fest during Family and Friends Weekend featuring the Food Truck Festival and Pumpkin Fest 
  • Winter Fest highlights daily events from Thanksgiving to Winter Break featuring Light Up the Hill
  • Spring Fest features student favorite events including Barn Babies and Quad Glow, an outdoor event with fire pits, entertainment, and lawn games.
• Snowball is a formal event held in the Winter that features a 360 photo booth, raffles, a DJ, bar services, and appetizers!
• Senior 48 is a three day event series for Seniors to attend to celebrate their last days on the Hill before Commencement. Entertainment includes a concert, bar services, food trucks, novelty items, a boozy brunch, and an off campus experience.

Senior 48 is a tradition for seniors to celebrate their last days on the Hill as a class. The 3-day program features a variety of activities including a concert, tailgate, an off-campus experience, food trucks, Nichols swag, and so much fun! Most importantly, it is a time to celebrate all you have accomplished with your classmates!

2026 Senior 48 Important Details 

Senior dues are a fee to cover the costs of this exclusive 3-day event from April 29-May 1. The cost includes all meals and beverages, admission to events, and lodging. Senior Dues can be paid via credit card or e-check at nichols.edu/seniordues or the payment can be brought via cash to Student Life during business hours. (Monday-Friday from 8:30-4:30) Senior dues must be paid no later than April 13 to participate. If you need an extension, please reach out to Cari Cyr, Dir. of Student Involvement. The Senior Due amount will be released soon.

2026 Schedule of Events 

Check back soon for the full schedule of events.

FAQ

Q: I am a commuter, can I stay on campus?

A: Yes! We encourage you to reach out to a senior that is participating in Senior 48 that resides on-campus as they most likely have an extra bed or couch for you to stay on. If you are unable to find someone, reach out to the contact information below for accommodations.

Q: Will I need to pay for anything during Senior 48?

A: No! All your costs for Senior 48 are included in your dues.

Q: Are guests allowed during Senior 48?

A: Unlike other campus events, guests are not allowed at Senior 48, this includes Undergraduate students. All registered students will have a wristband throughout the event which will be needed to attend all events.

Q: What if I do not pay my Senior Dues, can I stay still on-campus?

A: Unless you make accommodations with Residence Life, Seniors that do not pay Senior Dues will not be participating in Senior 48. Therefore, you must move off of campus by 7 PM on Wednesday, April 29.

Q: I am unsure if I paid my Senior Dues, can you check to confirm?

A: Yes! Email the contact information below to confirm your Senior Dues were received.

Q: I am graduating in December 2026 and would rather participate in this year’s Senior 48, is that possible?

A: Yes, you may only participate in one Senior 48 experience. If you are graduating early and would like to attend this year’s Senior 48, please reach out to the contact information below.

Questions?

Please reach out to Cari Cyr, Dir of Student Involvement at cari.cyr@nichols.edu or 508-213-2104.

We are excited to share the schedule for Family and Friends Weekend 2025.

Friday, October 24

Coming to town early? Feel free to enjoy the local accommodations linked in the tab below.

Looking to golf at our golf course? Book a tee time here.

Local Dining Options from 4:30-7:30

Grab a bite to eat at Lombard Dining Hall featuring an all you can eat buffet or stop by the Bison Den, 81 Airport Road, for great food. Cash and card accepted. The menu for the Bison Den can be found here. 

Saturday, October 25

10:00am-10:30am- Check-In and Breakfast -Fels Main Lounge  

Mingle with members of the Nichols community and enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast.

10:30am-11:00am- Fireside Chat- Fels Main Lounge 

Join President, Bill Pieczynski, for a conversation about the Nichols community experience and the future vision of the College.  

 11:00am-11:45am- Drop- In Sessions

Choose 1 or multiple sessions to experience.

Internships and The Job Search with Career and Professional Development Center in Fels 210 

Experiential Learning: Bison Den and Golf Course in Fels Main Lounge  

Graduate School and Beyond in Bazzie’s Fels 101  

Student Belonging in Fels 215 

11:45am-12:00pm- Shop the Bookstore- in Fels Student Center

Use this time to get some Bison Gear, the Bookstore will be open from 9AM-12 PM.

12:00pm-2:30pm- Family & Friends Hub- VIP Suite  

Stop by the Athletics Aerobics Room for free giveaways and meet alumni. Complimentary snacks and cash bar provided. Your first drink is on us. Hosted by Office of Advancement. 

12:00pm- Men’s Soccer Game-Soccer Field  

1:00pm- Football Game- Vendetti Field

Tickets can be paid via cash at the ticket booth. Adults are $7, children 12 and under and Nichols students are free.

3:00pm- Women’s Soccer Game-Soccer Field  

1:00pm-2:30pm- Fall Fun- 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 at our coffee bar, get creative at the build-your-own flower bouquet station, snap some polaroid pictures and discover even more surprises along the way.

 3:00pm-8:00pm- Food Truck Fright Fest- Lot A 

Stop by and enjoy over 15 food trucks, live entertainment, game trailers, vendors, and more! This family friendly event is open to the surrounding community and will feature trick or treating and a costume contest. Cash and card accepted at food trucks. This event is hosted by Woo Trucks. 

4:30pm-7:30pm- Alternative Dining Options 

Grab a bite to eat at Lombard Dining Hall featuring an all you can eat buffet or stop by the Bison Den, 81 Airport Road, for great food. Cash and card accepted. The menu can be found here. 

8:30pm- Bingo and S’mores Fest-Copper Quad   

Enjoy some fire pits and s’mores with all the toppings and an epic round of bingo featuring a variety of prizes! 

Sunday, October 26

If you are local, feel free to attend the student favorite tradition of Pumpkin Fest from 11-4PM on the Guest House Lawn. This event features fair food, pumpkin carving, a petting zoo, and more! 

We do ask that families register in advance so we know you are coming! Check back soon for the registration link.

We will have plenty of event signage up on campus to direct you to the best parking spaces. We ask that you park in LOT C, I or G as we will be hosting many events throughout the day. This parking will be proximal to start and end your day. Click here for the campus map.

Staying local? Book with the following preferred accommodations as early as possible:

Wellsworth Hotel (formerly the Southbridge Hotel and Conference Center):
Southbridge, MA
508-765-8000
Use code NH361 to seek Nichols College rate. 

The Publick House:
Sturbridge, MA
508-347-3313
Inquire about Nichols College rate.

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.

Local Things to Do

Samuel Slater Experience

Tree House Brewing Company – Charlton, MA

Historic New England, Roseland Cottage – Woodstock, CT

Taylor Brooke Winery – Woodstock, CT

Douglas State Park

Old Sturbridge Village

Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort – Uncasville, CT

Nearby Restaurants

Point Breeze
Publick House
Samuel Slater’s Restaurant
Carl’s Oxford Diner
B.T.’s Smokehouse
Worcester Restaurant Group

Looking for information and the schedule of events? Click here to learn more!

Friday, September 26 from 8-11 PM- Quad Glow

This Quad Glow on Copper Quad will be like no other. Stop by the Quad for HOCO giveaways, epic s’mores bar featuring both savory and sweet options, and take part in yard game competitions.

Saturday, September 27 from 12-3 PM- Student Zone

Check out Vendetti View, area opposite to the bleachers on the Hill, between 12-3 PM for free hotdogs, cotton candy, popcorn, giveaways, photobooth, and more! There will be a raffle for all that stop by! Enjoy the weekend!

Check back soon for the full week of events leading up to Homecoming, you won’t want to miss Bison Sprit Week!