ASU
Tempe 101: A Prep Course for Life at ASU
July 8, 2024
Welcome to Arizona State University! We’re here to help you become a Tempe expert.
Every August, a new freshmen class descends upon Arizona State University, making Tempe their home for the next four (or more) years. With a growing campus located in the heart of downtown, and a culture that embraces and celebrates all Sun Devils, Tempe is an exceptional place to be a university student.
Tempe’s global cuisine scene, year-round events and festivals, energetic nightlife and Sonoran Desert recreation all play a key role in the Sun Devil experience. To equip incoming students for the academic year ahead, this is your guide to all the Tempe essentials.
For even more inspiration, our events calendar is the place to find information on upcoming festivals, live music, pool parties, performing arts, exhibits and more. Plus, follow us on all social channels (@tempetourism) for the inside scoop on vibes, hidden gems, local favorites and more.
Welcome to Downtown Tempe
Downtown Tempe, located adjacent to campus, is a natural gathering spot for students, locals and visitors. Home to more than 100 shops, restaurants and bars, the iconic Mill Avenue is the perfect place for brunch on a shady patio, dancing the night away, and just about everything in between.
Downtown Tempe is also the spot to shop for ASU fan gear. Check out our list of all the best places to grab Sun Devil apparel, accessories and more.
If you’re a visitor, future Sun Devil, or an event attendee looking to stay close to campus, check out our Hotels near Arizona State University blog for the best places to stay while you enjoy all things ASU.
Restaurants in Tempe
Sure, many students have a meal plan as part of their room and board package. That’s definitely convenient, but as they say, variety is the spice of life. Students and their visitors will find many unique, locally owned restaurant concepts throughout Tempe.
Here’s a few of our favorites for your consideration.
What’s New: Stay in the know with our ever-evolving list of new restaurants, bars and more in opening Tempe. We bring you the latest and greatest via our new places to dine, drink and dance blog.
Mexican: Authentic Mexican cuisine is a staple in Arizona, and Tempe is home to a wide variety of restaurants that range from new and trendy to multigenerational classics and family-run concepts that have defined this culinary landscape for decades.
International Flavors: Global cuisine another one of Tempe’s claim to fame. International flavors that rank tops among locals include Curry Corner, Haji-Baba, The Dhaba, the Phoenicia Café, or India’s Flame. For a real international treat, you have to try the Ethiopian dishes at Cafe Lalibela. Check out the Apache Boulevard Spice Trail for more inspiration.
Breakfast: If breakfast is your favorite meal of the day or you love brunchin’ with your friends, you’re in luck. The choices are almost endless in Tempe. Check out Tempe’s best breakfast restaurants and top weekend brunch spots.
Pizza: Nothing pairs with move-in day like pizza, which is why we’ve detailed the Tempe’s best Italian restaurants and pizza joints in this roundup of the best pies.
Things to Do and Attractions
Arts and culture, festivals and outdoor activities are abundant in Tempe, providing a must-needed break away from homework! Here are just a few Tempe attractions and local gems to help newbies adjust to their home away from home.
For starters, check out your transportation options on and around campus. Tempe is a breeze to navigate. With our transportation guide — which covers the convenience of Valley Metro Rail and Tempe Streetcar, plus parking info — you’re set for any event or adventure.
Tempe Town Lake Activities: Tempe Town Lake is a great spot for boating and exploring the pathways around the lake. Boat Rentals of America-Tempe Town Lake provides kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, donut boats, electric boats and more for hourly rentals. Bikers and runners can easily travel from campus to the lake and then take a scenic jaunt around the lake and over the bridges.
Free Things to Do: The best way to explore your new city is, of course, for free. So, stretch your funds and check out our blog of free things to do in Tempe for some weekend inspiration.
Outdoor Activities: The daytime temperatures are toasty in August, but the mornings are usually cool enough to hit this city’s scenic trails. Once October rolls around, the hiking and biking trails around town are full of fitness-loving fanatics enjoying their time in the sun.
The most convenient trail, and also a rite of passage for Sun Devils is at “A” Mountain. Located at Mill Avenue and Third Street, this butte has been has worn its signature 60-foot “A” since 1938.
The red sandstone buttes of Papago Park make it a picturesque destination for hiking, biking, photography and picnics. Located north of Tempe Town Lake, the park’s trails can be accessed from Mill and Curry and College and Curry. You’ll also find Desert Botanical Garden, Hall of Flame Fire Museum, the Phoenix Zoo, Arizona Historical Society Museum and S’edav Va’aki Museum (formerly Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park) here.
Dorm Room Essentials
Living on campus or moving away from home for the first time can be quite daunting. There are endless amounts of essentials and supplies you will need, from bedding to rugs to cozy chairs, to make a dorm room or your college apartment really feel like home. Check off those needed items by viewing the ASU move-in checklist.
If you’re traveling from out of state and can’t get these items in advance, or accidentally forget some things at home, ASU Tempe Campus is located next to several big retailers that have everything you need to mark off your list and more.
Check off those needed items at these stores in Tempe:
Tempe Marketplace
2000 E. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281 | 480-966-9338
Tempe Marketplace is a one-stop destination for super shopping, a lineup of great restaurants, entertainment (The District Stage hosts live music), a Barnes & Noble for hitting the books and even personal pampering. Attractions here include, Dave & Busters, Lumberjaxes Axe Throwing Bar & Grill, Harkins Theatres, a variety of pop-up events and endless possibilities for retail therapy. But first, let’s furnish that dorm or apartment:
During high-traffic seasons, including back to school and holiday shopping, you may have better luck in selections, variety and crowds by shopping further away from campus. These South Tempe staples are a short drive from the ASU Tempe campus:
- Target – 1818 E. Baseline Road, Tempe, AZ 85283
- Walmart – 1380 W. Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ 85284
- IKEA Tempe – 2110 W. IKEA Way, Tempe, AZ 85284
- At Home – 1050 W. Elliot Road, Tempe, AZ 85284
Arizona Mills
5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle, Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-491-7300
Home to such outlet shops as Adidas Clearance Store and Nike Factory Store, Arizona Mills is also the best place to cool off and enjoy attractions like Tilt Studio, SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium, LEGOLAND Discovery Center and a Harkins IMAX theatre. For all your dorm/home needs, visit: Ross, Five Below, Burlington and Marshalls.
Additional Shopping Experiences in Tempe:
Changing Hands Bookstore is a Tempe favorite that’s home to bestsellers, classic books and gift items as well as a full calendar of events, including language classes, author events and workshops.
6428 S. McClintock Drive, Tempe, AZ 85283 | 480-730-0205
For vintage and retro shoppers, we’ve curated the best spots for finding one-of-a-kind wardrobe additions here. Plus, a few pop-up events that you won’t want to miss.
Walmart, the one-stop shop for all essentials.
800 E. Southern Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282 | 480-966-0264
