What Campus Reviews Reveal
Arizona State University’s (ASU) Tempe main campus has an overall rating of 4.4 on Google (out of 1899 reviews). Reading reviews from real students and visitors can quickly give you an understanding of the core characteristics of campus life and the surrounding experience.
Graduate Jason Harris gave a five-star review: “Awesome college experience! Received my bachelor’s degree and ten years later received a master’s degree. The school is constantly evolving, adapting new learning, and staying on top of skills employers are looking for. Highly recommend taking a tour for students who haven’t decided which college to.” — This reflects that ASU continuously updates its teaching content and skill alignment, making it suitable for career-oriented students.
Another five-star review comes from kinser madison: “Beautiful campus and fun to explore. The commitment to the biophilic design within the campus is very intricate and beautiful to look at. Would recommend going here if campus attraction and things to do were high on your bucket list.” The campus’s biophilic design is impressive, showing that the environment itself is an important plus factor for students’ choices.
International student Seikoh Kobayashi mentioned: “ASU Tempe campus has a pretty huge and beautiful that the students can enjoy their campus life with academics, athletics, clubs, classmates, friends, and so on. Especially, for academics, a tutor system is so organized that any student who needs a study support can take it.” The academic support system (tutor system) is very practical for students who need extra help.
Visitor Nelida Safrit provided a practical perspective: “Large university in the middle of the city. There’s several parking areas depending on what part of the university you want to visit. We went to the arena for a graduation. It’s a long walk from parking to arena. Parking is paid.” The campus is large and located in the city center; parking requires payment and involves a long walk, which are realistic factors to consider in advance when living off campus.
In summary, the advantages of ASU’s Tempe campus are: continuously updated courses, beautiful campus design, and a comprehensive learning support system; however, there are also issues such as the large campus size and inconvenient parking. For students looking for nearby housing, these reviews mean: if you rely on campus resources (such as the library, tutoring center), you should prioritize housing within walking distance; if you have a car, you need to factor in parking costs and walking distance.
City Background: Tempe and Arizona State University
ASU’s main campus is located in Tempe, Arizona, at 1151 S Forest Ave, Tempe, AZ, USA. Tempe is part of the Phoenix metropolitan area, with a population of about 19 ten thousand, and is a university-centered city. The campus is adjacent to Downtown Tempe and Mill Avenue, which offer dining, retail, and entertainment. The city has a dry, hot climate with summer highs above 40°C and mild winters. For public transportation, the Valley Metro Rail runs through campus and connects to Phoenix, Mesa, and other areas, making it an important commuting option.
The cost of living in Tempe is lower than in most large U.S. cities, but rents have been rising in recent years. On-campus housing (dorms) and off-campus apartments coexist, and many students choose to share apartments or rent studio apartments. Since ASU ranks 173rd in the 2026 QS World University Rankings (among U.S. institutions), the number of international students is considerable, and the housing market is relatively tight, especially during months 5 to 7 before the start of the new academic year.
Budget Range
The following budget breakdown is a general reference; actual prices need to be confirmed with the specific operator (indicative — confirm with the operator). Students should adjust expectations based on their own financial situation.
- Economy (shared housing/farther from campus): Typically means sharing an apartment or house with roommates, or living in an area 3-5 km away from campus (such as South Tempe, Mesa border). Rent at this level is relatively low, but commuting time or transportation costs will increase.
- Mid-range (one-bedroom or private studio near campus): A one-bedroom apartment within a 15-20 minute walk to classroom buildings or the light rail station, or on-campus dormitories. Moderate price, the choice of most students balancing convenience and expenses.
- Comfort (high-end apartment within walking distance/fully equipped): Newly built apartment buildings within a few blocks of campus, with amenities such as gym, pool, and access control. Higher rent, suitable for students with ample budget and a focus on quality of life.
Note: Rent usually does not include water, electricity, or internet, and a security deposit and possible property management fees are required. It is recommended to clarify all additional costs before signing the lease.
Walking and Transportation Trade-offs
ASU Tempe campus covers an area of approximately 2.5 square kilometers, with the main teaching zones concentrated between Gammage Auditorium, Hayden Library, and Sun Devil Stadium. Students typically commute in three ways:
- Walking: Living within a 1 km radius of the campus allows easy walking to classrooms, the library, and dining areas. Advantage: saves time and transportation costs. Disadvantage: rent is usually higher, and walking in the summer heat is very uncomfortable. If you have early morning classes or evening activities, walking ensures punctuality.
