Arizona State University students in Tempe have a wide range of living options, both on campus and around the vibrant Tempe area. These options are ideal for exploration and comparison.
With so many choices, deciding on the best fit can feel challenging. Students often weigh the benefits of on-campus versus off-campus living and consider factors like traditional versus individual leases.
Read Next: Which is Right for Me: Traditional Housing vs. Student Housing
No matter your preferences, securing post-lease satisfaction starts with thoroughly evaluating all your options.
At Rambler Tempe, we’re here to help ASU students find the ideal space to call “home.” That’s why we’ve put together this guide to explore the diverse housing options available to you in Tempe, so you can make an informed decision for your next chapter.
Types of Housing Available to ASU Students in Tempe
Types of Housing Available to ASU Students in TempeUndergraduate students at ASU have a range of housing options to choose from, primarily divided into two categories: on-campus housing and off-campus housing.
The most popular types of On-Campus Housing are:
The most popular types of Off-Campus Housing are:
On-Campus Housing: Dorms
At ASU Tempe, residence halls designed specifically for first-year students provide an ideal housing option, offering a strong foundation for college life. While not mandatory, these halls are popular among freshmen who want a supportive start, as part of the First Year Experience. These dorms, conveniently located on campus, are equipped with amenities that encourage interaction and ease the transition into college, including common lounge areas, nearby laundry facilities and resident assistants (RAs) who offer guidance and support throughout the year.
For first-year students choosing to live on campus, enrollment in an ASU Meal Plan is required. Both housing and meal plans cover the academic year, from August to early May. The residence halls cost around $7,450 per year, with the meal plan adding approximately $5,950, applicable to both in-state and out-of-state students.
Typically, ASU dorm rooms include two beds, desks with chairs, dressers and wardrobes for students and their roommates, with most buildings offering community-style bathrooms. Depending on the hall, students may also have the option of living in triples (accommodating three students) or quads (for four students). Some residence halls provide suite-style bathrooms as an alternative to communal facilities. For more information on these housing options, visit the ASU First Year Housing page.
On-Campus Housing: ASU Apartments
Similar to traditional dorms, ASU-owned apartment-style residence halls offer apartment living leased directly through the university. These apartments are available to all ASU students on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Typically, ASU apartments feature single to quad rooms, with leases spanning from August to July. Residents share a living room and kitchen while enjoying the privacy of individual bedrooms. Bathrooms are generally shared between two people and the apartments come fully furnished.
Amenities vary by building, but one of the most popular ASU apartment buildings is University House, known for its study lounges on multiple floors, access to an on-site gym and close proximity to ASU’s main campus. For more details on ASU-owned apartment options, visit the ASU Housing page.
On-Campus Housing: Greek Houses
Greek houses are located on ASU Tempe’s campus, and many students choose to live in them during their sophomore or junior years after dorm life. However, space is limited, and not all members have the chance to live in Greek housing.
Like other on-campus options, leases for Greek housing typically run from August to early May. Lease costs are all dealt with through ASU, though rent is often comparable to or lower than on-campus and off-campus apartments.
Room layouts and amenities in Greek houses can differ; many students share rooms and use community bathrooms. Some houses offer study rooms or lounges, while others may have more basic accommodations. Checking your specific house’s features is recommended before signing a lease.
Each fraternity and sorority house is managed by its own organization. For more information, reach out to the specific fraternity or sorority you’re interested in joining.
Off-Campus Housing: Student Housing Apartments
First up for off-campus housing is student apartments.
Student housing apartments near ASU Tempe are purposefully built to meet students’ needs and are conveniently located close to campus. Unlike on-campus housing, these apartments typically offer year-long leases, running from August through the end of July.
These apartments often use an individual lease model, known as a “by-the-bed lease.” With this setup, each resident, whether you or your roommates, signs a separate lease agreement with the landlord. This means you are responsible only for your own rent, bedroom, bathroom and share of common spaces, offering added flexibility and peace of mind.
Read Next: 5 Reasons to Sign an Individual Lease at ASU
These student apartments near ASU Tempe come in a range of sizes, from studios to spacious 5×5 floor plans (five bedrooms, five bathrooms), and typically include full furnishings along with shared kitchens and living areas.
One major perk of student apartments is the array of amenities designed with college students in mind. These often feature rooftop pool decks, fitness centers, study lounges, yoga studios, golf simulators, saunas and even on-site coffee shops.
Rental rates vary depending on location, amenities and floor plan, generally ranging from $1,200 to $2,500 per person, per month.
Off-Campus Housing: Traditional Apartments
Another type of off-campus housing near ASU Tempe is traditional apartments. Traditional apartments, unlike student-focused housing, are usually not tailored to student needs. They often offer fewer amenities, are located further from campus and are typically less budget-friendly for students.
Traditional apartments also have a different lease structure. While leases are usually year-long, they are signed for the apartment unit as a whole rather than on a per-bed basis. This means that one roommate may need to take on the responsibility of collecting rent from all other occupants to pay the landlord in full each month.
Tempe has a variety of traditional apartment options, so prices vary significantly depending on factors like location, building age and apartment size, with rent typically ranging from $1,000 to over $2,800 per person, per month.
Off-Campus Housing: Traditional Houses
The final common option for off-campus housing near ASU Tempe is renting a traditional house close to campus. Popular neighborhoods for students looking to rent houses include areas just north and east of campus, providing convenient access to ASU and nearby amenities.
Read Next: Where to Live Near ASU
House rentals near ASU Tempe are more popular among upperclassmen and graduate students than underclassmen. These homes are not specifically designed for student living, unlike on-campus housing or student apartments and are often located farther from campus. They generally lack amenities, are frequently unfurnished and may come with a higher overall cost of living due to additional expenses.
Leases for house rentals are typically year-long, and residents usually set up their own system to share rent and utility costs. All roommates are equally responsible for property maintenance and any damages.
Due to the lack of student-focused amenities and the distance from campus, house rentals near ASU are often more affordable than closer off-campus options, with monthly rates ranging from $900 to $1,900 per person.
There are many housing options for ASU students in Tempe, and we hope this article guides your research into each one.
If you’re interested in exploring off-campus student apartments, visit the Rambler Tempe website. We are happy to answer any questions you may have or take you on a tour of our property!
