With countless options near ASU’s campus, choosing the right student apartment can be overwhelming.
At Rambler Tempe, we understand the importance of finding the right place to call home. Here’s a comprehensive guide to simplify your search for the ideal student apartment near ASU.
@ramblertempe Our steps to finding an apartment near ASU! 🏠✨ #ramblertempe #ASU #Arizonastate #Rambler #ASU29 #TempeAZ #sundevils #tempeapartments
8 Steps to Finding the Perfect Off-Campus Apartment as an ASU Student
Step 1: Decide What Neighborhood You Want to Live In
Location is one of the most important factors in choosing an apartment. Your neighborhood shapes your daily experience, making it a top priority when choosing your apartment.
To get familiar with the best areas for ASU students in Tempe, check out our guide to where students love to live near campus. We cover everything from vibrant Tempe apartments to on-campus residence halls, Greek housing, and spacious off-campus options.
Once you’ve zeroed in on your preferred neighborhood, it’s easier to narrow down options that suit your lifestyle. For example, if you’re leaning toward a spacious, modern apartment with easy access to campus, look into some of Tempe’s popular student housing options near ASU. These apartments are close to the action, including Tempe’s best study spots, eateries, and social hubs.
Ready to get started? Begin your search with Rambler Tempe to explore the ideal mix of location, comfort, and community just steps from ASU.
Step 2: Determine Whether You’ll Have a Roommate(s)
Once you’ve chosen a location, the next step is to consider whether you want a roommate—and if so, how many. This choice will help you determine the ideal apartment size, so it’s good to think about it early on.
If you prefer a quiet, distraction-free environment with maximum privacy, living solo might be the best option. In that case, feel free to skip to the next step.
However, if you enjoy a more social atmosphere and want to save on expenses, having roommates could be a great choice. Roommates can add companionship and create a sense of community in your apartment.
Plus, living with roommates often means reduced costs. By sharing rent, utilities and other expenses, you can lower your individual cost of living.
If you’re leaning toward a shared living arrangement, start by checking in with friends to see who might be interested. And if you don’t have anyone specific in mind, many student apartments offer roommate-matching services. By completing a short survey, you can be matched with other students, setting the stage for a shared living experience that suits you both.
Read Next: Student Guide to Finding Roommates at ASU
If you have a large group of friends who want to live close by, consider asking about block housing, which is available at many student apartment communities, especially newer developments. Block housing allows you and your friends to sign multiple units on the same floor, creating a “block” where you’re just down the hall from each other.
For instance, if you and fifteen sorority sisters wanted to live together, you could each sign separate leases for units on the same floor, ensuring that everyone is just steps away no matter which apartment they’re in.
Remember to inquire about block housing availability when you tour potential apartments—it’s a fantastic option for maintaining that close-knit feel while enjoying the benefits of individual leases!
Step 3: Pick Your Top Amenities
Next, decide which amenities are essential. Identify must-haves first, then consider extras that would enhance your living experience.
With the competitive student housing market, especially at new developments, many complexes offer an array of unique and trendy amenities to stand out. These can include options like:
- Pool deck and hot tub
- Fitness center
- Coffee bar on-site
- Sauna
- Yoga studio
- Study rooms
- Fitness on demand
- Tanning beds
- On-site concierge
- 24-hour security
- Package lockers
Once you’ve outlined your must-have amenities, create a secondary list of features that, while nice to have, aren’t essential. This list will help you prioritize when comparing apartments and can guide your decision if you’re choosing between places with different offerings.
Step 4: Set a Budget
Setting a clear budget for rent and related costs is essential for your apartment search. Establishing this financial limit upfront will help keep your search focused and realistic.
In addition to the base rent, be mindful of extra fees and costs that can add to your total monthly expenses. These may include:
- Parking: Typically an additional monthly fee, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Pet Rent and/or Deposit: Pets often incur two extra charges—a pet deposit and monthly pet rent.
- Utilities: Some apartments may charge an extra fee for utilities, while others include it in the rent. Property policies should be thoroughly checked.
- Renter’s Insurance: Many apartments provide renter’s insurance at an additional monthly cost.
For a better understanding of these fees and other considerations before signing, check out our article on the 10 Additional Living Costs for Students Renting Apartments Near ASU.
By factoring in additional fees along with the rental rate, you can set an accurate budget that aligns with your ideal monthly expenses, helping you make a confident choice.
Step 5: Pick Your Top Apartments to Tour
With your list of requirements ready, you can start narrowing down your options. Visit property websites to review their amenities, locations and pricing for your preferred floor plan.
After pinpointing properties that fit your needs, head to their website to schedule a tour. Refer back to your lists to confirm that each option aligns with your criteria before booking visits. If possible, it’s ideal to tour with your potential roommates to ensure everyone feels comfortable and can visualize themselves in the space together.
Step 6: Tour Each Property
Now for the exciting part—touring potential new apartments!
During each tour, keep your must-have amenities and requirements in mind. Evaluate whether the apartment meets all your essential needs and consider if it also offers some of the extras on your wishlist.
Use this opportunity to ask questions about the property and the leasing process.
Consider asking questions such as:
- What utilities are included and excluded?
- What expenses are incurred upon application, lease signing and move-in?
- Does the property offer roommate matching?
- How robust is the security of the property?
For a comprehensive list of questions like these, check out our article 15 Questions You Should Ask When Touring a Student Apartment in Tempe.
Step 7: Apply
Congratulations! After touring your top properties, you’ve likely found the apartment that will be your home for the next year. Now, it’s time to complete an application.
Most applications are available online, making the process quick and easy, usually taking just 15 to 30 minutes. They will likely ask for basic information such as:
- Driver’s License
- Emergency Contact
- Pet Information (if considering bringing a pet)
- Current Residence
- Roommate questionnaire (if interested in roommate matching)
Application fees typically range from $50 to $150, covering the costs of background checks and processing.
Once approved, you’re ready to sign the lease and make it official!
Step 8: Secure Your Spot
You’ve reached the final stage: signing your lease!
A lease is a binding contract that details the obligations of both you and your landlord. While leases can be lengthy, it’s essential to read through each page to fully understand the terms. Because it is legally binding, understanding the terms before signing is essential.
Pay close attention to dates and fees specified, including the lease start and end dates, rent amount, payment deadlines and other key points.
If you’re a full-time student with limited income, you’ll likely need a guarantor—a parent or guardian who co-signs the lease and guarantees rent if you’re unable to pay.
Finding an apartment can seem daunting, but breaking it into simple steps makes it more manageable. We hope these eight steps help you find the perfect student apartment near ASU in Tempe.
If you have further questions or would like more information about leasing at Rambler, please contact our leasing team. We’re here to help you find your ideal home!
