Frequently asked questions
Who is eligible to live in the community?
Aspire at West Campus currently leases to University of Iowa graduate and professional students, postdoctoral students, as well as university staff, faculty, and medical center employees.
Why you should make Aspire at West Campus your new home?
Aspire at West Campus offers a quiet, studious living environment designed for those affiliated with the University of Iowa, including graduate and professional students, postdoctoral scholars, and staff and faculty. We provide flexible living options with both by-the-bed and full-unit leases, roommate matching, and furnished or unfurnished apartments, along with both annual and academic lease terms to fit your schedule. Every unit includes an in-unit washer and dryer for your convenience. Residents enjoy easy access to campus with the 42 and 41 bus lines stopping right outside our Community Center, plus a 24/7 clubhouse featuring study rooms, a mini market with snacks, drinks, toiletries, and free coffee. Our community also includes outdoor amenities like patio grills, a fire pit, a large dog park, sand volleyball court, and nearby walking trails making it easy to balance productivity, comfort, and relaxation.
What utilities are included?
Our apartments include cable TV, Wi-Fi, water, sewer, and trash included.
What amenities are in the Community Center?
Residents also enjoy access to a fitness center, study lounges and conference rooms, a micro-market, complimentary coffee/tea/hot chocolate, and a wireless printer with 50 free prints each month.
What transportation services are available?
Residents have access to a free bus stop located directly outside our community center with service to campus and downtown. The bus runs Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, arriving every 20 minutes, and residents can use the free Transit app to track routes and plan trips.
An additional stop across from the community provides service to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and a Saturday route runs every 30 minutes. After 9:00 PM, an after-hours bus operates until 4:00 AM to bring residents back to Aspire.
How does maintenance work?
Our maintenance team handles all unit repairs at no extra cost. Requests can be submitted anytime, with most work completed within 24–48 hours, and live updates provided throughout the process. Emergency maintenance is also available for urgent issues like water, fire, or heating and air conditioning problems.
What comes in a furnished apartment?
Our furnished apartments include a queen-size bed, chest of drawers, and side table in each bedroom, along with bar stools, a couch, coffee table, and chair in the living area making move-in simple and convenient!
What in unit amenities do you offer?
All units will include central heating and air conditioning, energy-efficient appliances, an in-unit washer and dryer, and wood-style flooring.
What are the private bed and bath options?
This cost-effective option includes an individual lease, a private bedroom and bathroom, and a shared kitchen and living area. Residents can choose their own roommate or be matched, and utilities are split between roommates.
What outside amenities are on site?
Outdoor amenities feature courtyards with grills, TVs, and a fire pit, plus a playground, fenced-in dog park, sand volleyball court, and walking and biking trails. The community also offers the university campus bus stop directly outside, after-hours University of Iowa shuttle service, secure building fob access, 24-hour lockout service, on-site management and maintenance, and monthly resident events.
Can a spouse/partner live with me?
Yes, as long as the primary resident meets the eligibility requirements.
How do I sign my lease?
Prospects sign the Lease Agreement electronically via their Resident/Prospect Portal. A lease contract is only valid once the primary lease holder (the resident) signs the Lease Agreement. If there is a Guarantor, the Guarantor must also sign the Lease Agreement for it to be valid. The Aspire at West Campus management team will then countersign after all parties sign the Lease Agreement.
What types of lease terms are available?
We offer Academic term (10 months), and Annual term (12 months) length leases.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee will be a $50 non-refundable fee per application submitted.
What utilities are included in my monthly installment?
Water, garbage, cable, and internet are included in the monthly installment; however liability insurance, parking, electricity and gas are not.
How much is rent?
You can find our most up-to-date pricing by visiting the Floor Plans page or by calling our office at (319) 464-0902.
When is my first payment due?
Your first installment will be due at or before the time of your move in date written on your lease.
How do I pay rent?
Great news! We have a feature that lets you pay online! View your balance, submit electronic checks, or pay with a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover from any computer or mobile device. Please note that certain payment methods will incur a service charge. Just log onto our website, click the "Resident's" tab, and click the "Pay Rent" link. This will take you to our resident portal. Or download the Resident Portal mobile app.
What is a renewal?
Are you loving it here and can’t imagine leaving at the end of your agreement? By signing a renewal, you get to extend your stay in our community!
How do I renew?
We know how busy you are, so we have made the process as quick and easy as possible. Renewing is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Just follow these steps: 1. Open your renewal email from us 2. Review the terms, and click “Accept” 3. Follow the prompts to sign the new lease agreement It’s that easy!
Do I have to move out then move back in?
Once your lease is renewed, it will automatically roll over. No extra steps needed to keep your tenancy going smoothly!
If I renew, will my guarantor have to resign as well?
Yes, your guarantor as well as any lease holders to the lease agreement will have to sign the new agreement.
How do I put in a maintenance request?
Need something fixed? You can easily submit a work order anytime through your online resident portal! Just go to our website, hover over ‘Residents’ , and select ‘Maintenance.’ It will prompt you to log into your account. From there, you can quickly and conveniently request maintenance whenever you need.
Are we allowed to have pets?
Yes, we are a pet friendly community!
Do you guys have any breed restrictions?
Our community does not accept the following breeds: Akita, American Bull Dog, Chow, Doberman, Pit Bulls (American Staffordshire Bull Terriers or English Staffordshire Bull Terriers), Rottweiler, and wolf-hybrids. Any full breed or mixture of the noted breeds are not allowed. For further information regarding our pet policy, please contact the community office.
What are the fees for having a pet?
We require a $250 non-refundable pet fee, with a monthly fee of $30 pet rent per pet.
Are there weight limit restrictions?
At this time, there is no weight restriction.
Do you accommodate service animals?
We gladly accommodate service animals and emotional support animals. Please contact the leasing office for the proper forms to be filed out in conjunction with your personal medical professional.
Can I request for a specific unit?
Rooms are assigned first come first serve. If you have a specific layout/floor request please include it in the "Bedroom/Floor Requested" section of the application. Please note this is a request and is not guaranteed that we will accommodate the request. Please also make sure that you include any preferred roommates in the "Requested Roommate" section. If you do not have roommates, please note that you will be matched based on roommate questionnaire in your application.
Do I need to find a roommate?
No need to find your own roommate, we offer roommate matching. Our roommate matching pairs you with compatible housemates, and individual leases let you rent by the bed, making you responsible only for your own space and rent. Enjoy shared living with total peace of mind.
What if I have a roommate in mind?
If you have a roommate in mind, please also make sure that you include any preferred roommates in the "Requested Roommate" section of the application. If you do not have roommates, please note that you will be matched based on roommate questionnaire in your application.
What if I don't like my roommate after move-in?
If there are differences between roommates that cannot be resolved, residents may be able to transfer as rooms are available. A transfer fee will apply. Please contact the community office for more information.
Can we park anywhere?
Yes you can! Parking is valid with a parking permit issued by the front office. Parking is first come, first serve, and uncovered.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available for $25 a month.