Congrats on your acceptance to ASU! Now that you’re officially a Sun Devil, it’s time to start thinking about where you’ll live during your freshman year in Tempe.
Finding housing at ASU can be challenging, especially if you’re new to the area and unfamiliar with the student housing market.
At Rambler, we’ve helped hundreds of students find their home for the school year, so we get how stressful the housing search can feel, especially if it’s your first time. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from the types of housing available in Tempe to the pros and cons of living on campus vs. off campus. We will answer our most-asked questions, including:
- What housing is available near ASU?
- When should I start looking for housing?
- How much does it cost to live near ASU?
- How do I find roommates as a freshman at ASU?
- What are my next steps?
Read Next: Where to Live Near ASU: The Most Popular Neighborhoods in Tempe for Student Living
Photo courtesy of The Study Abroad Foundation.
What Housing is Available Near ASU?
At Arizona State University, students have several housing options to choose from, including on-campus residence halls, private dorms, and off-campus student apartments. While many first-year students live on campus, it’s not required. In fact, only about 24% of ASU students live in university-owned housing, meaning the majority choose to live off campus in nearby student communities like Rambler.
On-Campus vs. Off-Campus Housing
If you’re starting your freshman year at ASU, you’ll likely be considering one of three types of housing:
On-Campus Residence Halls
On-campus dorms are the most common choice for ASU freshmen. These are owned and operated by the university and offer several floor plan options, including double (shared) rooms with community bathrooms (the most popular layout), double rooms with a connected bathroom, triple rooms and single rooms. A limited number of premium rooms, such as singles with private bathrooms, are available in select buildings but tend to fill quickly.
Rooms with community bathrooms may include a sink in the room, but not always. Kitchens are not included in any of the residence halls, so first-year students are required to purchase a meal plan. However, most rooms come with a microwave for quick meals and snacks.
Residence halls are spread across ASU’s Tempe campus and sit within walking distance of classrooms, dining halls, libraries, fitness centers, and other key student resources, helping residents stay connected to campus life.
Exterior of Manzanita Hall, an on-campus ASU Residence Hall. Photo courtesy of housing.asu.edu.
Off-Campus (Private) Dorms
Private dorms are designed to give students a similar experience to ASU’s residence halls but are owned and operated by third-party companies. These buildings often feature shared or suite-style rooms, community amenities, and social programming. While not university-managed, they are located near campus and cater specifically to ASU students.
Popular private dorm-style options near the Tempe campus include:
- Canvas Tempe
- The Mark Tempe
- Vertex Tempe
Off-Campus Student Apartments
Finally, many student oriented apartments are available near Arizona State University’s Tempe campus. Compared to residence halls, apartments typically offer more living space and greater personal privacy. Most units include a private bedroom, shared common areas, and a full kitchen, offering more independence and flexibility than a traditional dorm.
Apartments near campus vary widely in layout, features and amenities. Some properties offer basic setups, while others include upgraded options like fitness centers, rooftop pools, or study lounges. Since these communities are open to students of all years, it’s common to find yourself living alongside a mix of freshmen, upperclassmen, and grad students.
In addition to layout and features, lease terms differ too. On-campus housing follows the academic calendar, while apartments typically offer 12-month leases, which can be a better fit if you’re planning to stay in Tempe over the summer.
Representative unit interior featuring Rambler’s standard furniture and finishes.
Which Housing Option is Right for Me?
Deciding where to live during your freshman year at ASU depends on your lifestyle and priorities. On campus dorms, private dorm style housing, and off campus apartments each offer a different living experience.
If having more personal space, a kitchen, and the freedom to cook your own meals sounds appealing, an apartment may be the better fit. On the other hand, if you’d rather have a meal plan and not worry about groceries or cooking, on-campus or private dorms are worth considering. These are designed for first-year students and often include support systems and events that make adjusting to college life easier.
Think about where you’ll spend most of your time. If your schedule is packed with classes or campus activities, living in a residence hall keeps you close to everything. If you’re planning to join Greek life or other student orgs that meet off campus, an apartment nearby could be more convenient.
Finally, consider who you want to live around. On-campus and private dorms tend to house mostly freshmen, while apartments have a broader mix of students. If you’re hoping to live in a more social, freshman-oriented setting, a dorm might be a good fit. If you’re looking for more independence or a quieter space, an apartment could be the better choice.
Read the full article here: What Types of Housing Are Available for ASU Students?
When should I start looking for housing?
Representative kitchen featuring Rambler’s standard finishes and appliances.
If you’ve confirmed your acceptance to Arizona State University and plan to live near the Tempe campus, it’s smart to start exploring your housing options. With more than 10,000 new first-year students enrolling each year, housing in and around ASU can fill up quickly.
For on-campus housing, applications usually open in mid-January with a priority deadline of May 15. Submitting your application sooner improves your chances of getting your preferred room type and location. After completing your housing application and contract, you’ll receive more details about roommate matching and move-in logistics through your My ASU portal during the summer.
Off-campus apartments follow a different timeline. Leasing often begins in the spring and continues into early summer but many popular floor plans can fill months in advance. Planning ahead helps you avoid limited availability, especially for high-demand options. Start by researching communities, scheduling tours and reaching out to leasing teams to find your best fit.
