Is ASU a Party School? Clubs, Student Life, and More

College students attending ASU have access to quality academic experiences and an exhilarating social scene in Tempe, Arizona. 

The school has been ranked as the #1 Most Innovative School in the nation for seven consecutive years! Additionally, they have taken on the role of New American University – a prototype for the 21st-century American university.

Tempe has a great reputation based on its year-round temperate climate, culinary scene, and ease of access. 

There are various stations to rent bikes or scooters, while the Valley Metro light rail connects students to areas like Phoenix, the Sky Harbor Airport, and Mesa, AZ.

Coming up, we’ll break down the most popular and interesting clubs, Greek events, and nightlife spots that make ASU one of the top party schools in the nation.


Is ASU a Party School

Arizona State University
Beyond My Ken, 2021 Arizona State University, Tempe Campus, Old Main, CC BY-SA 4.0

Yes, ASU is widely considered to be one of the best party schools in the country. 

Starting from the first week of the semester, there’s something fun to get involved in nearly every day of the week in Tempe!

In the Sun Devil Welcome Week alone, there are more than 100 free events for students, including the Fall Welcome Concert, which has hosted popular artists like 3OH!3 and Metric. 

The Tiki Luau is another event that draws over 8,000 students in with free food, trampolines, blow-up slides, and live music.

It is no surprise that Tempe, a desert town, is a hub for some outrageously fun pool parties! ASU’s campus housing includes resort-style pool facilities that bring in hundreds of students on sunny, warm weekends (of which there are many!). 

With such a favorable climate, ASU likes to take the party outdoors as often as possible. The A Mountain Challenge is a tradition where students hike A Mountain at their own pace from March to April and log their times online – winners will receive various prizes depending on the year!

Mill Avenue is also a center of social life. At any point, you’ll likely see someone biking, walking, or longboarding down the popular Palm Walk

On Foodie Fridays, students can enjoy selections from a variety of food trucks, live music, and beverages every Friday night in May. Second Sundays offer the same elements in addition to more vendors and entertainers.

Varsity sports are a significant part of ASU campus life – many students attend fall football games and go all out for the ASU v. AU (University of Arizona) matchup. In addition to varsity sports, over 6,000 students participate in ASU intramural sports annually, with the most popular activities being basketball, football, and soccer.

Those who seize the day and explore everything Tempe has to offer will also be pleased to find that there are many things to do within a few hours from campus. Students can plan a road trip to visit Grand Canyon National Park, Sedona, or Flagstaff.


What Kinds of Clubs are at ASU?

Arizona State University has over 1,000 student organizations on record, all of which can be found on Sun Devil Sync. From intramural sports and performing arts to outdoor recreation and philanthropy, ASU has a club devoted to any kind of interest.

One of the most popular clubs at ASU is the PAB (Programming and Activities Board). Its members conceive ideas and bring them to life to create some of the coolest parties on campus. 

Events include open mic nights, film screenings, concerts, improv performances, and game-day activities to coincide with Sun Devil athletic events.

The ASU Outdoors Club is another popular group with over 500 students paying annual dues. 

The club organizes up to five outdoor activities on a weekly basis, including hiking, biking, and rock climbing. On spring and winter break, they embark on lengthier excursions.

It’s worth mentioning that ASU has been designated a “Gold Level” campus by the League of American Bicyclists, meaning that they are extremely bike-friendly! 

The ASU Cycling club is open to all students, staff, and faculty members who love to ride. From mountain bikers to BMX riders, the club is inclusive of all bike aficionados. 

Not particularly fond of the outdoors, but still love a friendly competition? ASU happens to have one of the United States’ most acclaimed student-led esports groups. 

The ASU Esports club is one of the largest student groups on campus and is open to gamers of all levels. It currently organizes 20 different small teams that play games like Call of Duty, League of Legends, and Rainbow Six Siege.

The 942 Crew is a school spirit group that shows up to the student section of every Sun Devil basketball game. 

Their infamous Curtain of Distraction is a technique they use to thwart free throw efforts when the opposing team is shooting on their side of the court. With every free throw attempt, the group will pull open a curtain to reveal awkward, frightening, or hilarious performances.


