The biggest campus at Arizona State University is in Downtown Tempe, surrounded by various businesses for Sun Devils to enjoy after classes. Similar to many college campuses, it is also surrounded by off-campus buildings housing students. These people have the most accessibility to the daylife and the nightlife of Tempe.
However, with developments accruing in Tempe like legacy businesses which were staples to Sun Devil culture being shut down as well as high rent prices gauging students, Sun Devils grow concerned about their ability to live the “college life.” I am Paul Pascual, and I spoke with a couple Sun Devils about what they think about Tempe.
However, with developments accruing in Tempe like legacy businesses which were staples to Sun Devil culture being shut down as well as high rent prices gauging students, Sun Devils grow concerned about their ability to live the “college life.” I am Paul Pascual, and I spoke with a couple Sun Devils about what they think about Tempe.
“That's some catch, that Catch-ASU.”
Many of the earliest Sun Devils moving out of their freshman dorm are handed a dilemma: should you live on campus or should you commute next school year?
For some Sun Devils, the choice may be easy.
For some Sun Devils, the choice may be easy.
Caught between the rent…
For some Sun Devils, getting an off-campus apartment that’s close to campus is the better option. And for out-of-state students, it may be their only choice.
But student living apartments have a problem.
“What else do we know about this population, 18-24? They are stupid,” said former Vice President Kamala Harris in a video from the Ford Foundation. “That is why we put them in dormitories and they have a resident assistant. They make really bad decisions!”
The attached chart is a collection of the cheapest rates of a few off-campus partners that are near the Tempe campus with the cheapest rate being $999 per month and the most expensive rate being $1,399 per month. These rates vary in accommodation size and location of the bedspace.
That’s a sizable amount of money per month for a shared space, but student living apartments are quick to sign teenagers into a complex lease who may or may not know any better.
Pepper Dikeman-Suerken is a freshman studying civil engineering. She plans on living at 922 Place next year. Due to her orphan status, she feels fortunate to have the affordability to live in a student living apartment.
“I think ASU does have its points where I get really good scholarships because of my circumstances,” Dikeman-Suerken said “But I also feel like my friends who aren't in dire circumstances have those opportunities.”
… and the highway
For other Sun Devils, commuting might be their better choice.
But parking permits in Tempe also have a problem.
According to ASU Parking and Transportation Services, permits at the Tempe campus range from $280 to $855 for on-campus parking annually.
“I paid almost a thousand dollars at the beginning of the year,” said Nicole Davis, a freshman studying in elementary education. “Even the commuter passes are kinda crazy.”
Davis admits her concern and wishes student parking were cheaper.