- Bicycle/scooter: The campus has gentle slopes, making it very suitable for cycling. Many apartments provide bike racks, and bikes can be taken on the light rail and buses. This is a cost-effective compromise.
- Public transportation (light rail/bus): The “University/Rural” station of the Valley Metro Rail is located in the center of campus, with eastbound service to Mesa and westbound to downtown Phoenix. Bus routes cover surrounding neighborhoods. If you live within 2-3 stops along the light rail, commuting time is manageable and rent is usually lower than in the campus walking zone. Pay attention to operating hours and service frequency (reduced at night).
If you choose to drive, be aware of campus parking permit costs (several hundred dollars per year) and the scarcity of spaces. Many upperclassmen rent in more distant residential areas, drive to a light rail station, and then transfer, balancing rent and commuting costs.
Trade-off suggestions:
- If you are an undergraduate with multiple classes each day, prioritize housing within walking distance (within 15 minutes).
- If you are a graduate student or primarily use the library and labs, and your commuting schedule is flexible, consider areas along the light rail or within cycling distance to get lower rent or more space.
- Summer heat (months 5 to 9) reduces the comfort of walking and cycling, and indoor activities are affected; at that time, air conditioning and fast commuting become critical.
Screening Logic for Nearby Housing
Since the ASU Tempe campus is located in the city center, there are many apartment communities and rental listings nearby. How to build a shortlist from the many options? The following logic can be used as a reference:
- Clarify distance priorities
Open a map, take Hayden Library or Memorial Union as the center, and draw circles of a 10-minute walk (about 800 meters) and a 20-minute walk (about 1.6 km). Screen apartments within the circles. Then mark the area within 500 meters around the Valley Metro Rail stations “University/Rural” and “Dorsey/Lake” for those relying on public transportation. - Check reviews and ratings
For each candidate apartment, read real tenant reviews from the past year on Google Maps or professional rental platforms. Focus on the following:- Property maintenance response speed
- Neighbor noise level
- Safety (access control, nighttime lighting)
- Parking ease and additional costs
- Actual walking time to campus (based on a walking test, not straight-line distance)
- Compare unit types and lease terms
The ASU academic year runs from month 8 to the following month 5, but many apartments require a 12-month lease. If you do not need housing during the summer, look for student apartments that offer 9-month or 10-month leases. Renting with roommates is usually more flexible than renting alone. - Visit in advance
If you cannot visit in person, you can contact the Chinese Student and Scholar Association on campus or use virtual tour services. The official ASU housing information platform can also provide a list of licensed landlords. - Consider additional costs
In addition to monthly rent, calculate utilities, internet (typically $50-$100 per month), parking fees (if driving), and one-time moving expenses. Some apartments include trash and wastewater treatment but not electricity. Add these up to compare total costs.
Note: Do not just look at the lowest listed price; consider commuting time, community safety, and convenience of daily life. For example, a listing with a low price but located 3 km from campus with no direct bus route may actually have higher monthly costs due to additional transportation and lost time.
If you are a new international student with no U.S. credit history, many apartments will require an additional security deposit or a guarantor. Prepare bank fund proof in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to start looking for housing?
For students enrolling in month 8 of 2026, it is recommended to start searching from month 3 to month 5 of the same year. At this time, many apartments open up listings for the next academic year, and prices are relatively stable. During early months 7 to 8, listings decrease and rents may rise. If applying for on-campus housing, follow the deadline set by ASU official announcements (usually in month 5).
Is it safe to live in Tempe?
The ASU Tempe campus and its surrounding area are relatively safe, but sporadic crime occurs in any city center. It is recommended to choose apartments with access control, a 24-hour front desk, or dedicated security. Avoid walking alone on remote streets late at night. Campus police provide an escort service at night. For specific community safety data, check the annual report published by the Tempe Police Department.
Do I need insurance when renting off campus?
Almost all legitimate apartments require tenants to provide renter’s insurance, typically $15-$20 per month, to cover personal property loss and third-party liability. The landlord’s insurance does not cover tenant belongings. It is strongly recommended to purchase it.
This article is based on data available in 2026. Please confirm specific rents and listings with each operator, and refer to the latest contract. Data date: month 4 of 2026
Explore more: Browse all student housing guides