ASU Sororities

Arizona State University
Public domain photo by Daderot via Wikimedia Commons

There are 15 sororities in the Panhellenic Association at ASU. Sororities like Delta Gamma hold regular formals and exchanges throughout the semester in addition to going on retreats off-campus. 

Kappa Alpha Theta is one of the largest sororities on campus. From going on hiking adventures to hosting bake sales at the Greek Leadership Village, they are also one of the most involved sororities at ASU.

Alpha Phi is another popular sorority on campus that hosts events like their Gatsby-themed formal and charity-focused Red Dress Gala.

Many sororities link up with ASU fraternities to compete in school spirit events throughout the year, especially during Homecoming Week. During this week in the fall, sorority members might be found organizing blood drives, decorating windows, designing parade floats, and hosting large parties. 

Sororities are also heavily involved in philanthropy. The Cinderella Affair is a spring event where many sororities will assist in collecting and donating new or lightly-used prom dresses to community teens.

Other sorority events are dedicated to professional endeavors. The Panhellenic Association hosts regular women’s leadership dinners to network, share experiences, and learn how to improve as leaders.

In addition to other women’s conferences, the Panhellenic Association hosts the Sorority-Sponsored Pink ASU Women’s Basketball Game and Pans-giving during November. While ASU sororities make time to socialize, they follow through when it comes to supporting the local community.


ASU Fraternities 

ASU has a massive fraternity presence with 38 fraternities representing four councils. The campus has been established as a New American University committed to revolutionizing higher education, which has resulted in exciting social opportunities for the Greek community.

ASU fraternity (and sorority) members within 27 distinct chapters will be housed in the brand new Greek Leadership Village

Each house will have the chance to establish its own identity and organize social events that take place on the Village grounds.

Like their sorority counterparts, ASU fraternities also organize regular formal and informal events. 

Students looking to join a popular, involved fraternity should consider Theta Xi, which regularly places within the top three positions at the annual Greek Week competition. 

While fraternities like Sigma Phi Epsilon, Sigma Chi, and Delta Sigma are known to throw some of the best parties on campus, ASU fraternities are also dedicated to service and raising awareness of important issues within the community.

IFC chapters regularly host programs like the fall Men’s Health Initiative. The Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) chapter recently surpassed the college’s record for the most money raised at a single ASU Greek event during their Shave to Save fundraiser for the TGen’s Center for Rare Childhood Disorders.

Male students seeking to join a diverse group of peers committed to leadership, excellence, and philanthropy can choose from additional culturally-based chapters with Latinx, African American, or LGBTQA focuses.

Greek Week and Greek Sing are two of the most popular social events for sorority members on campus. Greek Week occurs every spring and challenges the fraternities (and sororities) to compete in educational, philanthropic, and athletic events.

Greek Sing is the biggest event of Greek Week. Different sorority and fraternity members compete in lip-syncing and dancing performances to raise money for the United Way.


Nightlife in Tempe – What Is There to Do?

Tempe offers a variety of fun nighttime activities for ASU students. Mill Avenue is the quintessential main college street where most students hang out at night. Be sure to stop into the Mill Cue Club for an AMF and a game of pool!

Those looking for a more festive scene can go dancing at Zuma or Aura, two popular nightclubs. With such a strong sports fan base, Tempe also has bars and restaurants like Varsity Tavern and Zipps Sports Grill, which are perfect for watching college football and basketball games. 

The Park After Dark returns to downtown Tempe every summer for games, a beer and wine garden, live music, and outdoor fun. Other seasonal activities include catching an Arizona Diamondbacks game at Chase Field or a Phoenix Suns game at Footprint Center.

What else should ASU students make sure they don’t miss? The ASU Gammage offers a great “student rush” deal that allows students to watch major Broadway productions for 50% off the full price. 

Before graduating, many students will have watched a 3D show at the Marston Exploration Theater or a comedy show at Tempe Improv.

Four years may not provide enough time for ASU students to take advantage of all their campus and surrounding community has to offer, which we think is a good problem.