Frequently Asked Questions
How many apartments are there at the Sahara?
There are 169 studio apartments and three luxury 1 bedroom 1 bath apartments as well as one 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment.
How big are the apartments and how do they compare to the size of the UofA dorm rooms (Resident Hall rooms)?
Our studio apartments are available in two sizes:
- 336 square-foot studios (single or double occupancy): 162 total
- 286 square-foot studios (double occupancy only): 7 total
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TOTAL NUMBER OF ROOMS: 169
Dorm rooms at the UofA are typically 12’ by 12’, or 144 square feet. Sahara’s studio apartments are two to 2.5 times the size of the typical UofA dorm room. Also, at the UofA often times two or more rooms share one bath, and if there are any kitchen facilities, they are shared kitchens and not in the dorm room, or even nearby. Sahara Apartments provides a full bath and a kitchen in every apartment.
In addition to the above studio apartments, there are three one-bedroom and one two-bedroom apartments available. These are more spacious with their own laundry facilities (washer and dryer) a dishwasher, disposal, high-speed Internet connections, and 27” high-definition TV that works with our 30-channel satellite system. Three of these one-bedrooms units have large balconies and all four are spacious, luxurious, and rent at a higher rate.
Is parking avalible at the Sahara Apartments?
There are plenty of open air parking spaces available to rent at the Sahara. At only $25 a month, our open air parking spaces are behind locked gates in an area where your car is protected by our serveilance cameras.
While most of our residents live at the Sahara partly because of its close proximity to the UA cmapus located Less than one mile east of the Sahara, and the Downtown Campus of Pima Community College, located just 2 blocks north of the Sahara, we do provide alternatives to driving that are more economical. These include our hourly shuttle service to and from the UA Campus, as well as our "FREE Bicycle" program, where we will give you a bicycle you can use while you live at the Sahara at no cost. You just pay a fully refudable Security Deposit of $85, which will be refunded to you when you return the bike.
Are there apartments available for physically handicapped students?
Yes, there are 9 studio apartments that are ADA compliant. These units accommodate wheelchairs, have more accessible kitchen spaces, and special showers. These apartments, however, are available to all applicants.
What lease terms does Sahara Apartments offer?
Sahara Apartments offers a choice of lease terms. You may lease an apartment for 11.5 months (August 15- August 1), or just for one semester. You may also rent on a month to month basis in our hotel accommodations. However, the longer the term of the lease you sign, the lower will be your monthly rent. We also offer summer rentals at reduced rates.
Is the Sahara owned or operated by the University of Arizona or in any way affiliated with the University?
Sahara Apartments is privately owned and operated. There is no formal affiliation with the University of Arizona other than the fact that we are a sponsor of the Off Campus Housing Office of the University of Arizona, and that the "SafeRide" program which is adminstered by the Associated Students of the University of Arizona does serve the Sahara Apartments. Please see the tab labeled "Parking & Transportation" for more information on the "SafeRide" program.
How are the studio apartments furnished?
All Sahara studio apartments are furnished with two twin (x-long 79-80") beds. The resident can choose a bunk, loft, or single bed arrangement. In addition, units include two desks, two chairs, and two 3-drawer dressers. Studios also include their own kitchen area with a full-size refrigerator, full-size stove, microwave oven, and double-sided sink. There is a full bath in the unit with a tub and a shower plus a clothes closet, storage cupboards, and a large built-in bookshelf.
All Sahara studios are equipped with a thermostat that controls the individual unit’s A/C and heating. All utilities are free with no limits so you can set the thermostat to whatever temperature is most comfortable for you. All units include adjustable window blinds, electronic deadbolt entry doors with programmable keys, carpeted bedroom floors with coated concrete floors in the kitchen, bathroom, and entryway.
What should I bring to Sahara Apartments? Clik Here
What are building amenities at the Sahara Apartments?
For a list of all our amenities, click on the tab lableled "Amenities" at the top of this page. Below are more specifics about some of our modern amenities.
