Although Greek life is popular at Arizona State University (ASU), only about a quarter of students participate in fraternities or sororities, and even fewer live in Greek housing due to limited space and personal preference.
Living in a fraternity or sorority house isn’t for everyone. Some students seek a quieter location, a private bedroom and bathroom, or simply a lifestyle that isn’t centered around Greek life. If you’re one of those students, there are plenty of other options!
At Rambler Tempe, we know finding the perfect place to live can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to explore some of the top living options for students who want to make the most of their ASU experience outside of Greek housing.
Where ASU Students Live If They Do Not Want to Live in Greek Houses
The most common types of housing for students that do not want to live in their fraternity or sorority houses are:
- On-Campus ASU Apartments
- Off-Campus Student Housing Apartments
- Off-Campus Traditional Apartments
- Off-Campus Traditional Houses
On-Campus Housing: ASU Apartments
Arizona State University offers a variety of university-owned, on-campus apartments that are directly leased to students, making them popular among those moving from traditional freshman dorms.
Leases for ASU on-campus apartments typically cover the academic year, beginning in August and ending in early May. The cost varies by location and floor plan, averaging around $10,000 per year, per resident. These apartments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so early applications are encouraged.
ASU’s apartment-style residence halls come fully furnished, providing a seamless transition from dorm living, though the setup and amenities differ slightly depending on the building. Each community is designed to support student life, with most offering individual bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and communal spaces for cooking, studying and relaxing.
Popular ASU apartment halls include:
- Barrett Complex – Individual bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and access to the Barrett dining hall, study spaces and lounges.
- Vista del Sol – Suite-style apartments with shared common areas, a resort-style pool and an on-site gym.
- University House – Known for its proximity to ASU’s Tempe campus, featuring spacious floor plans and a rooftop pool.
- Adelphi Commons– Designed with Greek organizations in mind, offering a unique layout with shared living areas and bedrooms.
For more information about ASU’s on-campus apartments and residence life, check out the ASU Housing and Residential Life page.
Off-Campus Housing: Student Apartments
Off-campus student apartments near ASU Tempe are strategically located close to campus and cater to the diverse needs and lifestyles of college students.
Lease agreements for these apartments usually run from mid-August to the end of July, providing flexibility for students who stay in Tempe over the summer for classes, research or internships. Many of these apartments offer “by-the-bed” leases, meaning each resident signs an individual contract with the property, covering their specific rent, bedroom, bathroom and shared spaces like the living room and kitchen. This setup allows for personal responsibility, so you’re only accountable for your portion of the apartment.
Off-campus student apartments near ASU Tempe offer a range of living options, from cozy studios to spacious 5×5 configurations (six bedrooms, six bathrooms), all fully furnished. These apartments are often new and designed with luxury and convenience in mind, providing top-tier amenities to enhance the student living experience and set them apart from the competition.
When you lease at these locations, you’ll gain access to perks like rooftop pools, fitness centers, and large study rooms.
Rental rates vary depending on location, amenities and availability, typically ranging from $1,200 to $2,500 per person, per month.
Off-Campus Housing: Traditional Apartments
Another housing option for ASU students is traditional apartments, located throughout Tempe and surrounding areas.
Unlike student apartments, traditional apartments cater to a broader community beyond students and often feature fewer student-centered amenities. They are typically located a bit farther from campus and might lack conveniences like study lounges or roommate matching services.
Traditional apartments generally offer standard year-long leases, where all roommates sign a collective contract, as opposed to the individual leases common in student housing. In this setup, one roommate usually takes on the responsibility of collecting rent from others to cover the total monthly rent.
Tempe has a wide range of traditional apartment options with rents that vary significantly based on location, amenities and recent renovations. Rental rates typically range from $700 to over $2,500 per person, per month, depending on the property’s age, condition and proximity to campus.
Off-Campus Housing: Traditional Houses
For ASU students looking for more space and privacy, renting a traditional house off-campus is another great option.
Many students opt for houses in neighborhoods around Tempe, such as those just north of campus or near the vibrant Downtown Tempe area. While these homes are often a bit farther from campus than student apartments, they offer unique advantages like private yards, more spacious living areas and the chance to live with a close group of friends.
Most traditional houses come unfurnished and without built-in amenities, which can raise the overall costs of renting and make setup more time-intensive. Due to the added tasks of setting up utilities and purchasing furniture, renting a house is often more popular among upperclassmen and graduate students who may prefer a quieter, more independent living environment.
Leases for houses near ASU typically follow a standard year-long format. In these arrangements, roommates are responsible for dividing and collecting rent themselves to pay the landlord, with all tenants equally liable for any potential property damages.
Due to the distance from campus and lack of included amenities or furnishings, traditional houses near ASU generally come with slightly lower rental rates, typically ranging from $800 to $1,800 per person, per month. This more budget-friendly option appeals to students willing to trade proximity and amenities for additional space and privacy.
We hope this article has provided you with a clearer understanding of some of the housing choices for ASU students who opt not to live in their Greek house.
For further questions or to learn more about Rambler Tempe, please visit our website or reach out to our leasing staff. We are more than happy to assist you in your housing search!
