Are you considering bringing a car to Arizona State University’s Tempe campus but aren’t sure if it’s worth the cost and hassle? With decisions about parking, permits and campus transportation options looming, this guide will help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks. We’ll explore the main advantages and potential challenges of having a car at ASU’s Tempe campus, so you can make the best decision for your lifestyle and budget.
Before you dive into parking options, let’s explore some specific reasons you may—or may not—want to bring a car to ASU’s campus.
Should I Bring My Car to Arizona State University?
Let’s look at the pros and cons of bringing a car to ASU’s campus.
Pro: Access to the Rest of Tempe & Surrounding Areas
One of the biggest advantages of having a car at ASU is the freedom to explore the entire Phoenix metropolitan area. Whether it’s hiking trails in nearby parks, attending concerts or finding new restaurants, a car makes it easier to reach spots that are further away from campus. Having your own transportation also means no reliance on rideshare apps or long public transit commutes when you want to check out events and attractions in Scottsdale, downtown Phoenix or Tempe Town Lake.
Pro: Flexibility for Quick Trips Home
For students who live in-state or within driving distance, bringing a car means you can head home whenever you like. You won’t need to rely on friends or family to pick you up or stress about coordinating public transportation. A car gives you the flexibility to leave campus whenever it fits your schedule—whether for a weekend getaway or holiday break.
Pro: Ability to Live Further Off Campus
If you’ve decided that on-campus living isn’t for you, you may be looking at housing options farther away. Some of these may be far enough from your classes and on-campus activities that you need a car to commute to campus.
Con: Limited Parking
A con for many students is the limited availability of parking at many student housing apartments, on-campus buildings and in Tempe in general.
Parking on or near ASU’s Tempe campus can be a challenge. Limited spots in popular student areas and parking lots that fill up quickly make finding convenient parking a challenge. Many students find that it’s easier to walk, bike or use public transit to navigate campus rather than deal with the hassle of searching for parking.
Con: Expensive Parking Permits
Parking permits at ASU are notoriously expensive. On-campus permits can cost up to $800 per academic year, while off-campus apartments may charge high monthly fees for parking spaces. If you’re trying to stick to a student budget, the added cost of a parking permit might be a significant drawback to bringing a car.
Con: Minimal Need for a Car on Campus
ASU Tempe’s campus is designed to be walkable and bike-friendly. A network of pedestrian pathways, bike lanes and the Orbit shuttle—a free local bus service—makes getting around campus and nearby areas easy. Most students find that they don’t need a car for daily life on campus, thanks to the variety of transportation options available. With dining, study spots and student services all within a short distance, bringing a car might be unnecessary.
Con: Traffic and Parking Challenges Around Tempe
While having a car gives you the freedom to explore, Tempe’s busy streets and limited parking options can make driving frustrating, especially during rush hour or large campus events. You may spend more time in traffic or searching for parking than expected, making walking or biking a faster option.
Weighing the pros and cons of bringing a car to ASU Tempe can help you determine whether it’s worth the cost and hassle. For students who enjoy the flexibility to travel off-campus or head home for the weekend, a car might be a great choice. However, if you prefer a budget-friendly and stress-free option, walking, biking or using public transportation might be right for you.
For more information on parking options or to learn more about off-campus housing at Rambler Tempe, contact our leasing office today!
