Are you a UGA student looking for a student apartment in Athens but don’t know where to start? If so, you are not alone.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Living Off-Campus for UGA Students
At Rambler, we know how overwhelming and stressful the process of finding a student apartment can be. To make the process easier, we have crafted an eight-step guide to assist you in your housing hunt.
@ramblerathens Here are some steps to help you find your dream apartment near UGA’S campus!! #uga #godawgs #uga25 #uga26 ♬ original sound – Rambler
8 Steps to Finding an Apartment as a UGA Student
Step 1: Determine Your Ideal Location
Rambler is conveniently located just blocks from UGA campus.
The first step to take when you begin your housing search is to find your ideal location.
The location of a property will greatly impact your daily lifestyle. Each area of Athens has different advantages and disadvantages, so it is crucial that you evaluate every option to choose the best place for you.
The most popular areas include:
Downtown
Downtown Athens is the most sought-after living location among UGA students. If you live downtown, you are not only within walking distance to campus, but you have easy access to groceries, restaurants, bars and various other establishments.
You will find a plethora of newer developments specifically built for students, as well as some Greek and traditional houses in the area.
The student apartments are the most popular living style in the downtown area. In these developments, you will find top-notch amenities as well as updated features and appliances.
The price range of downtown apartments vary based on the building, unit type and number of roommates. However, because of the convenient location and luxurious amenities that many of these complexes have, the price of rent downtown is generally more expensive than other areas in Athens.
Milledge
Milledge Avenue is one of the most popular streets in Athens. It is famously home to several sorority and fraternity houses, making it a social hub for many UGA students.
If you are not a part of UGA’s Greek life but still want to live on Milledge, there are various student and traditional apartment complexes to choose from that will keep you close to the action.
Five Points
Five Points is another popular location just south of UGA campus. If you prefer a more laid-back lifestyle while still being close to campus, Five Points may be perfect for you.
If you choose to live in this area, you will be within walking distance to campus, coffee shops, restaurants and Earth Fare for groceries. There are various apartment complexes in the Five Points area, but many are traditional apartments and not specifically crafted for students.
To gather more information on some of the most popular living locations, read our article on where UGA students live.
Once you are aware of the different areas near UGA’s campus, you can weigh your options based on your likes and dislikes of each location to narrow down your list.
When weighing your options, it is important to take certain things into consideration including:
- How long will it take you to get to campus? Will you walk, drive, or ride the bus?
- Do I like the area?
- Am I conveniently close to restaurants and grocery stores?
- What stores, restaurants and shops will I be located near?
To help you simplify your UGA housing search, we’ve put together a complete guide to off-campus housing near UGA:
Step 2: Decide Whether or Not You’ll Have Roommates
Once you’ve landed on your ideal location, you need to determine whether or not you want to live with roommates. Just like with most things in life, there are pros and cons to having roommates as well.
Pros:
- Affordability – Depending on the complex you choose, rent and utilities are often cheaper the more roommates you have.
- Social – Living with roommates gives you a form of “built in friends”. Some of the most enjoyable times in college are nights spent at home cooking, watching movies or having game nights with your roommates.
- Safety – In case of household emergencies and accidents, having roommates can provide immediate assistance and support.
Cons:
- Distractions – Not everyone prioritizes downtime and studying in the same way.. Living with other people is fun, but if it’s too much fun it could become a distraction.
- Reduced Privacy – When you share a space with other people, there will inevitably be a lack of privacy. If you value personal space and view your home as the place where you can be alone, living with roommates may not be for you.
If you decide that living with a roommate or roommates is for you, it is now time to choose who they will be!
If you don’t have anyone in mind, don’t worry! A good place to start is by reading our article on how to find roommates at UGA. Also, many student-housing complexes in Athens offer roommate matching.
Step 3: Determine Which Amenities You Value Most
Once you have made your decision about roommates, it is time to focus on what in-unit and community amenities are important for you to have access to.
Many common amenities for student-housing complexes include:
In-Unit Amenities:
- Fully furnished
- Washer/dryer
- Wi-Fi
- Cable TV
Community Amenities:
- Pool and hot tub
- Fitness center
- Yoga studio
- Spin room
- Study rooms
- On-site coffee bar
- 24-hour security
- Package lockers
Rambler’s courtyard pool deck features a jumbotron and plenty of seating options.
Read Next: 7 Best Apartment Amenities in Athens, GA
To help figure out what is most important to you, make a list of your must-have amenities to help you narrow down your options. We would recommend viewing the websites of properties that you are interested in to get a good feel of what they have to offer.
