CityScape At Lakeshore, Tempe

Tempe has many student housing options for different lifestyles and budgets. Whether you want full privacy or like living with others, there’s a room for you. Here’s a quick look at common room types for students in Tempe:

1. Ensuite Rooms

Ensuite rooms are great for students who want a private bedroom and bathroom but are fine sharing the kitchen and living room with flatmates. They offer a good mix of personal space and social living, ideal for those who value privacy but enjoy a community.

2. Non-Ensuite Rooms

These rooms are cheaper. You get your own bedroom but share the bathroom, kitchen, and lounge with others. This is great for students who want to save money while still having a shared living experience.

3. Studio Apartments

Studio apartments give you a private space with a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen in one unit. They’re perfect for students who like living alone, want quiet, and need a fully private space for studying and relaxing.

4. 1-Bed and 2-Bed Apartments

These apartments give you a 1-bedroom apartments Tempe with a shared kitchen and living area. Whether you live alone or with a friend, this option offers a nice balance of privacy and shared comfort.

5. Shared Apartments

Shared apartments are popular with new students and undergraduates. You get a private bedroom, but the kitchen, bathroom, and lounge are shared. They’re great for meeting people and enjoying a fun student life.

6. Private Rooms in Shared Flats

These rooms give you a private bedroom while you share the kitchen and bathroom with flatmates. They’re budget-friendly, balancing privacy with group living, perfect for students wanting independence but not ready to live alone.

Living in Tempe as a student is relatively affordable compared to other U.S. college cities like New York or San Francisco. With smart budgeting, students can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while covering all essentials. On average, students should plan for a monthly budget of around $1,000 to $1,400, excluding rent. This estimate includes food, transportation, utilities, and personal expenses. Here’s a rough breakdown of typical monthly costs for students in Tempe:

1. Food: $200 to $400/month
2. Utilities (Gas, Electricity, Water): $60 to $100/month
3. Internet & Mobile Phone: $40 to $70/month
4. Eating Out: $100 to $200/month
5. Laundry: $15 to $30/month (if not included in rent)
6. Stationery & Textbooks: $20 to $50/month
7. Clothing & Miscellaneous: $50 to $100/month
8. Public Transportation (Bus/Light Rail): $35 to $65/month

Getting around Tempe is easy, affordable, and student-friendly, making it perfect for daily commutes and exploring the city. Whether you're headed to Arizona State University, downtown Tempe, or local parks, there are plenty of transport options that suit student needs.

1. Buses

Tempe has a reliable bus system operated by Valley Metro. Local buses run frequently and connect students to popular areas like Downtown Tempe, Mill Avenue, and Tempe Marketplace. Students can get a discounted U-Pass, which offers unlimited rides on buses and light rail, costing about $40–$60 per semester.

2. Cycling

Tempe is a bike-friendly city with flat terrain and over 215 miles of bike paths. There are bike racks all over the city, especially near ASU and student housing in Tempe. Many housing offer secure bike storage, and students can also use Lime or Spin bike-share apps for short trips.

3. Light Rail

The Valley Metro Light Rail runs through Tempe, connecting you to Phoenix and Mesa. It’s great for internships, weekend trips, or shopping downtown. A single ride costs around $2, and a student monthly pass is just $32.

4. Walking

Tempe is compact and walkable, especially near ASU. Wide sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly crossings, and shaded walkways make walking a safe and healthy way to get around. Many student housing in Tempe options are just a 10–15 minute walk from campus or local hangouts.

Tempe is a dynamic college city that offers a perfect mix of academic focus and fun. Home to Arizona State University, the city buzzes with energy and gives students endless opportunities to relax, explore, and enjoy life outside the classroom.

1. Dining & Nightlife

Tempe has a wide variety of student-friendly dining spots. For casual bites, head to Culinary Dropout or Postino Annex. If you’re into global flavours, try Caffe Boa for Italian or Snooze for all-day brunch. Nightlife thrives along Mill Avenue, with bars like The CASA and Low Key Piano Bar popular among students for drinks and live music. Whether you want a chill evening or a full night out, Tempe delivers.

2. Cultural Events & Festivals

Tempe celebrates creativity year-round with events like the Tempe Festival of the Arts, ASU Homecoming Parade, and Innings Festival. The Tempe Center for the Arts showcases student performances, plays, and local exhibitions. Music fans enjoy concerts at Marquee Theatre or ASU Gammage.

3. Adventure & Green Spaces

For outdoor lovers, Tempe Beach Park by Tempe Town Lake is perfect for kayaking, biking, or just hanging out with friends. Papago Park offers scenic trails and views of the red sandstone buttes.Whether you’re hiking, jogging, or picnicking, Tempe’s green spots make for great study breaks, as highlighted in this helpful Tempe student city guide.

4. Shopping

Tempe is great for student shopping. Tempe Marketplace has everything from fashion and tech stores to student discounts. For quirky finds and vintage items, students love exploring Mill Avenue District, filled with independent boutiques, bookstores, and gift shops.

Tempe hosts some of Arizona’s top schools, drawing students from the U.S. and worldwide. Tempe's universities offer great programs in engineering, business, arts, and health sciences. You'll also enjoy a lively student life. Here are the top universities in and near Tempe:

1. Arizona State University (ASU)

Arizona State University is the biggest public university in the U.S., with over 150,000 students across all campuses and about 80,000 attending in person. Known for new ideas, ASU offers over 400 programs for undergraduates and graduates. It ranks high in entrepreneurship, business, and engineering, and its Tempe campus is the heart of student life with lively facilities, sports arenas, and research centers. University House is one of the top housing options available.

2. Northern Arizona University ( NAU )

Northern Arizona University (NAU) has a Tempe campus for non-traditional students and professionals. NAU offers flexible programs in education, healthcare, and public administration. It’s great for students wanting evening or hybrid classes while enjoying living at Tempe’s student housing like The Suites with top amenities. NAU serves over 30,000 students across Arizona.

3. The University of Arizona

The University of Arizona, based in Tucson, runs its Phoenix Biomedical Campus near Tempe. It focuses on healthcare, medicine, and biosciences, offering graduate programs like MD, pharmacy, and public health. With around 50,000 students, it’s known for strong research and ties to local medical centers. Students looking for nearby housing can check out Entrada Real in Tucson, a popular option for convenient and comfortable student living.