Struggling to find housing as a transfer student at ASU? You’re not alone. With limited on-campus availability and competitive off-campus options, finding the right place can feel overwhelming.
Where should you start? How do you know which option is best for you?
In this guide, we’ll break down on-campus vs. off-campus housing, pricing, leases and roommate options so you can confidently secure the right home for you.
At Rambler Tempe, we specialize in helping students like you to find their ideal apartments for the upcoming school year. To assist you in navigating the different housing options around ASU, we’ve compiled a helpful guide addressing key questions you may have, such as:
- Where do ASU students typically reside in Tempe?
- Are there housing resources specifically for international students at ASU?
- What off-campus housing options are available?
- What are the living expenses near ASU?
- How can transfer students find roommates?
- What steps should be taken next?
On-Campus Housing for ASU Transfer Students
Tooker dormitory at the ASU Tempe campus.
ASU encourages all transfer students to live on campus, offering upper-division housing communities that provide a supportive environment to ensure academic success. Living on campus allows you to be close to all of your classes, student services and dining facilities, fostering a seamless introduction into life at ASU. However, on-campus housing availability for transfer students is limited, so it’s advisable to apply early. For more information and to apply for housing, you can visit ASU’s University Housing website.
Housing Resources for International Transfer Students at ASU
If you are an international student transferring to ASU, the housing process comes with a few additional considerations. Beyond securing a place to live, you may also be navigating visa timelines, furnished housing needs, and the challenge of finding a home in an unfamiliar city often from thousands of miles away.
ASU’s Global Education Office provides dedicated housing resources for incoming international students, including guidance on pre-arrival logistics and an off-campus housing marketplace to help you find listings near campus. You can explore those resources at ASU’s Global Education Office Housing page.
When searching for housing as an international student, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Furnished options matter more. Unlike domestic transfer students who may already have furniture, international students often need fully furnished apartments. Student apartments near ASU like Rambler Tempe offer fully furnished units, making the move-in process significantly easier.
- Lease timing aligns with your arrival. Many international students arrive mid-semester or at the start of the academic year. Look for flexible move-in dates and individual leases so you are only responsible for your own rent.
- Proximity to campus reduces transportation stress. Navigating a new city is already a lot. Choosing a location close to ASU’s Tempe campus that is either walkable or along the Valley Metro Light Rail can make day-to-day life much easier while you settle in.
What Off-Campus Housing Options Are Available Near ASU?
Surrounding area of ASU.
Many transfer students opt for off-campus housing due to limited on-campus availability. Tempe has several neighborhoods popular among ASU students, each with unique appeal.
Neighborhoods
- South Tempe: South of the ASU campus, this area features a mix of residential neighborhoods and rental properties, providing a quieter atmosphere ideal for focused study. Its balance of suburban charm and accessibility to campus makes it an attractive option for students looking for a calmer living environment.
- Apache Boulevard: Stretching east from the campus, Apache Boulevard is lined with various student-focused apartment complexes offering amenities tailored to student needs. The Valley Metro Light Rail runs along this corridor, providing easy, car-free access to campus and the greater Phoenix area.
- Rural Road Area: Situated to the east of campus, this neighborhood features a mix of traditional apartments and rental houses. Its close proximity to campus and a quieter residential atmosphere make it appealing to many students.
Student Apartments
University House is a student apartment near ASU. Photo courtesy of UH Tempe.
Student apartments near ASU Tempe are designed for student needs, offering individual leases, fully furnished units and flexible floor plans from studios to multi-bedroom layouts. These leases ensure residents are responsible only for their rent. Common amenities like fitness centers, study areas and pools create a balanced environment for academics and recreation, all conveniently close to campus.
Read Next: 5 Benefits of Living in a New Student Housing Development
Traditional Apartments
Traditional apartment in Tempe, Arizona. Photo courtesy of Novo Broadway Apartments.
Traditional apartments near ASU Tempe typically offer fewer student-focused amenities, are often located farther from campus, and operate on joint leases — meaning all roommates share responsibility for rent, utilities, and any damages. Rental houses are a separate option popular with upperclassmen and graduate students who want more space and privacy; they generally offer even more room than a traditional apartment but are almost always unfurnished and require tenants to collectively handle rent, utilities, and property upkeep.
