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ASU 1 bedroom apartments near campus
- Ong Ogaslert
- Dec 7
- 4 min read
Introduction
If you’re searching for a one-bedroom near ASU, you’re probably paying extra for privacy, quiet, and routine. The problem is that “1 bedroom” is one of the most loosely used labels in student-heavy Tempe listings. You’ll see “convertibles” (where the living room becomes the bedroom), “flex” layouts with temporary walls, and studios marketed as one-bedrooms because they have a nook. These can be fine options—if they’re priced correctly and match what you actually want. They become a problem when you pay true one-bedroom pricing for a space that lives like a studio.
This guide shows you how to compare ASU 1 bedroom apartments near campus by verifying layouts, spotting convertibles quickly, comparing true monthly cost (not just base rent), and checking lease terms and fees that students often miss. The goal is to sign a lease that matches reality—so you don’t feel tricked after move-in.
ASU 1 bedroom apartments: what “true” vs “convertible” means in real life
True one-bedroom (what most students expect)
Typically includes:
a fully enclosed bedroom with permanent walls
a door that closes
a separate living area (even if small)
bedroom storage/closet
clear separation for sleep vs study vs guests
Convertible one-bedroom (common in Tempe)
Often includes:
living room intended to be used as the “bedroom”
partial dividers or flex walls
“studio + nook” marketed as a 1BR
layouts where privacy depends on curtains or temporary partitions
Convertibles are not automatically bad—they’re just different. The mistake is treating them as the same category when comparing price and livability.
1) The fast layout checks that expose a convertible
Use these checks on every listing before you waste time touring.
Check #1: Does the bedroom have a real door?
If there’s no full door that closes, treat it as convertible.
Ask:
“Does the bedroom have a full-height door that closes?”
Check #2: Does the bedroom have its own window?
A “bedroom” without its own window is a common sign of a flex space.
Ask:
“Does the bedroom have its own window?”
Check #3: Permanent walls or flex wall?
Flex walls can be allowed or not allowed depending on building rules.
Ask:
“Are the bedroom walls permanent, or is it a flex/temporary wall?”
Check #4: The bed + desk test
Can the bedroom fit:
bed + desk + walkwaywithout the space feeling unusable?
If you’re a student who studies at home, this is non-negotiable.
Check #5: Is the living area still functional?
In some “convertibles,” the “living room” becomes the bedroom and you lose a living area entirely.
Ask yourself:
Where will I relax or host a friend without sitting on my bed?
If you’re paying one-bedroom pricing, you should get one-bedroom function.
2) Pricing: compare convertibles and true 1BRs in separate buckets
Students often compare everything in one list and end up overpaying.
Split your shortlist into:
True one-bedrooms
Convertibles/flex layouts
Studios (for baseline comparison)
A convertible priced near a true 1BR should offer something compensating:
better location
better building quality
strong amenities you will use
utilities included
parking included
If none of those exist, you’re likely overpaying.
3) Fees and utilities: the real Tempe cost trap
Tempe buildings often add fees that quietly increase your monthly cost.
Convert every listing to true monthly cost
True Monthly Cost = Rent + parking + mandatory monthly fees + utilities estimate + internet
Common recurring fees:
amenity fee
technology/internet fee
package locker fee
valet trash/trash fee
pest control fee
“resident services” fee
renter’s insurance fee (if you don’t provide your own)
Utility billing models to clarify
Ask:
Which utilities are included?
Are utilities capped?
How are overages billed?
Is internet included or mandatory through a plan?
A one-bedroom can look affordable until fees add $100–$250+ monthly.
4) Lease terms: where “bad deals” hide
Even if the layout is real, the lease can still be risky.
Clauses to read carefully
early termination/buyout policy
subletting or lease assignment rules
renewal notice requirements
fee addendums (often where monthly charges hide)
deposit deductions and cleaning rules
One-bedroom “risk math”
Because one-bedrooms cost more, mistakes cost more. A strict lease with high penalties can turn a “fine” apartment into a financial trap if your plans change.
5) Touring checklist: confirm what photos won’t show
During tour:
ask for the floor plan (and match it to the unit you see)
confirm the bedroom door and window
test noise (60 seconds silent)
check storage (closets, kitchen cabinets)
confirm parking details physically
ask for a written monthly fee list
If touring remotely, request a live video walkthrough that includes:
bedroom separation
windows
entry security
parking
6) Copy-paste questions for ASU one-bedroom comparisons
Is this a true one-bedroom or a convertible/flex? Does the bedroom have a door and window?
Can you send the floor plan and confirm it matches this unit?
What is the total monthly cost including all mandatory fees?
Is parking included? If not, what is the monthly cost and is it assigned?
Which utilities are included? Any caps or overages?
Is internet included or required through a plan?
What is the total move-in cost due before move-in?
What is the early termination/buyout policy?
Is subletting or lease assignment allowed?
These questions keep “1 bedroom” honest.
Conclusion
The best way to shop for ASU 1 bedroom apartments near campus is to verify the layout first, then compare price using true monthly cost—not marketing rent. A true one-bedroom gives you real separation and routine stability. A convertible can still be a smart deal when priced correctly and aligned with your lifestyle. But if you don’t run the door/window/permanent-wall checks and don’t calculate fees and utilities, it’s easy to overpay.
Use the checklists, ask for floor plans, demand written fee breakdowns, and sign only when the lease matches the living experience you want.
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