How to Find Roommates When You’re Living Off-Campus at Arizona State University (ASU)

How to Find Roommates When You’re Living Off-Campus at Arizona State University (ASU)

For many students at Arizona State University, especially those living off-campus in Tempe, finding the right roommate is one of the most important parts of the housing search.

Your roommates influence your daily routine, your social life, your comfort at home. They often become some of your closest friends during your time at ASU, too!

At The Carmin, we understand how essential it is to feel confident in the people you choose to live with. That’s why we’ve put together this guide with helpful tips and strategies for finding roommates when you’re living off-campus near Arizona State University.

4 Tips for Finding Roommates at ASU

1. Know Your Must-Haves

Before you start scrolling through roommate groups or messaging people, it’s important to have a clear idea of what you’re looking for and what you absolutely can’t compromise on. Ask yourself:

• What is my monthly budget for rent and utilities?
• Am I willing to share a bedroom or bathroom?
• How many roommates am I comfortable living with?
• Which Tempe neighborhoods do I prefer? (Downtown Tempe, North Tempe, Apache/Papago, near Mill Ave, etc.)
• Do I want to live close to campus or near the light rail?

Once you’ve answered these questions, it becomes much easier to narrow down your housing options and find roommates with similar expectations.

If you already know you’re living off-campus, consider what areas of Tempe best match your lifestyle. Are you looking for something that’s walking distance to class, near quiet residential streets, or being close to Mill Ave entertainment and dining?

Your must-haves matter, so make sure you have a general idea of them before starting the roommate search process!

2. Ask Around!

One of the easiest ways to find potential roommates at ASU is simply to ask around. Even if your close friends already have living arrangements, they might know someone else who is looking, and you won’t know unless you ask.

Try reaching out to:

• Your friend groups
• Classes or group projects
• Clubs and student organizations
• Greek life (sororities, fraternities)
• Sports teams or intramural groups

Many ASU organizations use GroupMe, Discord, or other group chats where you can introduce yourself and mention that you’re looking for roommates. This is a great way to find people who share similar interests, schedules, or academic goals.

While asking around may not guarantee the perfect match, it’s one of the most effective ways to use your existing network and find trustworthy roommates.

3. Utilize Social Media and Online Platforms

If you want to expand your search, social media is one of the most popular and effective tools for finding ASU roommates.

ASU Facebook Groups

There are several active Facebook groups where ASU students post roommate bios, apartment openings, and “looking for roomie” information. You might want to try:

• Arizona State University Class of 2025/2026/2027 groups
• ASU Off-Campus Housing & Roommate Finder
• ASU Transfer Students Housing & Roommates

Students typically share a short bio, photos, lifestyle details, and preferred areas of Tempe to live.

Instagram

Instagram is another great place to search for roommates, especially for incoming students. Many class pages and housing-focused accounts allow you to submit a photo and a short introduction so other students can connect with you.

If you plan on joining Greek life, Instagram becomes an especially helpful platform since many students meet their future roommates through sorority or fraternity networks.

ASU Housing Platforms

Some apartment communities near ASU offer roommate matching programs, and several ASU-specific housing websites allow students to post or browse roommate profiles.

Utilizing multiple platforms increases your chances of finding someone who matches your lifestyle, academic habits, and personal preferences.

4. Make Sure It’s a Good Fit

Once you’ve found someone who seems like a potential match, it’s important to determine whether your lifestyles and expectations align.

Here are essential compatibility questions to ask:

• What time do you usually wake up and go to bed?
• What do your weekends typically look like?
• How often do you have guests over?
• How do you feel about noise, music, or gatherings?
• How clean do you prefer shared spaces to be?
• What is your study schedule? Do you study at home or elsewhere?

Asking these questions early prevents miscommunication and helps ensure that both of you share similar expectations for living together.

Keep in mind, just because someone is a good friend doesn’t automatically mean they’ll be a great roommate. Sometimes branching out and meeting someone new leads to a more compatible living situation.

If All Else Fails, Consider Roommate Matching

If you’re having trouble finding a roommate on your own, don’t worry! Many student apartments near ASU offer professional roommate matching.

You’ll answer questions in your application that can help match you with another student who shares similar habits, making the transition into off-campus living much smoother.

Roommate matching is a great option for students who are new to Tempe or who want to meet new people in a structured, low-pressure way.

Looking for Off-Campus Housing Near ASU? We Can Help!

We hope this guide helps you navigate the roommate search process with confidence. If you have any questions about finding housing or roommates near ASU, feel free to reach out to The Carmin fam. We’re here to help make your off-campus experience the best it can be!

FAQ

Q: How early should I start looking for roommates near ASU?
A: Most students begin searching between December and March for the upcoming fall semester, but you can start earlier to have more options.

Q: Is roommate matching at ASU apartments reliable?
A: Yes. Many student apartments near ASU use lifestyle questionnaires to match you with people who have similar habits, sleep schedules, and cleanliness preferences.

Q: What if I don’t know anyone at ASU yet?
A: Social media groups, Instagram class pages, and ASU housing platforms are great places to start. Many incoming students find all their roommates online.

Q: Can I live with fewer roommates off-campus?
A: Yes. Tempe offers everything from studios to 5-bedroom apartments, so you can choose how many roommates you’re comfortable with.