Arizona State University Campus Immersion

Arizona State University traces its roots to 1885, when it opened as a normal school to train teachers in the Arizona Territory, evolving into a sprawling public research giant with over 70,000 undergraduates on its Tempe campus. You'll find a personality that's boldly entrepreneurial—ASU brands itself around the 'New American University' idea, prioritizing access, innovation, and real-world impact over traditional ivy prestige. Students who thrive here love big crowds, collaborative energy, and jumping into hands-on projects; those seeking intimate seminars or constant professor access might feel lost in the size. Tempe offers a sunny, walkable college town vibe in the Phoenix metro, with palm-shaded paths and Mill Avenue bars, though the relentless summer heat demands adjustment and the flat desert landscape lacks dramatic scenery.