ASU Best Hall: The Ultimate Guide To Arizona State University's Top Residence Halls

Choosing where to live is one of the most critical decisions a new Sun Devil will make. If you have been searching for "asu best hall," you might be looking for two distinct things: the literal, historic Best Hall located on the Tempe campus, or a comprehensive breakdown of the absolute best residence halls Arizona State University has to offer. This guide addresses both search intents, providing a detailed look at the physical Best Hall community and comparing the top-rated housing options across ASU's sprawling campuses.

Living on campus at ASU is about more than just having a place to sleep. It is an immersive experience designed to support academic success, build lifelong friendships, and integrate students into the vibrant Sun Devil culture. From the state-of-the-art engineering hubs to historic residential complexes, ASU's housing landscape offers something tailored to every student's unique academic and social needs.

Unveiling Best Hall: The Historic Gem of ASU's Tempe Campus

Located in the heart of the Tempe campus South Zone, the physical Best Hall is a cornerstone of ASU’s residential history. Built in the mid-20th century, Best Hall is part of the Arcadia Residential Community, which also includes Hayden Hall and Irish Hall. Situated off Orange Street, this residence hall is highly prized for its unbeatable central location, placing students just steps away from the Memorial Union, Hayden Library, and the Sun Devil Fitness Complex.

Best Hall features traditional, co-ed style living arrangements with shared, community-style bathrooms that are cleaned daily by ASU facilities staff. The rooms are typically double-occupancy, featuring vintage architectural charm paired with modern essential amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, individually controlled air conditioning units, and extra-long twin beds. The courtyard spaces surrounding Best Hall are filled with mature citrus trees and grassy lawns, offering a peaceful, historic collegiate atmosphere that modern high-rises often struggle to replicate.

For students who value community, Best Hall fosters an incredibly tight-knit environment. Because the living spaces are traditional rather than suite-style, residents naturally spend more time in the common lounges, study rooms, and outdoor courtyards. This architectural layout encourages spontaneous social interactions, making it one of the easiest places on campus to make friends during your freshman year.

The Battle for the Title: Which is Actually the "Best" Hall at ASU?

While the physical Best Hall offers nostalgia and community, several modern complexes contend for the title of the overall "best" residence hall across ASU’s campuses. Depending on your major and lifestyle preferences, your definition of the ideal dorm will vary. Below are the top-tier housing complexes that consistently rank at the top of student satisfaction surveys.

Tooker House (Tempe Campus)

Located on University Drive, Tooker House is widely regarded as the "dorm built for engineers." This state-of-the-art, 1,600-bed residential community is designed specifically for Fulton Schools of Engineering students. It features digital classrooms, state-of-the-art makerspaces equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, and peer-mentoring centers. The rooms are suite-style, and the complex boasts its own massive dining hall, a fully equipped fitness center, and beautiful desert landscaping.

Barrett Honors College Complex (Tempe Campus)

For students enrolled in the prestigious Barrett Honors College, the Barrett Complex offers an unparalleled living-learning environment. Located on the southeast corner of the Tempe campus near Rural Road, this nine-acre community functions like a university within a university. It features its own refectory (dining hall) with a gourmet menu, classroom spaces, a writing center, computer labs, and private courtyards. The housing styles range from shared suites to private apartments, providing a luxurious and academically focused atmosphere.

Taylor Place (Downtown Phoenix Campus)

If you are attending the Downtown Phoenix campus, Taylor Place is the undisputed crown jewel of student housing. Located on North 1st Street, this dual-tower high-rise offers spectacular views of the Phoenix skyline. Designed for students in journalism, nursing, and public service majors, Taylor Place integrates urban living with collegiate support. The complex features a rooftop garden, shade-canopied courtyards, a massive dining hall, and close proximity to downtown internships and local transit.

Direct Comparison of ASU's Top Residence Halls

To help you visualize your options, this detailed comparison table outlines the key features, locations, and target demographics of the most popular residence halls at Arizona State University.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Choose and Apply for Your Ideal ASU Housing

Securing your spot in your preferred residence hall requires careful planning and quick action, as high-demand locations fill up incredibly fast. Follow this streamlined process to ensure you land your ideal room.

Step 1: Identify Your Residential College

ASU utilizes a "Residential College" model, meaning students are grouped together in housing based on their academic major. For example, business students are directed toward Hassayampa, while liberal arts students often live in San Pablo or Manzanita. Determine which campus your major is based on and locate the corresponding residential colleges.

Step 2: Complete Your ASU Housing Portal Application

As soon as you are admitted to ASU and confirm your enrollment, log into the My ASU portal and access the Housing Application. You will need to pay a non-refundable housing deposit. The earlier you submit this application, the higher your priority will be when room selection window opens.

Step 3: Select Your Roommates and Room Profile

During the application process, you can search for roommates using the housing portal's matching questionnaire or link up with a friend you already know. Once your selection window opens, you will view available rooms in real-time, select your specific bed space, and choose your mandatory university meal plan.

Pros and Cons of Living in ASU On-Campus Housing

Weighing the advantages and drawbacks of living on campus is essential before finalizing your housing agreement. Here is an honest look at the pros and cons of ASU residential living.

Pros

• Unbeatable Convenience: Living on campus eliminates daily commutes, parking hassles, and gives you immediate access to campus dining, libraries, and classrooms.
• Academic Support: Residence halls feature in-house tutors, computer labs, and peer mentors who understand your specific coursework requirements.
• All-Inclusive Billing: Utilities, high-speed Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning are bundled directly into your university fee bill, simplifying your finances.

Cons

• Cost Premiums: On-campus housing and mandatory meal plans can sometimes be more expensive than sharing an off-campus apartment with roommates.
• Lack of Privacy: Shared rooms and communal spaces mean you will have limited personal space, especially in traditional setups like Best Hall.
• Strict University Policies: On-campus living requires adherence to quiet hours, guest restrictions, and strict campus safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About ASU Housing

Is freshmen housing guaranteed at Arizona State University?

While ASU does not strictly guarantee housing for all students, the university strongly encourages all first-year students to live on campus. First-year students who apply by the priority deadline are almost always accommodated in their designated residential college housing.

Can I choose to live in a residence hall outside of my major?

Generally, ASU requires students to live within their designated Residential College to promote academic integration. However, exceptions can be made for special circumstances, or if you are living in unique communities like the Barrett Honors College or ROTC housing.

Are the dorms at ASU co-ed?

Yes, most residence halls at ASU are co-ed, but the room configurations themselves are single-gender. In suite-style setups, suitemates will be of the same gender. Some halls also offer gender-inclusive housing options upon request.

Is a meal plan required if I live in Best Hall or other dorms?

Yes, all first-year students living in ASU residence halls are required to purchase a university meal plan. These plans offer varying levels of dining hall access and M&G (Maroon and Gold) dollars, which can be spent at campus restaurants and convenience stores.

Secure Your Perfect Spot at Arizona State University

Finding the perfect residence hall is the first step toward launching a successful, unforgettable college experience at ASU. Whether you choose the nostalgic, community-driven halls of the historic Best Hall or the cutting-edge tech amenities of Tooker House, living on campus puts you at the center of everything the Sun Devil nation has to offer.

Do not wait until the last minute to secure your spot. Head over to your My ASU portal today, complete your housing preferences, and take the first step toward making Tempe, Downtown Phoenix, or the Poly campus your new home away from home.