The ASU Freshman Survival Guide to Downtown Tempe

Hey new Sun Devils, welcome to your new home! We know the first few weeks of freshman year are a total whirlwind of moving in, finding your classes, and figuring out how to actually navigate adulthood. It is super easy to get stuck in a loop between your dorm and the dining hall, but if you want to experience the real Tempe, you have to break out of the campus bubble.

From scoring sustainable Welcome Week fits to finding the best study cafes between lectures, here is your cheat sheet to navigating the district like a true local.

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HOW TO GET AROUND

You absolutely do not need a car to survive here. The Valley Metro Streetcar and Light Rail are your best friends. The Streetcar loops right through campus and straight down Mill Avenue, dropping you off steps away from your new favorite spots. Grab a scooter if you are in a rush, but otherwise, our highly walkable district makes it incredibly easy to get from your dorm to downtown Tempe in minutes.

Knee Deep | 📍 512 S Mill Ave

Looking for a wardrobe refresh that won't drain your bank account? This locally-owned shop is the ultimate destination for edgy, custom pieces and student-friendly prices. Whether you are hunting for a one-of-a-kind accessories or the perfect custom statement piece, Knee Deep has everything you need to stand out and show off your unique style on campus this semester.

LIZARD HEAD TRADING CO. | 📍 6th St & Mill Ave

Need a killer outfit for the Sun Devil Welcome concert or your first college party? Skip the fast fashion. This brand-new buy, sell, and trade shop is an absolute game-changer for building a sustainable college wardrobe with curated secondhand gems.

Cafetal Coffee | 📍 777 S College Ave

You are going to need a reliable spot to study that isn't the chaotic library. Located on ASU’s campus, Cafetal Coffee serves beans straight from the owner’s Colombian family farm. Every cup comes with a story, and menu highlights like the arroz con leche latte and chai latte make it worth the stop between classes or meetings. Spread out your notes, grab a cold brew, and get to work in a space that actually makes you feel productive.

Here’s a look at what’s brewing around Downtown Tempe

FOCH CAFE & BISTRO | 📍 21 E 6th St

Looking for the ultimate weekend brunch? Grab your new roommates and head to Foch. With an incredible scratch-made French- inspired menu and legendary mimosa flights (for when you turn 21!), it is the perfect aesthetic spot to debrief and recap the weekend. Here are all the other great brunch spots we have in Downtown Tempe!

University Sports Grill | 📍 740 S Mill Ave

When the Sun Devils are playing away (or if you didn't snag stadium tickets), this is where you go to watch the game. As the official ASU Game Watch Party Headquarters, they have massive TV’s, game day specials, and wall-to-wall Sun Devil energy.

C.A.S.A. & NEON SPUR| 📍 6th St & Mill Ave

When it’s time to clock out of study mode, Mill Ave nightlife is legendary. Share buckets o' fun and hit the Dance floor at C.A.S.A., or step into Neon Spur for unbeatable weekend energy. This is exactly what a true Tempe night out looks like.

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STAY IN THE LOOP

Bookmark the DTA Event Calendar to keep your schedule packed with the best local happenings, downtown signature events, and more. While you're at it, be sure to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at @DowntownTempe! We love seeing your adventures, so don't forget to tag #DowntownTempe to show us where you end up.

Forks up! 🔱