For instance, Beach View and Sunset View apartment complexes are off Beach Ave and Gray Ave respectively, each offering great accommodations for students looking for off-campus living.

For those looking for off-campus housing that comes with a nice view of the campus, Stadium View Ames Apartments are just a short walk from Jack Trice Stadium, featuring two, three and four-bedroom apartments for students looking for housing for themselves and their roommates. These high-end apartments have everything an Iowa State student is looking for in off-campus housing!

A little over a mile off-campus, The Social West Ames Station apartment complex is a luxurious (with the pricing to prove it) living space that offers students proximity to campus and beautiful two to four-bedroom apartments. For students with a bigger housing budget, these apartments are worth a look.

And for those searching for one-bedroom or studio options, Union on Lincoln Way offers anywhere from studio to five-bedroom apartments and is located directly adjacent to campus so public transportation is not a concern!

Dining

Iowa State University is home to some amazing eats, both on and off-campus.

If you are looking for the typical, chain-type restaurants, you will find the likes of Potbelly and Panda Express less than a mile from campus. However, if you are looking for unique dining opportunities, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from!

For example, if pizza is your dish of choice, Smokin' Oak has delicious, wood-fired pizza options that are just off campus (less than half a mile). Blaze Pizza and Jeff's Pizza Shoppe are also a short distance from campus.

If you are looking for a good cup of coffee, Stomping Grounds is said to have the best, but if you are more in the mood for an afternoon treat, Freddy's Frozen Custard has good, traditional custard.

Finally, if you are looking for some authentic eats, Thai Kitchen or Wok and Roll are great choices, or you can grab some simple, burgers and fries at Café Beaudelaire.

Transportation

Finding your way around the Iowa State campus, when living off-campus, is not as challenging as it may sound.

If you are a fan of public transportation, or simply do not have a car on campus, the CyRide Bus system serves the Iowa State campus as well as the surrounding city of Ames. And the best part? If you are an ISU student, you ride for free!

Parking

If you do have a car on campus and are looking for parking, be careful, as most campus parking is permit-required, Monday through Friday during business hours. However, if you are looking for night class parking or weekend parking, you may be in luck, as parking is typically free after 5:30 p.m. on Friday (until 7 a.m. on Monday). Signs throughout campus let you know where you can park without incurring a ticket!

Safety

If you are looking for on-campus safety services, there are many available to ISU students.

For instance, there are Medical Services available on campus for students at the Thielen Student Health Center, or even Student Counseling Services, if needed.

Also, the ISU and Ames police departments are always available to students, as well as resources for pandemics, campus violence, and safety escorts on campus.

Shopping

Last, but not least, Iowa State University's campus offers numerous shopping opportunities for students.

For groceries, Target is just a little over two miles off-campus, as is a Walmart Supercenter. So, while it may take public transportation to get there (or a long walk or bike ride), these stores are close enough that you will not need a car.

If you are more interested in unique shopping opportunities, you can stop by Grandma's Attic, Overflow Thrift Store, or Mayhem Collectibles, all within two miles of campus.

For clothing, you can check out Portobello Road, The Loft, or Barefoot Campus Outfitters (all within two miles of campus). And for shopping centers to pick up a variety of products, the North Grand Mall is slightly over two miles from campus and the newer Main Street Cultural District offers shopping centers under two miles from campus.

Basically, there are countless shops near Iowa State, so look around and choose the store that is right for you!