How Does Housing Work for College Students at ASU?

ASU students choose from three main housing paths: on-campus residence halls, university-managed apartments, and off-campus rentals throughout the Tempe area. First-year students typically live in campus dorms with required meal plans, while sophomores and upperclassmen often transition to off-campus apartments along Apache Boulevard or near the light rail. Most continuing ASU students rent off-campus housing because it offers more independence, lower monthly costs with roommates, and flexible lease terms. Your housing choice depends on budget, desired independence level, and how far you want to live from campus.

TL;DR: Quick Answer

• First-year ASU students typically live in on-campus residence halls with required meal plans through University Housing
• Continuing students can apply for limited on-campus apartments through the My ASU Housing portal before May deadlines
• Most upperclassmen rent off-campus apartments near Tempe, often along Apache Boulevard or the Valley Metro light rail corridor
• Off-campus leases run 12 months and require deposits, application fees, and usually roommates to stay affordable
• ASU provides an official off-campus housing marketplace to find verified listings and potential roommates

ASU On-Campus Housing Serves Primarily First-Year Students

Campus residence halls give freshmen the classic dorm experience. Furnished rooms. Utilities included. Community programming. You live inside ASU life.

University Housing manages all on-campus options through the My ASU Housing portal. Students apply online, sign a license agreement, and select bed spaces when their selection window opens. The process takes planning.

First-time freshmen face meal plan requirements. Selection happens through the same housing portal during your application process. Budget for this cost separately from your room rate.

Limited On-Campus Apartments Exist for Continuing Students

ASU does offer apartment-style housing. Availability is limited. Selection windows matter significantly for these spaces.

Continuing students must watch deadlines carefully. The Fall 2026 priority deadline falls on May 15, 2026. Students may choose bed spaces before May 1 in some cases. Late applications often result in administrative assignment rather than personal selection.

Competition for these units runs high. Students wanting on-campus apartments should apply early and have backup plans ready.

Off-Campus Housing Dominates for Upperclassmen

Most ASU students eventually move off campus. This is reality. The Tempe rental market offers several distinct options.

Student apartment towers cluster near campus. Modern buildings. Lots of amenities. Higher price points. These fill fast during peak leasing season.

Older apartment communities line Apache Boulevard and the light rail corridor. Often better value. Fast access to campus via Valley Metro. More established neighborhoods.

Rented houses with roommates appeal to students wanting space. Typically farther from campus. Requires coordination among multiple people. Can offer significant savings.

Subleases and lease takeovers provide flexibility. Students leaving for internships or study abroad often need someone to take over their lease. Good deals exist here.

The Off-Campus Rental Process Differs From Dorms

Signing an off-campus lease involves real contracts. Twelve-month terms are standard. Breaking a lease carries financial penalties.

Expect upfront costs beyond monthly rent. Application fees range from $25 to $75. Administrative fees add another $50 to $150 at many complexes. Security deposits typically equal one month’s rent.

Some buildings charge “technology packages” or mandatory parking fees regardless of car ownership. Read every document before signing. Ask specific questions about total monthly costs.

ASU maintains an official off-campus housing marketplace. Students browse verified listings, find potential roommates, and post subleases through this university resource. College Pads connects to ASU’s search tools as a partner platform.

Scams target college students aggressively. Never send money without seeing a unit in person. Verify landlord ownership through county records. Trust your instincts when something feels wrong.

Timing Affects Your Housing Options Significantly

Earlier searches yield better results. This pattern holds true every year.

October through December offers the best selection for fall semester housing. Walk-to-campus options receive pressure early. Premium units sign leases eight months ahead.

January through March still provides solid choices. Pricing shifts during this window. Availability changes weekly as students make decisions.

April through July means choosing from remaining inventory. Prices often run higher. Subleases become a primary strategy. Flexibility helps during this period.

ASU publishes housing selection timelines for continuing residents. Check these dates annually. Missing deadlines limits your options significantly.

Calculate True Monthly Costs Before Committing

Parents will ask about money. Know your numbers before having that conversation.

Monthly rent varies wildly around Tempe. Budget options start around $500 per person with roommates in older buildings. Modern student housing near campus runs $800 to $1,200 per person. Premium units exceed these ranges.

Utilities add $30 to $100 monthly depending on your setup. Some complexes include utilities in rent. Others charge separately. Clarify exactly what “utilities included” covers before signing.

Parking costs $50 to $150 monthly if you have a car. Campus parking permits add another expense. Many students skip cars entirely and use Valley Metro.

Internet and technology packages run $25 to $75 monthly at some complexes. Required fees. Non-negotiable. Factor these into comparisons between buildings.

Upfront Costs Require Advance Planning

First month’s rent comes due at lease signing. Some landlords require last month’s rent simultaneously. Budget for two months’ rent as move-in cash.

Application fees are non-refundable. Apply strategically rather than everywhere simultaneously.

Security deposits protect landlords against damage. Most equal one month’s rent. Deposit alternatives exist through third-party services but cost monthly premiums.

Administrative fees cover paperwork processing. These vary by complex. Ask about all fees before applying.

Location Choices Shape Your Daily ASU Experience

Walking distance to campus means convenience. Also means higher rent. Student towers near Mill Avenue put you in the middle of everything. Noise comes with that territory.

The Apache Boulevard corridor offers balance. Light rail access gets you to campus quickly. Older buildings provide better value. More residential feel than Mill Avenue.

South Tempe attracts students wanting quiet. Longer commutes. More space. Adult vibe compared to areas immediately surrounding campus.

Mesa near the light rail works for budget-conscious students. Easy Valley Metro access. Lower rent than central Tempe. Trade commute time for savings.

South Scottsdale appeals to some upperclassmen. Different atmosphere entirely. Requires reliable transportation.

Valley Metro Connects ASU Campuses and Tempe Neighborhoods

Light rail runs through the heart of ASU Tempe. Connects to downtown Phoenix. Reaches Mesa. Provides transportation without car ownership.

Many students live along the rail corridor specifically for this access. Factor transit convenience into location decisions.

Bus routes supplement light rail throughout the metro area. ASU students ride free with valid ID. Transportation costs can drop to zero with smart housing placement.

Summer Rent Decisions Affect Annual Budgets

Twelve-month leases mean paying rent during summer break. Most students face this reality.

Going home for summer? You still owe rent. Consider subletting your room. List through ASU’s marketplace or student groups.

Summer internships elsewhere? Same situation. Plan for this cost or find a subletter early.

Some complexes offer semester-based leasing. Premium pricing applies. Flexibility costs money.

Make Your Housing Decision Systematically

List your priorities clearly. Budget limits. Distance preferences. Amenity requirements. Roommate needs.

Visit properties in person before signing anything. Photos deceive. Virtual tours miss important details. Walk the actual unit you would rent.

Read every document completely. Ask questions about anything unclear. Understand exactly what you sign.

Start early. Earlier than you think necessary. Good housing disappears fast in college towns.

ASU provides resources to help. Use the official marketplace. Attend housing fairs. Ask current students about their experiences with specific complexes.