ASU housing amenity tips for Tempe students

For many ASU students searching for housing in Tempe, the first thing that stands out is the amenities: rooftop pools, high-tech study lounges, group fitness rooms, coworking spaces, game rooms, dog parks, smart-home features, and more. Tempe’s student housing market is full of attractive buildings with flashy features designed to stand out online. But what appears luxurious in photos doesn’t always translate to practical value—or affordability.

This guide breaks down the most useful ASU housing amenity tips so students can evaluate which amenities matter, how fees impact monthly cost, and how to distinguish between meaningful perks and unnecessary add-ons. Whether you prefer a quiet building with strong study spaces or an amenity-rich community with social features, these insights help you compare housing options intelligently before signing a lease.

Why amenities and fees matter so much in Tempe

Tempe is one of the most competitive student housing markets in the country, with many modern complexes offering resort-style features. However:

• Amenities often increase rent significantly.

• Many buildings charge monthly amenity or service fees.

• Some amenities are rarely used yet heavily promoted.

• Utility policies (especially electricity caps) vary widely.

• Students pay more for features they don’t always need.

Understanding what you’re paying for—and what actually improves your daily life—is crucial.

ASU housing amenity tips: evaluating value, usage, and fees

These ASU housing amenity tips give students a practical framework to compare amenities in Tempe without being swayed by advertising photos.

1. Start by listing amenities you’ll actually use

Make three simple lists:

• Daily-use amenities: study rooms, gym, reliable Wi-Fi, quiet spaces

• Weekly-use amenities: pool, lounges, print stations

• Rarely used amenities: rooftop decks, game rooms, tanning beds

If you’re paying $100 more per month for amenities you’ll barely use, you’re not gaining value.

2. Compare amenity fees and what they include

Many Tempe buildings charge amenity or lifestyle fees ranging from $30 to $100+ per month.

These may cover:

• Access to shared spaces (gym, pool, lounges)

• Package lockers

• Security or patrol services

• Internet and tech infrastructure

• Community events

• Smart-home systems

Always ask for a written breakdown of what the fee covers. Some buildings list a “community fee” without much detail—this is a red flag.

3. Evaluate the gym—not just the photos

Tour the gym and check:

• Number of treadmills and bikes

• Weight lifting equipment

• Crowding during peak times

• Cleanliness

• Hours of operation

• Ventilation

A gym that looks impressive online may not meet your real routine—especially during peak evenings.

4. Inspect study rooms and coworking spaces

Study lounges are critical for many ASU students.

Look for:

• Enough seating types (desks, booths, tables)

• Quiet zones vs group areas

• Printing access

• Long hours or 24/7 availability

• Good lighting and fast Wi-Fi

Some buildings have beautifully designed study rooms that lack actual functionality.

5. Assess the pool realistically

Tempe’s heat makes pools attractive, but not all pools are equal.

Check:

• Size and crowding level

• Sun exposure vs shaded seating

• Cleanliness and maintenance

• Whether events or parties are common

• Hours of operation

A pool may be a wonderful weekly perk—or just a noisy distraction.

6. Understand utility policies and caps

Utility policies vary dramatically:

Ask:

• “Are utilities included?”

• “Is electricity capped? At what amount?”

• “How are overages billed?”

• “Is Wi-Fi included or required?”

Electricity caps are especially important because summer cooling costs in Tempe can be high. A low cap can lead to surprise bills.

7. Parking: one of the most expensive “amenities”

Many Tempe buildings treat parking as a premium amenity.

Check:

• Monthly parking cost

• Garage vs outdoor lot

• Assigned spots vs first-come

• Guest parking rules

• Security features (gates, cameras, lighting)

A building with great amenities but poor parking can be frustrating long-term.

8. Look beyond amenities: maintenance and management quality

Amenities mean nothing if management is unresponsive.

Check reviews for:

• Maintenance request turnaround

• Cleanliness of shared spaces

• Noise levels

• Broken equipment left unrepaired

• Unexpected fees

Real value comes from well-kept amenities and reliable management—not just a long list of perks.

9. Make a “value vs price” score for each building

Create a simple rating:

• Value Score = Quality of Amenities ÷ Total Added Cost

A high-value building:

• Has amenities you’ll actually use

• Keeps fees reasonable

• Maintains spaces well

• Offers functional study and fitness rooms

A low-value building:

• Charges high community fees

• Has overcrowded gyms

• Offers poorly maintained or rarely used features

This helps clarify which buildings justify their price.

Final checklist before signing a lease

Before committing, confirm:

• Monthly amenity fees and exactly what they include

• Utility policies and any electricity caps

• Parking cost and availability

• Condition and usability of the gym and study rooms

• Pool rules and crowd levels

• Management responsiveness

If a building fails multiple categories, it may not offer the value it appears to have on paper.

Conclusion

Amenities are a major selling point in Tempe’s student housing market, but not all amenities provide equal value. By evaluating amenities based on usefulness, cost, maintenance, and real-life experience, you can avoid overpaying for features that don’t benefit your daily routine. These ASU housing amenity tips help students choose housing that truly enhances comfort, productivity, and lifestyle.

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