Frequently Asked Questions.
Whether you're a prospective student or parent, we know you have
a lot of questions.
Answers to your questions
Save some time and read the answers to the most popular questions we get.
If you don't find all your answers online, send us an email, and let us know how we can help you.
Or, if you prefer, call us toll free at 1-800-470-3379, 24/7, and let's talk!
Student Questions
- Is there stuff to do on the weekends?
- How will I pick my roommate?
- When will I find out if I am accepted?
- Can I bring a car on campus?
- How do I apply for admission to Nichols?
Q. Is there stuff to do on the weekends?
A. There are tons of things to do on the weekends. The Office of Student Activities organizes multiple events throughout the school year, ranging from bands and comedians to off campus trips and karaoke. If you want to venture off campus, we are within an hour from Boston, Providence, Hartford and Springfield and only 20 minutes from Worcester. Take advantage of Nichols central location and explore each city with your friends.
A. Roommates are selected using a housing preference form which asks about your hobbies, study habits and living styles. We then use this information to match roommates who are similar.
Q. When will I find out if I am accepted?A. Typically students receive an application decision three weeks after we receive their completed application. If you have not heard a response after those three weeks, please call our office at 1-800-470-3379.
Q. Can I bring a car on campus?A. Yes! All students are allowed to have a car on campus. It's easy. Just pay the $150 annual parking fee and register your vehicle with Public Safety.
Q. How do I apply for admission to Nichols?A. You can apply online, with the common application or in paper form by downloading an application from our website. In order to complete your application you will need to submit a written essay, one recommendation, your high school transcripts (including first quarter grades), ACT or SAT scores and a $25 application fee (unless you apply on-line).
Parent Questions
We know you want the best for your son or daughter and at Nichols that's what we strive to provide. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to address parents concerns.
- What happens if my student gets sick while on campus?
- How can I ensure that my student is taking the right classes?
- Are computers required for all students?
- How do I know my student will be safe on campus?
- When does my student need to purchase books?
- My student is a fussy eater. Will they have a wide variety of dining choices while at Nichols?
- How do I get financial aid?
- How do I complete a FAFSA if I haven't had my taxes done yet?
- When will I get my award letter?
- When will I get my first bill?
Q. What happens if my student gets sick while on campus?
A. Nichols College has ample health services options to meet the needs of our students. All students have the opportunity to meet with our campus nurse or with our campus physician from Monday through Friday. Students who become ill during the weekend or who need urgent care may use emergency services at one of the two hospitals located approximately 5 minutes from campus.
Q. How can I ensure that my student is taking the right classes?
A. Each student at Nichols College is assigned an adviser to help them transition into college and make proper academic choices. Advisers will meet with students each semester to help select the proper courses needed to complete their degree within four years.
Q. Are computers required for all students?A. Computers are not required for all students; however, most of our students do bring their own computers to campus. For those students who will not be bringing a computer to campus, do not worry. Nichols College has a number of computers available for student use. In fact, this year, Conant Library has received thirty five new computer workstations for students to use.
Q. How do I know my student will be safe on campus?A.It is normal for any parent to worry about the safety of their child, but we assure you, Nichols College is a very safe place. In fact, a study by APBnews.com listed Nichols College among the schools with the lowest risk of crime. Nichols was given a rating of "1", which the study defined as having a crime risk of "less than one-fifth the national average".
Our campus Department of Public Safety operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week during the academic year. If you are interested in receiving more information regarding Public Safety please click here.
Q. When does my student need to purchase books?A. Most students purchase their books during the first week of classes at our campus bookstore.
Q. My student is a fussy eater. Will they have a wide variety of dining choices while at Nichols?A. Yes. The Nichols College Dining services are run by Sodexho and allow all of our students a range of dining options. Students choose from a variety of tempting and healthy meal choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner in our buffet style dining hall. Or they may select off the menu at the Snack Bar or Davis Cafe. If students have a craving for a late night snack, they can use their Bison Bucks (similar to a debit card) to purchase food at the local Subway Restaurant, Dominoes Pizza or any of our on campus vending machines.
Q. How do I get financial aid?A. In order to receive financial aid (other than merit scholarships), you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) after January 1st. The priority filing deadline is March 1st. Visit the financial aid section of this website for tons of information and links to help you get started.
Q. How do I complete a FAFSA if I haven't had my taxes done yet?A. You can estimate your financial information using last year's taxes, then update your FAFSA when you have completed your taxes.
Q. When will I get my award letter?A. We start mailing award letters to incoming freshmen in late February, and continue awarding throughout the year as applications arrive.
Q. When will I get my first bill?A. Bills are sent out to students in June for fall semester start or December for spring semester start. Monthly statements will be sent out thereafter. These statements will include any new activity, including payments and financial aid transactions.