Events and Traditions at Nichols College
At Nichols, traditions are the heartbeat of campus life.
From spirited campus events to time-honored Nichols College traditions, every celebration helps build the sense of belonging that defines life on the Hill. Students, alumni, faculty and families come together throughout the year for annual celebrations that blend community, school pride and lifelong memories. These moments are what make student life at Nichols truly unforgettable.
Annual Traditions
Our campus traditions bring students together year after year. These signature moments celebrate Nichols pride, friendships and the energy of a close-knit community.
Homecoming and Family Weekends
Highlights of the fall semester, our Homecoming and Family Weekends welcome alumni, families and current students to celebrate together on campus. Athletics contests, tailgates and campus-wide gatherings such as the Food Truck Festival fill both weekends with excitement and campus pride.
Light Up the Hill- Holiday Celebration
Each December, the Nichols community gathers for the annual tree lighting ceremony, a joyful holiday tradition featuring live music, hot cocoa, branded winter hats and a celebration of community spirit during finals week.
BisonFest
Second semester on the Hill means BisonFest, a lively spring festival filled with outdoor games, live music, food and social connection. It's a chance to unwind, connect and celebrate the close of another great year.
Commencement Traditions
Nichols seniors mark the end of their journey with time-honored Nichols College traditions like the athletic ring ceremony, Baccalaureate and senior week festivities leading up to Commencement. These events reflect the pride and friendships built over their time at Nichols (not all students attend for four years.).
Student-Led Events
At Nichols, students don’t just attend events – they create them. From cultural events to charity fundraisers, student-led campus events reflect the diversity and creativity that make our community thrive.
Recent favorites include Pumpkin Fest, Oktoberfest, and Casino Night hosted by the Campus Activities Board (CAB). Every semester brings something new, and everyone’s invited to join in or help plan.
Annual Events
Throughout the year, Nichols hosts student life events that bring the community together. These gatherings showcase the creativity, leadership and enthusiasm of our students.
Involvement Fair
Kick off each semester with this chance to meet student organizations and discover new ways to get involved.
Athletic Rivalry Games
Showcase school spirit during key athletic matchups that draw the whole campus together for competition and camaraderie.
Guest Speakers and Leadership Conferences
Showcase school spirit during key athletic matchups that draw the whole campus together for competition and camaraderie.
Wellness and Community Service Events
Find balance and purpose through volunteer opportunities, mental health awareness programs and service projects organized by student groups, like the SGA Breast Cancer Awareness Walk.
Get Involved / Plan an Event
Want to join in or create a new tradition? The Office of Student Involvement helps students design, promote and host events that shape the Nichols experience. Submit your ideas or volunteer for planning committees by reaching out to the Student Involvement team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are events open to families/alumni?
In a word, yes! Our annual Family and Friends Day is designed for parents, siblings, families and friends. Homecoming is an annual celebration for our 15,000+ alumni, who regularly come back to campus to reconnect with classmates, teammates and friends. In addition, many of our campus events, lectures and performances are open to the public, including varsity sports contests and club sport games, such as men’s rugby.
Do traditions change each year?
Nichols boasts a variety of time-honored traditions. While many traditions, such as the ones listed above, are held each year, the College encourages students to propose new traditions that will endure in the future.
How can students propose a new event?
Students who wish to propose a new campus event can reach out to the Student Involvement team, who will walk them through the steps of planning an event, securing funds, marketing the event and more.
How can I find out what is happening on the Hill?
There are a variety of events hosted during the week, evenings, and on weekends. To find out what is happening, be sure to check the Engage event calendar and follow Student Life on Instagram
