Around Framingham
Framingham is the Commonwealth's newest City and the heart of the economically vibrant MetroWest region, which is home to hundreds of high-tech startups and Fortune 500 companies. Industry leaders such as Bose, Sanofi-Genzyme, TJX Companies, Staples, Reebok, and EMC all have corporate offices in the area. Our students have an abundance of opportunities to gain work experience right in our own backyard.
Framingham has a unique blend of urban and rural qualities, including a variety of public transportation options, parks and trails, and the "Golden Triangle" of shopping and dining along Route 9. For those who love the feel of a big city, both Boston and Worcester are just down the road, a quick car or train ride away.
Food
Whether you're in the mood for Brazilian, Vietnamese, pizza or sushi, Framingham has it all. The City's cultural diversity has created a well-rounded food scene – there's always something new to try. Downtown Framingham boasts three craft breweries for the 21+ crowd, and just across Route 9 from campus you'll find bagels, Thai food, a beloved ice cream shop, and a gelato spot that serves up locally roasted coffee and homemade baked goods. The best part is that a number of local businesses will accept Framingham State Ram Cash.
Community
Whatever your passion is, Framingham has a like-minded community ready to welcome you with open arms. We take great pride in our campus community, but there is even more to get involved in within the surrounding area. Our students volunteer at local food pantries and animal shelters, lend their skills to small businesses that are looking to grow, and get involved with City government. Our tight-knit community recognizes that many of our students are from the area and that they stay here after graduation as they enter into their professional careers.
Museums
Did you know that one of the region's best collections of art is located right on the Framingham State campus? The Danforth Art Museum and School merged with Framingham State University in 2018, bringing its exhibitions, museum programs, and studio art classes to the campus and surrounding community.
Framingham State University is proud to be one of just six Smithsonian Affiliates in Massachusetts and the only one located at a higher education institution.
A Framingham State ID grants our students FREE access to the Danforth and two other area museums: the Museum of Fine Arts Boston and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston's Seaport.
Outdoors
Need a little space? There are a number of state parks that can be reached within a few minutes of driving from campus. Our runners enjoy taking a short route from campus to Cushing Park, which has paved pathways ideal for biking and rollerblading.
In 2016, Framingham State acquired the Warren Conference Center and Inn, a beautiful 65-acre property abutting Ashland State Park with access to its trails and recreation areas.
Shopping
People come from all around Massachusetts to shop the "Golden Triangle" – one of the largest retail districts in New England – and it's all within four miles of campus. Shoppers World and the Natick Mall offer shopping and dining from casual to upscale, as well as entertainment destinations like Dave and Buster's. Framingham State's Ram Tram provides free rides from campus to these locations, as well as other popular spots such as Target.