Traditions
Student InvolvementBison Favorite Events
Nichols College hosts a variety of traditional events throughout the year, providing students with exciting opportunities to engage with campus life, build friendships, and create lasting memories. These events foster Bison spirit, leadership, and community involvement.
Traditions
Student Involvement fosters a vibrant campus culture by upholding cherished traditions and events that bring the college community together to celebrate connection, spirit, and belonging.
Hallmarks of the Hill
- 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.
- 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 and Moonlight Breakfast.
- Spring Fest features student favorite events including baby animals and Quad Glow, an outdoor event with fire pits, entertainment, and lawn games.
- Nichols Dining partners with Student Involvement to host large events in our dining hall during special events and holidays, some including Friendsgiving, Holiday Dinner, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Super Bowl and sport game watch parties, and more!
- Snowball is a formal event held in the Winter that features a photo bar, 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.
Family and Friends Weekend- October 24-26, 2025
Join us for Family and Friends Weekend filled with Bison pride as we welcome families, friends, and loved ones to campus! Enjoy a State of the College address from President Bill Pieczynski, athletic events, interactive activities, and plenty of opportunities to connect with our community. From spirited games to fall treats, this special weekend is all about celebrating the people who support our students and make Nichols College feel like home. Check the schedule out below to learn more!
Register Now!
Registration will open in Fall 2026.
Schedule of Events
Check back in Fall 2026 for the full schedule of events, but get a glimpse of the weekend could look like below from 2025 Family and Friends Weekend.
We are excited to share the schedule for Family and Friends Weekend 2025.
Friday, October 24, 2025
Coming to town early? Feel free to enjoy the local accommodations linked below.
Looking to golf at our golf course? Book a tee time here.
Stop by the Bison Den from 11:00AM-8:00PM!
Visit 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, 2025
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
Shop the Bookstore- In Fels Student Center and Vendetti Field
Use this time to get some Bison Gear, the Bookstore will be open in Fels Student Center throughout the day and down at Vendetti Field through half time.
12:00pm-2:30pm- Family & Friends Hub- VIP Suite
Stop by the Athletics Aerobics Room for a great view of the Football game. Complimentary snacks and cash bar provided. Hosted by Office of Advancement.
12:00pm- Men’s Soccer Game-Soccer Field
12:00pm- 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
5:00pm- Field Hockey Game- Vendetti 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.
Alternative Dining Options- Lombard Dining Hall and Bison Den
Grab a bite to eat at Lombard Dining Hall featuring an all you can eat buffet. Credit card, cash, and guest swipes accepted.
The Bison Den, located at 81 Airport Rd, will be open from 12-5PM.
7:00pm-8:00pm- 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! Sponsored by Campus Activities Board.
Sunday, October 26, 2025
If you are local, feel free to attend the student favorite tradition of Pumpkin Fest from 4-7PM on the Guest House Lawn. This event features fair food, pumpkin carving, and more!
Where to Park?
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.
Local Accommodations
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
Local Things to Do
Tree House Brewing Company – Charlton, MA
Historic New England, Roseland Cottage – Woodstock, CT
Taylor Brooke Winery – Woodstock, CT
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
Senior 48
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!
Seniors Dues
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 $125 cost includes all meals and beverages, transportation, 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.
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 $125 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 2025 or 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.
Homecoming 2026
Homecoming, hosted by the Alumni Office, is a favorite of all our current and graduated Bison and their families. This is a day to celebrate what it means to be a Bison! From athletic events, special programming, and more, there will be something for all to particiapte in!
Schedule of Events and Registration
Looking for information and the schedule of events? Check back in Fall 2026 for more information!
Student Homecoming Events- Bison Spirit Week
Check back in Fall 2026 for the event schedule.
