Student Housing in Ames
Ames is the quintessential college town, pulsing with youthful energy and built around Iowa State University. With ten dedicated student housing options nestled near campus, you're never more than a short walk or bike ride from lectures, labs, and student life. The vibrant downtown district buzzes with affordable restaurants, trendy coffee shops, and bars that cater to the student crowd, making it easy to balance academics with social fun. Getting around is effortless—most housing is walkable to campus, and the extensive bus system keeps Des Moines Area Community College equally accessible. The tight-knit student community here means you're surrounded by peers navigating the same college journey, creating friendships that extend far beyond dorm walls. Local businesses understand student budgets and schedules, offering discounts and flexible hours. Whether you're grabbing late-night study snacks on Main Street or heading to weekend house parties with new friends, Ames' student housing ecosystem is designed for you to thrive academically while genuinely enjoying your college years.
Housing Overview
- Location
- Ames, IA
- Properties
- 10 listed
- Total Beds
- 0
What to Know About Ames
Key highlights for students considering Ames
10 student housing options conveniently located near Iowa State campus
Home to Iowa State University, a major research institution
Access to Des Moines Area Community College for dual enrollment
College town atmosphere with student-friendly amenities and services
Affordable Midwest living compared to coastal college towns
Walkable campus area with local transit options for students
Student Life in Ames
# Student Life in Ames, Iowa Ames is a vibrant college town built around Iowa State University, making it an ideal destination for students. The city's youthful energy, combined with a strong academic community, creates an welcoming atmosphere that attracts students from across the region, including those attending Des Moines Area Community College. The neighborhoods surrounding campus offer approximately 10 housing options ranging from traditional dorms to off-campus apartments, all within convenient distance of Iowa State's campus. Areas near the university provide student-friendly amenities, walkable streets, and easy access to classes and campus facilities. Employment opportunities abound for students. Local businesses, restaurants, retail shops, and the university itself regularly hire part-time workers, allowing students to balance work and studies affordably. Ames' social scene thrives with student-oriented entertainment. Bars, coffee shops, and restaurants line the streets, hosting live music, trivia nights, and themed events. Campus organizations and university-sponsored activities keep weekends exciting. Compared to other college towns, Ames offers reasonable cost of living. Housing, dining, and entertainment remain relatively affordable, stretching student budgets further than larger university cities. The city celebrates unique local culture through Veishea, a historic spring celebration, and hosts farmers' markets showcasing Iowa's agricultural heritage. The welcoming community, combined with strong school spirit around Iowa State athletics, creates a genuine sense of belonging. Whether you're seeking academic excellence, social connection, or authentic Midwestern charm, Ames delivers a memorable student experience that extends far beyond the classroom.
Explore Ames
Student Housing in Ames
RES Properties
RES Properties is a 46-unit student housing community located at 2519 Chamberlain St in Ames, just 0.4 miles from Iowa State University. The property offers in-unit washer/dryer, air conditioning, and modern kitchen appliances including dishwashers and granite countertops. Additional amenities include a fitness center, clubhouse, controlled access, and an elevator.
West Towne
West Towne is a 325-unit student housing community located at 4720 Mortensen Rd in Ames, Iowa, approximately 2.1 miles from Iowa State University. Built in 2004, the property offers furnished apartments with amenities including full kitchens, air conditioning, fitness center, clubhouse, and community lounge. Units feature balcony patios, cable TV, dishwashers, and bike storage.
The Madison Apartments
The Madison Apartments is a 540-unit student housing community located at 4912 Mortensen Rd in Ames, IA, approximately 2.2 miles from Iowa State University. Built in 1969, the property offers fully furnished units with amenities including a 24-hour fitness center, full kitchens with dishwashers, air conditioning, and common areas such as a clubhouse, community lounge, basketball court, and business center.
BlockONE
BlockONE is a 320-unit apartment community located 0.3 miles from Iowa State University's campus in Ames, Iowa. Built in 2016, the property offers in-unit washer dryer, bike storage, study rooms, a coffee bar, and courtyard space, with amenities including individual leases, roommate matching services, and online payment options.
Wessex
Wessex is an apartment community located at 3022 Wessex Dr in Ames, Iowa, approximately 2.1 miles from Iowa State University. Built in 1998, the property features 294 units with amenities including 24-hour maintenance and fitness facilities, air conditioning, dishwashers, and recreational areas such as a basketball court and clubhouse.
CORE Apartments
CORE Apartments is a 97-unit apartment community located at 4415 Lincoln Way in Ames, Iowa, approximately 1.5 miles from Iowa State University. Built in 2018, the property offers amenities including a fitness center, clubhouse, game room, dog park, bike storage, car wash, and full kitchens with dishwashers and garbage disposals. The community features 24/7 maintenance, controlled access, air conditioning, and an elevator.
Copper Beech at Ames Apartments
Copper Beech at Ames Apartments is a 221-unit apartment community located at 1717 S Grand Ave in Ames, Iowa, approximately 1.9 miles from Iowa State University. Built in 1969, the property offers fully furnished units with in-unit washer/dryer, full kitchens, and air conditioning. Amenities include a fitness center, pool, basketball court, game room, clubhouse, and roommate matching services.
Lyon Residence Hall
Lyon Residence Hall is a student housing property located at 305 Richardson Ct in Ames, Iowa, just 0.3 miles from the Iowa State University campus. The residence hall provides on-campus housing accommodations for students attending the university.
Eaton Residence Hall
Eaton Residence Hall is located at 135 Beyer Ct in Ames, Iowa, just 0.2 miles from Iowa State University's campus. This student housing facility provides on-campus living accommodations for university students.
Barton Residence Hall
Barton Residence Hall is located at 285 Richardson Ct in Ames, Iowa, approximately 0.4 miles from Iowa State University. This student housing property provides on-campus residential accommodations for university students.
Area Schools in Ames
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