Read the full article here: When to Start Your Search for Housing as an ASU Student
How much does it cost to live near ASU?
Understanding housing rates near Arizona State University can help you plan your budget and figure out what type of living situation fits your needs best. Rates vary depending on the type of housing you choose, the neighborhood, the size of the unit and the amenities you want.
On‑Campus Housing and Private Dorms
On‑campus residence halls generally fall in the mid to high range of student housing costs because they include room, utilities, meal plans, and many community features. First‑year housing at ASU typically includes meal plans and is billed for the academic year. While specific rates change each year, room and board together can be several thousand dollars for the school year, so it’s important to check ASU’s housing portal for the most current pricing.
Private dorm‑style housing near the Tempe campus also tends to be on the higher end of student housing costs. These properties offer room layouts like shared or single bedrooms and often include furniture and some utilities. Monthly rates can vary widely, but many student‑oriented properties near ASU list rents that reflect a premium experience close to campus.
Off‑Campus Apartments
Rent for off‑campus student apartments near Arizona State University varies a lot depending on factors like location, floor plan, building age, and amenities. According to current rental listings near ASU Tempe, you can find studio or one‑bedroom units starting around $600 to $900 per month, while many one‑ and two‑bedroom apartments range from about $1,000 to over $1,600 per month. Larger or more luxury units can cost more, and prices may include or exclude utilities depending on the community.
The best way to get accurate pricing for apartments you’re interested in is to check leasing websites, contact property managers, or book a tour. Because many units near campus are in high demand, early searching can help you find the right fit at a price you’re comfortable with.
Keep in mind:
- On‑campus housing contracts generally follow the academic year.
- Most off‑campus apartment leases are year‑round, which can be helpful if you plan to stay through the summer.
- Meal plans are required for first‑year students living in on‑campus housing, but off‑campus apartments do not include meals, so you’ll need to budget for groceries and food on your own.
Read the full article here: How Much Does it Cost to Live Near ASU?
Want to understand how dorm costs stack up against apartment living? Our guide explains what’s typically covered in off-campus rent to help you make a clear comparison.
How do I find roommates as a freshman at ASU?
Your roommates can have a big impact on your college experience, especially if you’re living off campus or in shared housing near the Tempe campus. Knowing how to find compatible roommates early can help you create a comfortable and supportive living situation.
Where you live and the type of housing you choose will determine how you share space with others. University residence halls often place students together in shared rooms or suite‑style arrangements, which means you may share a room with at least one other person and a bathroom with a few more. Student apartments near ASU are typically set up with private bedrooms and shared living areas, so you’ll share common spaces like the kitchen and living room with your roommates.
If you already have a friend you want to live with, you can coordinate your housing plans together. For on‑campus residence halls, ASU allows you to list a preferred roommate when you apply for housing. For off‑campus housing or private dorm‑style communities, you can work directly with the property’s leasing office to secure places together.
If you don’t know someone yet but want to be matched with a roommate, there are several tools you can use:
- ASU’s Off‑Campus Housing Marketplace includes roommate search and listing tools where students can connect and post roommate wanted ads.
- Social media groups and class pages on Facebook or Instagram are popular places where incoming students post introductions and look for roommates.
Once you’ve found potential roommates, it’s a good idea to talk with them about lifestyle habits, study routines, cleanliness preferences and budgets before committing to live together. Clear communication early on can help make living together more comfortable and reduce conflict later.
In addition, search for your class ASU Instagram page (ex: @asu2030class). You can submit the same info to this page to be highlighted on the feed!
What are my next steps?
Once you’ve decided which housing you prefer, it’s time to start the process of securing your spot. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to do for both on-campus and off-campus housing.
On Campus
If you’re interested in living in an on-campus residence hall, you should begin your housing application as soon as you’ve confirmed your admission to ASU. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting your preferred building and room style. Applications typically open in mid-January, and the priority deadline is May 15.
After you submit your application, you’ll complete your housing contract and select a meal plan. Then you’ll be able to submit your preferences for building, room layout, and potential roommates. Housing assignments and move-in details are released later in the summer. Keep in mind that your top choice may not be available by the time your selection window opens, so it’s smart to have a few backups ready.
You can read more about the housing process on ASU’s official University Housing website.
Off Campus
Off-campus housing works a bit differently. First, make a list of potential places you’re interested in near the Tempe campus. Then, schedule tours with the leasing staff to learn more about rates, amenities, and availability. It takes a little more effort on your part, but you’ll also have more control over where you end up living.
Once you’ve found the right place, you’ll complete an application, sign a lease agreement, and pay any required deposits or fees. Then you’re all set! For more information on the process, check out our step-by-step guide: How to Sign a Lease: A Step-by-Step Guide for ASU Students.
We hope this article helped you better understand the differences between on-campus and off-campus housing—and gave you a clearer idea of which option might be the right fit for your freshman year at ASU.
Explore the Resources section of our website for guides that help simplify the housing process.
Still have questions? Schedule a consultation with the Rambler leasing team to talk through floor plans, availability, and move-in dates.
