What makes ASU different: months of triple-digit heat and desert UV, crossed on foot daily. In Tempe, sun protection is everyday equipment, used on every walk.
Built from ASU’s official housing policies and campus climate data.
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For every walk to class
Desert UV works on your student every single day, all year long. Sunscreen is the one item on this list with no off-season.
Why it matters at ASUDaily sun exposure walking across campus makes sunscreen essential year-round, and a travel-size tube makes reapplying between classes easy.
Usually under $15 · opens Amazon in a new tab
Instant relief after every walk
Why it matters at ASUA cooling towel gives instant relief after a hot walk to class, helping your student cool down fast instead of overheating indoors.
See it on Amazon ↗Usually under $15 · opens Amazon in a new tab
Cool relief on the go
Why it matters at ASUA handheld misting fan gives instant relief while waiting for the shuttle or walking between buildings in peak afternoon heat.
See it on Amazon ↗Usually $15 to $30 · opens Amazon in a new tab
Cuts the constant glare
Why it matters at ASUArizona's intense year-round glare causes headaches and eye strain on bright walkways, so real UV protection keeps your student focused in class.
See it on Amazon ↗Usually $15 to $30 for solid UV400 pairs · opens Amazon in a new tab
Quick cover for a sudden dust storm
Why it matters at ASUArizona's monsoon season brings sudden dust storms that can drop visibility to almost nothing in minutes, and a simple mask in their bag or backpack means your student can cover up fast if they get caught walking through one.
See it on Amazon ↗$8 to $15 · opens Amazon in a new tab
Sun coverage sunscreen can miss
Why it matters at ASUA featherweight long-sleeve shirt blocks sun on the walk to class without adding heat, giving your student sun coverage sunscreen alone cannot reach as easily on the arms and neck.
See it on Amazon ↗$20 to $35 · opens Amazon in a new tab
Replaces what sweat takes out
Why it matters at ASUDry desert heat depletes electrolytes faster than plain water can replace, preventing the headaches and fatigue that hurt focus in class.
See it on Amazon ↗Usually $15 to $25 a box · opens Amazon in a new tab
Helps them sleep past sunrise
Why it matters at ASUArizona's strong morning sun can heat and brighten a dorm room early, so blackout curtains help your student sleep through to their actual alarm instead of the sunrise.
See it on Amazon ↗Usually $20 to $35 · opens Amazon in a new tab
A curator who never says “don’t buy” isn’t curating. These are the things ASU makes unnecessary.
Dorms are air-conditioned. A fan gives backup airflow without adding humidity and noise to a small shared room.
Under desert sun, anything below SPF 30 is a sunburn with extra steps. SPF 50 is the sensible floor.
Halls generally prohibit them and dorm windows aren't built for venting. Blackout curtains plus a fan do the real work.
Every pick starts from ASU’s housing policies, residence halls, and climate. If we can’t explain an item in one sentence, it doesn’t make the list. No filler, no padding.
ASU's sprawling Tempe campus makes 20-minute walks between classes normal. This gear keeps them cool.
Guide 3 of 5Up next →E-Mobility: Scooters, E-Bikes & Boards for ASU's Huge CampusASU's campus is so vast that e-scooters, e-bikes, and boards are the standard way to class.
Guide 5 of 5
