The Complete ISU Off-Campus Housing Guide

How the ISU Housing Market Works

Off-campus housing near Iowa State moves fast. Properties close to campus, like those along South Grand Avenue, tend to fill their best floor plans months before the following fall's move-in date. Many students start touring and comparing options in the fall semester for housing that begins the next August, so waiting until spring often means choosing from what's left rather than what you actually want.

Leasing early has real advantages beyond just floor plan choice. It gives you time to coordinate with roommates (or get matched with compatible ones), lock in current pricing before it rises closer to move-in, and avoid the stress of a last-minute search.

Understanding Your Options

The Grove at Ames offers 2- and 3-bedroom floor plans, each built around private bedrooms and bathrooms so you get your own space within a shared home. Every resident signs an individual lease for their own bedroom, which means you don't need a full group of roommates lined up before you apply.

By-the-Bed Leasing

What "Fully Furnished" Includes

Understanding Your Costs

The rent you see advertised rarely tells the whole story. To compare apartments fairly, look at total monthly cost: base rent plus utilities, internet, and any required or optional fees.

Sample Monthly Budget

Application & Move-In Costs

Base rent is the listed floor plan price only. Total monthly cost is base rent plus utilities, required fees, and any lifestyle add-ons you choose.

How to Qualify

The Grove at Ames offers several ways to qualify for a lease, so students at different stages, with different financial circumstances, can find a pathway that works for them. Each option below is a neutral business criterion available to any applicant who meets it.

Your Neighborhood

The Grove at Ames sits on South Grand Avenue, a corridor lined with student housing communities just a short trip from Iowa State's campus and within walking distance of Jack Trice Stadium. A CyRide bus stop sits right at the property, connecting you to campus and the rest of Ames.

Getting to Campus

Dining & Groceries

South Grand Avenue and the surrounding area put a range of restaurants and grocery options close by, including Old Chicago, Wasabi Ames, Fuji Japanese Steak House, Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grill, and Applebee's Grill + Bar. For groceries, ALDI is nearby, with additional full-service options including Hy-Vee locations around Ames and Wheatsfield Cooperative for local and organic goods.

Healthcare

Iowa State's Thielen Student Health Center, located on campus next to State Gym and Beyer Hall, provides primary care, women's health, and other medical services to students and can be reached at 515-294-5801. For hospital-level and emergency care, Mary Greeley Medical Center is located at 1111 Duff Avenue in Ames.

Life at The Grove at Ames

Beyond your apartment, The Grove at Ames gives residents a full set of community spaces designed for studying, working out, and unwinding.

Every Apartment Includes

Office & Maintenance

Reading Your Lease

A lease is a legally binding contract, so it's worth reading closely before you sign. Iowa State's Student Legal Services office offers free, confidential lease reviews and advice to enrolled students, and can flag anything unusual before you commit.

Core Lease Terms

Questions to Ask Before Signing

1. Move-in date and key pickup — when and how do you get access to your unit?
2. First rent due date — when is your first payment due?
3. What's included — confirm exactly what's covered in your rent
4. Early termination penalty — what does it cost to break the lease if plans change?
5. Subletting — is it allowed, and what's the process?
6. Deposit return — how and when is it returned after move-out?
7. Guest and noise policy — what are the community's rules?
8. Renewal deadline — when do you need to decide about the following year?
9. Maintenance response time — what's the typical turnaround?
10. Parking cost — is it included, or an additional fee?
11. Pet policy — fees, deposits, and breed/weight restrictions if applicable

Move-In Checklist

Because units at The Grove at Ames come fully furnished, your move-in list is shorter than a typical unfurnished apartment. Focus on personal items, documents, and getting set up.

Day One

1. Document unit condition — take photos of the unit before unpacking to protect your deposit
2. Set up the resident portal — for rent payments and maintenance requests
3. Connect to Wi-Fi — internet is included
4. Test appliances — report any issues within 24 hours
5. Pick up access cards or fobs — from the leasing office
6. Locate emergency exits — familiarize yourself with your building
7. Set up your CyRide routine — locate the nearest stop and routes to your classes

How to Apply

1. Schedule a tour — in-person or virtual, whichever works for your schedule
2. Choose a floor plan — 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom, based on your needs
3. Select a qualification method — guarantor, self-qualification, security deposit, or the waiver program
4. Submit your application online — through the property's website
5. Sign your lease — digital signing available, remote signing possible
6. Pay any required upfront fees — application, admin, or deposit as applicable
7. Receive move-in confirmation — with your move-in date and key pickup details

Leasing Contact

Quick Reference

Key Dates

Useful ISU Resources