It’s almost summer, which means that we’ll soon be done with this school year. However, three months will pass by, and before we know it, we’ll be back in Tempe. One of the most stressful parts of every fall is moving in, and while many of you have your housing situation figured out for the next year, I am sure there are still people who have no idea where to live. Here are some factors to consider when looking for an apartment in Tempe for the next school year.

1. Price:

We are, after all, broke college students. We need an apartment that is affordable, yet provides us with the amenities we need. Be sure to make a mental budget before you start looking at apartments. Often times, the earlier you sign a lease, the cheaper it is - prices tend to go up as it gets closer to the end of the school year as fewer apartments are available. Another advantage of signing a lease early is that apartments are more likely to reduce or even waive the application fee.

2. Distance:

Most of us do not have a car, and would prefer living somewhere close to campus. As Arizona can get especially hot during several months of the year, most people would like to be as close to their classes as possible. Aside from classes, it is also important to be close to amenities such as food and groceries. For example, The Vertex, located on Terrace Road, is walking distance. You are close enough to be able to get to class every day, and it doesn’t hurt to be right near Dutch Bros, Walmart on Campus and Taco Bell.

3. Amenities:

When looking for an apartment, some of the features that you might want are a gym, swimming pool, 24-hour security, washing machine and dryer etc. so that you do not have to pay extra for access to these things outside of the apartments. It is also important to consider whether or not utilities are included, and if they are, how to split it between roommates each month. You might also be looking for an apartment that is already furnished, to save yourself the hassle of having to buy it all when you move in.

4. Friendly staff:

A proper maintenance staff is important. The employees who work at the place you live should be friendly, and also need to be respond to your needs on time if/when you need any maintenance aid for your apartment. Many would prefer a complex that has staff who regularly reach out to residents and also host community activities on a regular basis (after all, who would say no to free food?) It is also useful to pick an apartment that allows you to have easy access when it comes to contacting the staff; it makes life a lot easier for residents if an apartment complex allows them to pay rent and put in maintenance requests through an online portal.

5. Quality of the apartment

The saying “what you pay is what you get” is, in most cases, very accurate. While you don’t want rent to cost an arm and a leg, you also don’t want an apartment that’s run down. Some of the important things to consider are the floor plan and size of the apartment (most would prefer their own bedroom and bathroom if possible), cleanliness and overall look of the complex, and choosing a place that is pest-free. You want a place that feels like home.

Hope this guide helps a little. Happy apartment shopping, my ASU friends!

Vertex is Tempe’s premier student apartment community located within a block of the ASU campus. They also offer Arizona State University students the best amenities including- state-of-the-art fitness center, rock climbing wall, golf simulator, movie theater, and outdoor courtyard with resort-style pool plus more. Check out Vertex Apartments today!