Worcester is Our Home

You can call it “Woo-Stah,” or “Wuss-ter.” We just call it home. New England’s second-largest city, Worcester is pulsing with the kind of creativity, culture, and opportunity that makes college life unforgettable. Not to mention 37,000 college students. This city is more than just our location – it’s our community, our classroom, and most importantly, our home.

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The Center of it All

We’re proud to call New England home, and in Worcester, you’re not far from everything the region has to offer! Whether it’s a quick day trip to Boston, a beach weekend with friends, or fall hikes in the Berkshires, there’s always somewhere new to explore. With so much just a short drive from campus, it’s easy to make the most of your college experience—on and off campus.

Learn More About New England

Learn More About Worcester!

A Brief History

Worcester, Massachusetts was first settled in 1673 and officially incorporated as a town in 1722. The name (pronounced “WOO-STAH”)  comes from Worcester, England, and like many towns in colonial New England, played a role in the American Revolution. Worcester’s central location in the state made it a hub for political gatherings and early printing presses that helped spread revolutionary ideas.

By the 19th century, Worcester had become a powerhouse of American industry. Known for its manufacturing strength, the city produced everything from wire and textiles to machine parts and boots. This industrial boom attracted immigrants from across Europe, creating a diverse and dynamic population that shaped the city’s character and growth.

Alongside its industrial success, Worcester grew into a center of education and innovation. Colleges and universities began to take root, including the founding of Assumption University (then Assumption College) in 1904. Today, eight higher education institutions call Worcester home as the city continues to lead in areas like health care, biotechnology, and the arts.In recent decades, Worcester has experienced a major revitalization. Investment in the downtown area, the development of Polar Park, and a growing food, arts, and innovation scene have injected new life into the city. Its mix of historic charm and modern momentum makes it a thriving place to live, learn, and launch a career.

Now home to over 200,000 residents and 35,000+ college students, Worcester is a city that honors its past while embracing the future—with education, diversity, and community at its core.

Quick Facts
  • Residents: 206,518 (2020 Census) – New England’s second-largest city
  • College Students: ~35,000
  • Incorporated as a town in 1722
  • Incorporated as a city in 1848
  • Number of Colleges: 8
  • Nickname: “The Heart of the Commonwealth”
  • Over 60 public parks and recreation centers (~1,300 acres)

Major Industries

Worcester has come a long way since its industrial roots. Now a modern hub of innovation and opportunity, the city hosts thriving industries such as:

  • Healthcare & Life Sciences
  • Biotech and Research
  • Education
  • Financial Services
  • Arts, Culture, and Hospitality

  • Technology Manufacturing
Popular Attractions

Arts & Culture

Worcester Art Museum – Home to over 38,000 works spanning 5,000 years of art history

Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts – Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy in a beautifully restored historic venue

Mechanics Hall – One of the most acoustically perfect concert halls in the country

EcoTarium – A science and nature museum with hands-on exhibits and a planetarium

Worcester Historical Museum – Explore the city’s role in American history, innovation, and industry

Sports & Entertainment

Polar Park – Home of the Worcester Red Sox (WooSox), the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox

DCU Center – A major indoor arena for concerts, hockey games, and large events. Home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers (New York Islanders affiliate)

Worcester Common Oval – Seasonal outdoor ice skating and community events downtown

Indian Ranch (Webster, MA) – Lakeside outdoor music venue known for country and rock shows

Food, Shopping & Nightlife

Shrewsbury Street – Known as “Restaurant Row,” packed with cafes, pizzerias, and fine dining

Worcester Public Market at Kelley Square – Indoor market with local food vendors, small shops, and live events

Blackstone Valley – A regional area with shopping centers, movie theaters, and bowling

The Palladium – Popular concert venue for live music, especially alternative, rock, and EDM

Outdoors & Nature

Wachusett Mountain (Princeton, MA) – Popular ski mountain located about 30 minutes from campus. Also features hiking/biking trails, a summit road, and picnic areas in the summer

Green Hill Park – Worcester’s largest park with a petting zoo, golf course, and walking trails

Elm Park – One of the oldest public parks in the U.S., perfect for a stroll or picnic

Purgatory Chasm (Sutton, MA) – A dramatic natural rock formation and hiking spot just 25 minutes from campus

Tower Hill Botanic Garden (Boylston, MA) – Beautiful gardens and walking paths open year-round

Worcester in Pop Culture

Famous People

  • Stephen Nedoroscik – American gymnast, 2024 Olympic bronze medalist and 2021 World Champion, fourth place in season 33 of Dancing with the StarsJoyner Lucas – Grammy-nominated rapper and songwriterBob Cousy – Basketball Hall of Famer and Boston Celtics legendAbby Kelley Foster – Prominent 19th-century abolitionist and women’s rights activistHarvey Ball – Artist, creator of the iconic yellow smiley face designDenis Leary – Actor and comedianJay Cutler – Professional bodybuilder and 4x Mr. Olympia

Film/TV

Worcester/Central Mass has become a choice filming destination for some of Hollywood’s top productions including:

  • Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)
  • The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023)
  • The Holdovers (2023)
  • Free Guy (2021)
  • American Hustle (2013)
  • The Gameplan (2007)
  • Captain Phillips (2013)
  • Spirited (2022)
  • Don’t Look Up (2021)
  • Honest Thief (2020)
  • Dexter: New Blood (2021)
Plan Your Visit

Airports

Getting to Assumption University is simple, thanks to several major airports just a short drive away. Whether you’re flying in for a campus visit or heading home for break, Worcester is well-connected to the region and beyond.

Train/Bus Travel

Worcester’s location and transit options make it easy to get to campus—or explore New England and beyond. Whether you’re heading to Boston for a day trip, traveling to your internship, or coming home for the holidays, reliable public transportation is just minutes away

  • Worcester Union Station – Located just 10 minutes from Assumption’s campus, Union Station is a regional transportation hub offering:
    • MBTA Commuter Rail service to Boston’s South StationAmtrak service with connections to major cities across the Northeast
    • Peter Pan and Greyhound buses to destinations throughout New England and the East Coast
    • Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) – Local buses with free service across downtown Worcester

Hotels

You’ll find plenty of comfortable and convenient hotel options just minutes from Assumption University. Whether you’re here for a tour, move-in day, or graduation weekend, Worcester offers a range of accommodations for every style and budget.

  • Beechwood Hotel – An upscale boutique hotel near UMass Medical School; about 12 minutes from campus