Read Next: Student Apartment vs. Traditional Apartment: Which is Right for me?
When should I start my search for housing?
ASU housing fills up fast. It is advised to start looking as soon as you commit. The earlier you sign a lease, the better your chances of securing your ideal housing.
Read Next: When to Start Your Search for Housing as an ASU Student
For transfer students considering on-campus housing at Arizona State University’s Tempe campus, timely application submission is crucial for securing your preferred room. After admission, you can access the housing application through the ASU Housing Portal. To complete the process, pay the $125 Living and Dining Confirmation payment, which will be charged to your student account. Additionally, review and select your meal plan, and complete the housing license agreement.
Off-campus housing is equally competitive if you want to secure a good rental rate. Leasing for off-campus apartments typically begins in the fall of the year preceding move-in. Delaying your decision may allow availability to be limited at popular apartment complexes. To secure your preferred housing, it is recommended to sign a lease soon after deciding to attend ASU.
What is the cost of living near ASU?
For students looking at housing near ASU’s Tempe campus, it’s important to understand the cost variations between on-campus and off-campus housing.
Cost of On-Campus Housing
On-campus housing at the ASU Tempe campus costs between $4,710 and $11,888 per semester (nine-month contract), depending on the residence hall and room type.
When you add the required meal plan — which ranges from $1,480 to $3,590 per semester — total semester costs run approximately $6,190 to $15,478, depending on dorm type and meal plan selected.
Apartment-style residence halls such as 922 Place and Vista del Sol range from roughly $10,150 to $24,698 annually for a private room.
*All pricing current for the 2026-2027 school year.
Read Next: What’s Generally Covered in Student Apartment Rent near ASU?
Cost of Off-Campus Housing
As of May 2026, the average rent for an apartment in Tempe is around $1,478 per month. One-bedroom apartments typically average about $1,478 per month, while two-bedroom units average $1,722 per month. Studios run approximately $1,345/month. Prices vary based on proximity to campus, included amenities, and the number of roommates.
Renting a traditional house in Tempe is another option. Two-bedroom houses average around $1,811 per month, while three-bedroom houses run approximately $2,917 per month, though prices vary widely based on size, age, and location. Rental prices are subject to change based on market conditions, so checking current listings and local real estate sources is recommended.
*All pricing is current as of May 2026.
Read Next: How Much Does It Cost to Live near ASU?
Where can I find roommates as a transfer student at ASU?
Roommates gathered in Rambler Tempe bedroom.
Finding compatible roommates is essential for a positive living experience, especially for transfer students at ASU’s Tempe campus. ASU provides a Roommate Finder application through the My Housing portal, allowing students to request roommates and form groups based on shared interests and habits.
For off-campus housing, ASU’s Off-Campus Housing website offers tools to connect with potential roommates, find housing and list subleases near campus. Additionally, platforms like Uloop provide roommate matching services tailored to ASU students.
For international students, ASU’s Global Education Office also provides community resources and student life programming that can help you connect with other students once you arrive. Getting involved early is one of the best ways to find your community in a new city.
Social media groups focused on helping ASU students find off-campus roommates and sublets are also valuable resources, and many can be found on Instagram or Facebook. When using these online tools, it’s important to be cautious by knowing your own personal requirements to make sure that you are compatible with potential roommates.
These resources make it easier to find compatible roommates and build a positive living environment throughout your time at ASU.
Read Next: How Does Roommate Matching Work at Rambler?
What are the next steps?
After determining your housing preferences and potential roommates, it’s time to begin the leasing process. Start by compiling a list of appealing apartments and scheduling tours for each. Engage with leasing staff to gather detailed information on rates, amenities and availability.
Once you’ve selected a suitable apartment, proceed by completing the application process. Upon approval, you’ll finalize the process by signing a lease for your chosen apartment! For an in-depth understanding of the leasing process at off-campus apartments, refer to our article on How to Sign a Lease at an Off-Campus Apartment Near ASU.
We hope this guide steers you in the right direction as you navigate housing options as a student transferring to ASU. If you have any lingering questions, feel free to contact our leasing team now or visit Rambler House for more info!