SECURITY SYSTEM: PERIMETER WALLS, AND GATES: Our property has 80 security cameras located throughout the public areas of our buildings including all entrances and parking lots. These cameras are recording 24/7 and are monitored by employees, management, and a security company. The property is surrounded by a perimeter block wall and that wall is topped by wrought-iron railings. The perimeter walls are equipped with motion detectors which sound an alarm and notify the staff if anyone scales any portion of the fencing.
ENTRY GATES AND KEYS: The main entry gate is controlled by a card-access mechanism and each tenant is given an access card. These apartment door keys are electronic, programmable, and can not be duplicated.
Entry to the parking areas is controlled by a remote control. All residents using our gated parking lot have a remote control to enter the parking areas.
When a resident has a visitor, the visitor has to come to the main gate of the building on Stone Avenue and ring the bell of a resident’s apartment. The resident’s telephone, whether a landline or a cell phone, will then ring and will be used by the resident to remotely open the gate for his/her visitor by pressing the 9 button on his/her phone keypad.
ON-SITE ACTIVITIES: Sahara Apartments main building includes a student lounge, exercise room, game room, and our state-of-the-art mini theatre equipped with a 103” (diagonal) movie screen and the latest in surround sound and HDTV technology. You can reserve a time to watch your own DVD or VHS tape, or if the theater if free, stop in and watch your favorite show or a big game on our 250 channel satellite TV, including all HBO, Cinemax, Starz, & Showtime movie channels, as well as special sports packages, including our current offering of "NFL Sunday Ticket". Click here to see the Movie Theater's Channel Line-up.
Are there strict rules and regulations at Sahara?
It depends on what you mean by strict. We do have rules and regulations. No, they are not as strict as the dorms and yes, braking the rules could mean eviction. Click on the link below to read Sahara Apartments Rules and Regulations. In short, we ask you not to break the law, to respect others property and space, and to help us to continue to make Sahara Apartments the oasis for student living.
View the Rules and Regulations that are in effect at the Sahara Apartments. (pdf, 58KB)
How do I reserve a space at Sahara Apartments?
Click on the tab labeled "Reserving Dormitory Space". For reserving hotel rooms, simply got the "Contacts" tab, and click to send us and email with your arrival and departure dates and the number of people in your party.
What does it take to financially qualify for a space at the Sahara?
To qualify for renting at Sahara, you must demonstrate that you have the financial ability to pay the rent, and have enough left over for other necessary living expenses. Of course you must also show that you have enough loans, grants, employment income, savings, or financial support from your family to be able to pay your school tuition and other related expenses.
If you cannot qualify based on your own resources and income, you may have your parents or guardian sign for you as a Guarantor. If these people wish to assist in qualifying you, then they will have to fill out an application and show that they have enough disposable income in addition to their own expenses to pay for your rent. Both in your case and in your parents’ or other guarantor’s case we request a credit report as a part of qualifying process.
Does Sahara Apartments offer optional payment plans for rent?
Sahara offers an optional payment plan for those student and their guarentors who are unable to make the full payment for lease agreement upon signing the lease. Please see page two of the price sheets for important lease information.
Optional Payment Plan for 11.5 month lease agreement from August 15, 2008- August 1, 2009 is split into three partial payments throughout the year. All payments are non-refundable.
20% of rent is due June 1, 2008. If lease is signed after June 1, than 20% of rent is due at the time the lease is signed.
40% of rent is due August 15, 2008. Tenant will not be allowed to move in until this amount has been paid.
40% of rent is due January 15, 2008. This payment covers tenant through the end of the lease ending August 1, 2009.
Optional Payment Plan for Semester (4.5 month) lease agreement for Fall (August 15-December 31) and Spring (January 7- May 15) is split into three partial payments throughout each semester. All payments are non-refundable.
20% of rent is due June 1 for the Fall semester or October 15 for the Spring semester. If lease is signed after June 1 or October 15, than 20% of rent is due at the time the lease is signed.
40% of rent is due August 15 for the Fall semester and January 7 for the Spring semester. Tenant will not be allowed to move in until this amount has been paid.
40% of rent is due October 15 for the Fall semester and March 7 for the Spring semester. This payment covers tenant through the end of the lease term.