Nichols College Dining and Meal Plans
Nichols College Dining provides an ideal dining experience where you’ll find great food, familiar faces and comfortable atmospheres.
Our food service provider, American Dining Creations, offers something for everyone whether that be fresh pizza, a salad bar or homemade chocolate chip cookies. We even have an in-house Sports Nutritionist that can work with you to discuss individual needs and customize your diet.
Dining at Nichols means more than just meals: it’s an opportunity to connect with friends and be part of the community. With a variety of options for dining, students enjoy countless flavors, fresh ingredients and balanced choices every day.
Dining Locations on Nichols College Campus
Lombard Dining Hall is the main dining option on campus, featuring an all-you-can eat set-up and stations for fresh grill items, pizza, salads, desserts and more. It’s located near the center of campus, within a short walk of the residence halls and academic buildings, making it the heart of Nichols College dining. “Lumbo,” for short, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with extended hours during exams and special events.
Students can also grab coffee, snacks or quick meals at the Fels Cafe and the Fels Market, both located inside the Fels Student Center. Students can find other dining options at Malt & Main in Fels and Davis Cafe in Davis Hall.
Find hours and daily menus for our college dining halls through Nichols Dining and the Nichols Dining Instagram feed.
Dining Quick Links
Student Perks – Bison Bucks
For students looking to explore beyond campus, we offer the Bison Bucks program, which allows students to use their Nichols ID card to make purchases at select local establishments within walking distance, including Sturbridge Coffee Roasters and Park ‘N Shop. Parents, you can add more Bison Bucks to your student’s cards at BisonBucks.com.
Menus and Hours
Follow Nichols Dining on Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with news and events.
Meal Plans at Nichols College
We offer flexible Nichols College meal plans that suit every schedule and appetite. Whether you live on campus or commute, you’ll find a plan that works for you.
Each plan offers flexibility and value, giving students easy access to the best college food options available at Nichols.
Platinum Plan
- 19 Meal swipes per week
- 3 max per day
- $50 Bison Bucks per semester – used on/off campus
- $50 Dining Dollars per semester – used on campus only
- 3 guest/bonus meals per semester
Gold Plan
- 19 Meal swipes per week
- 3 max per day
- $50 Bison Bucks per semester – used on/off campus
- $50 Dining Dollars per semester – used on campus only
- 3 guest/bonus meals per semester
Silver Plan
- 19 Meal swipes per week
- 3 max per day
- $50 Bison Bucks per semester – used on/off campus
- $50 Dining Dollars per semester – used on campus only
- 3 guest/bonus meals per semester
Special Dietary Accommodations
Nichols Campus Dining Services can accommodate any special dietary requirements. Our staff will work with you to ensure the best dining experience.
Vegan and Vegetarian
Students looking for plant-based choices will find a wide variety of fresh, flavorful options every day. The dining hall includes dedicated vegan and vegetarian stations with proteins like tofu, legumes and grains, alongside a rotating menu of global-inspired entrees. These college food options ensure that everyone, whether fully plant-based or just exploring new tastes, can enjoy balanced, nutritious meals on campus.
No Dairy? No Gluten? Allergies? No problem.
Dining at Nichols is inclusive of all needs. The team is trained to support students with allergies or sensitivities, offering college dining halls that safely accommodate dairy-free, gluten-free and allergen-specific diets. Our staff helps students navigate college food options and diet restrictions with care and flexibility.
Learn more
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign up for a meal plan?
Meal plans are selected through Nichols College as part of the housing and registration process. Students living on campus choose a meal plan during housing selection, while commuters may opt into a plan if desired. Students with questions can contact Residence Life or Campus Dining Services for assistance.
Can I change plans mid-semester?
Mid-semester, students can change their Meal Plan to go up to a larger meal plan. Other changes can happen during the add-drop period during each semester.
Are guests allowed?
Yes. Nichols College meal plans include a limited number of guest or bonus meals per semester, depending on the plan selected. Guest meals allow students to bring friends or family members to dine on campus.
How do I use Bison Bucks?
Bison Bucks are loaded onto a student’s Nichols ID card and can be used to make purchases both on and off campus. On campus, they may be used at approved dining locations. Off campus, Bison Bucks are accepted at select local businesses.
What are the hours for the dining hall?
Dining hall hours vary by meal period and time of year. Lombard Dining Hall is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with extended hours during exams and special events. Students can view current hours and daily menus through Nichols Dining online or by following Nichols Dining on social media.