Step 4: Determine Your Price Range
Next, it is time to select your price range. Location, roommates and amenities heavily influence how much you will pay for rent, utilities and other costs.
For that reason, it is very important to establish how much you are willing to spend before touring any properties.
Additional costs to consider other than rent and utilities may include:
- Parking Fees – Most housing complexes in Athens provide parking, but some parking options are offered at an additional cost.
- Pet Deposits – Many apartments require an additional fee if you have pets. It could be a one-time deposit or a monthly fee depending on the complex.
- Renter’s Insurance – Almost all housing complexes in Athens require tenants to have renter’s insurance. This could be the landlord’s renter’s insurance policy or your own personal renter’s insurance policy.
Read Next: 9 Additional Costs to Consider When Looking for Housing Near Campus
After considering the price of additional fees, you will be able to set a budget that works best for your housing needs.
If you’d like more information on the cost of living near UGA, read our article, How Much Does it Cost to Live Near the University of Georgia, to learn more about various factors that can affect your total cost of living.
Step 5: Make a List of Places to Tour
Now, it is time to book some touring appointments. Based on your desired location, amenities and budget, search online for some properties that meet these needs.
Once you have found a short list of properties that are a potential fit for you, visit their online contact page and book a tour. If you would rather speak with someone before touring, you can also call the property’s leasing office for more information.
Step 6: Tour Properties
Now that you have completed steps one through five, it is time for the fun part! Touring your potential new home is always an exciting experience, but it is also crucial that you consider every possibility very carefully.
In order to make the right decision, it is important to ask your tour guide questions and gather as much information on the property as possible.
Some things to keep in mind include:
- Utilities – Most apartments and houses charge additional fees for internet, trash, electricity, water, etc. However, the list of utilities can differ between each complex. Be sure to note what utilities will be included in your monthly bill.
- Floor Plan – Take note of the floor plan and square-footage of the units you are touring in order to pick a layout that is best suited for the lifestyles of you and your roommates.
- In-Unit amenities – In-unit amenities usually include furniture, washer and dryer, internet, etc. Make sure you ask your tour guide if the amenities you valued in Step 3 will be included in your unit.
- Beds – Do you want a walk-in closet? Do you prefer a small or large bedroom? On your tour, pay close attention to the bedroom features.
- Baths – Do you want your own bathroom? Do you have enough bathroom storage? Pay attention to these features while on your tour.
- Windows – The size, location and quantity of windows differs between every complex and the units within those complexes. If you value a lot of natural light, take that into consideration while touring.
- Views – Depending on the location of the apartment or house you are touring, the Athens views differ greatly. If a pretty view is something you value, ask your tour guide about the unit options with the best view.
To make sure all necessary questions get answered, we have created a list of 15 questions you should ask when touring a property in Athens and a downloadable checklist below.
Step 7: Fill Out an Application
After a long process of touring, you have found your dream property and it is time to fill out an application to live there!
For most properties in Athens, completing a housing application is typically a 15-20 minute process that is done online.
The application will require information including a driver’s license or other form of government ID, pet information if necessary, and proof of income. You can expect an application fee that usually ranges between $50 to $150.
If you are interested in roommate matching, you will likely fill out a roommate questionnaire during this step so the leasing office can start the matching process.
Once your application is approved, it is time for the final step– signing your lease!
Step 8: Sign Your Lease!
Now that you have made it to the last step, the stress is almost over! It is now time to sign your lease.
The lease is a contractual agreement between you and your landlord, and it is required in order for you to be a tenant. It is important to remember that a lease is a legally binding contract that is meant to benefit both you and your landlord.
For this reason, it is crucial to read every page thoroughly and understand the terms of your lease to know what you are getting into.
Signing a lease can be a confusing process, so it is important that you ask any questions or address any concerns that you may have along the way. Some things to pay close attention to are dates and fees, when rent is due, when your lease begins/ends, etc.
Additionally, most properties in Athens require undergraduate students to have a guarantor in order to be a tenant. A guarantor is a person who cosigns the lease (often a parent, guardian, or other adult with reliable income) and agrees to take on the obligations of the lease, most importantly rent.
At the time of signing your lease, both you and your guarantor should gather your bank account statements, pay stubs, and Social Security numbers for the landlord to run a credit check.
Read Next: How to Sign a Lease at a Student Housing Apartment Near UGA
If you have any additional questions or just need some help in your search, please reach out to the Rambler leasing team and they will be more than happy to help you.
We hope that these steps help you understand the process of the housing search. By following these eight steps, you will be set to find your perfect apartment near The University of Georgia.
