Finding roommates is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when starting (or continuing) your college life at ASU Tempe. The people you live with will shape your daily routine, your stress level, your social life, and even your academic success. A great roommate can make Tempe feel like home. A not-so-great match can make the school year feel longer than it needs to be.
That’s why it’s worth slowing down, asking the right questions, and understanding what type of living situation will work best for you. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about finding roommates at ASU, from where to meet potential matches, to what to talk about before you sign a lease, to how to avoid the most common roommate problems students run into.
Where to Start Searching for a Roommate in Tempe
One of the benefits of attending a large university like ASU is having countless opportunities to meet new people. If you don’t already have someone in mind, here’s where most students begin:
ASU Facebook Groups & Online Forums
Dozens of student-run groups exist for housing, subleases, and roommate searches. These are especially active from February through August.
Class Group Chats & Major-Specific Communities
Group chats for engineering majors, business cohorts, clubs, Greek life, and first-year programs are some of the most reliable places to find people with similar schedules or interests.
Campus Housing Boards & Student Services
Even if you’re moving into off campus apartments, ASU’s housing services maintain resources and matching options.
Apartment Communities Near Campus
Some properties—like Paseo on University—attract mostly students and often have informal networks, active resident communities, or introductions facilitated by on-site teams. This makes it easier to find people with compatible routines and academic goals.
What to Look For in a Roommate
A roommate doesn’t need to be your best friend. They need to be someone whose habits and expectations align with yours. Before you commit to living together, discuss these essentials:
Lifestyle Compatibility
- Are they early risers or night owls?
- Do they study at home or on campus?
- How often do they have guests over?
Cleanliness
This is one of the biggest sources of conflict. Ask:
- How clean do they keep shared spaces?
- Do they prefer a set cleaning schedule?
- Are dishes an instant-wash or “soak overnight” situation?
Noise Expectations
Tempe has nightlife, events, and high-energy apartment communities, so it’s crucial to know:
- Are they okay with background noise?
- Do they prefer a quieter home?
- Do they host friends often?
Budget
Talk about:
- Rent expectations
- Who will handle utilities
- Payment timelines
- Comfortable lease lengths
Pets
If someone has a dog or cat, make sure everyone is comfortable with it. Paseo is fully pet-friendly, which is a big bonus for many students.
Best Areas in Tempe for Roommates
Where you live influences how convenient your semester feels. Popular roommate-friendly areas include:
- Around ASU Tempe Campus — great for walking or biking
- Near Tempe Town Lake — ideal for active students
- Mill Avenue District — lively, social, and close to entertainment
- University Drive & Apache Blvd. — plenty of student-focused communities
Paseo on University sits in a central location with easy access to ASU, Tempe Town Lake, Mill Avenue, and everyday necessities, making it an ideal base for shared student living.
Deciding What Type of Apartment Works Best
Once you know how many roommates you want, it’s time to choose a layout. Many students prefer communities offering a range of floor plans so they can match their ideal setup.
Common arrangements at Paseo include:
- Studios — Best if you want privacy but still be part of a social community.
- One-bedroom — Ideal for students who want quiet space but still live close to friends.
- Two-bedroom — Most common choice for roommates splitting rent.
In-home amenities help support student life, full kitchens for cooking at home, storage for books and gear, and comfortable layouts that make shared living easier.
Touring Student Apartments Before Choosing Roommates
Seeing potential homes in person makes it easier to imagine how you’d share space. At Paseo on University, touring means exploring the full suite of community amenities that will shape your daily routine:
- Relaxation at any of the three pools
- A complete fitness center
- Study rooms and hangout lounges
- Outdoor social spaces and gaming areas
With Tempe’s high walkability scores and bike-friendly pathways, many students appreciate living close to ASU, Downtown Tempe, and Tempe Beach Park, all of which are easy to reach from Paseo.
How to Actually Live Well With Roommates
Finding roommates is only half the process. Living well together matters just as much.
Here’s what successful groups do:
Communicate Early
Talk weekly during the first month. Small check-ins prevent big blowups later.
Set Shared Expectations
Agree on chores, dishes, guests, and quiet hours before move-in.
Use Common Spaces Respectfully
Clean up after yourself, share fridge space fairly, and treat shared areas like they belong to everyone.
Be Flexible
Life happens. Exams, work schedules, and stress can affect routines. Adapt when needed.
When You’re Ready to Find Your Place
Once you’ve narrowed down your roommate options, you can take the next step by touring communities built for student life. Paseo on University is one of the most popular choices for student housing in Tempe thanks to its location, modern layouts, social atmosphere, and long list of amenities.
When you're ready to see floor plans and availability with your future roommate group, you can easily schedule a tour or browse what’s currently open before you apply online.