Are you an exchange student looking for a place to live near UGA? If so, we know how difficult the housing search can be– especially as someone who is unfamiliar with the area.
At Rambler, we have helped hundreds of students find the perfect housing in Athens, and we want to help you understand all of your options. That’s why we have created this ultimate guide to simplify your housing search as an exchange student.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Living Off-Campus for UGA Students
In this article, we answer all of your questions about finding housing near UGA as an exchange student, including:
- Where do UGA students live in Athens?
- Which types of housing do UGA students live in?
- How much does it cost to live near UGA?
- What is the best way to find an apartment?
- How do I sign my lease?
Housing Guide for Exchange Students
Where do UGA students live in Athens?
The most common places to live as a UGA student are downtown, Milledge Avenue and Five Points. While not as popular for upperclassmen, UGA on-campus housing is also an option.
Off-Campus: Downtown
Downtown Athens is by far the most popular living location among UGA students. It is just steps away from campus, various restaurants, stores and bars.
For example, from Rambler’s location on West Broad Street, you are just a nine minute walk to Terry College of Business and right down the street from The Arch.
Off-Campus: Milledge
Another popular living location is Milledge Avenue. Milledge is home to a plethora of Greek houses, making it a hub for social gatherings and events.
If Greek life is something you do not choose to be involved in upon your arrival to UGA, there are also traditional and student housing options available in this area.
Off-Campus: Five Points
If your preferred lifestyle is a bit more laid-back while still wanting to be close to campus, Five Points may be the perfect location for you.
While the walk is slightly longer to campus, you have a grocery store, various restaurants and shops at your fingertips.
Read Next: Which Student Housing Apartments are Closest to The University of Georgia?
On-Campus
On-campus living is also an option for exchange students. If you come to UGA as a freshman, you will be required to live on campus due to the First Year Live-On Requirement.
If you opt to live on campus, you will have direct access to campus and university bus stops, as well as close proximity to dining halls.
Which types of housing do UGA students live in?
If you opt to live on-campus, the housing types are limited to residence halls, also known as dormitories. Off campus housing could be student housing apartments/complexes, traditional apartments or traditional houses.
While student housing apartments are the most popular choice for exchange students, it is important to understand all of your options.
Read Next: 5 Benefits of Living in a New Student Apartment in Athens, GA
Residence Halls
Residence halls are on-campus housing options owned by The University of Georgia. There are different layouts available ranging from traditional-style dorms to apartment suites. For more information on on-campus residence halls, read our article Where Do UGA Students Live? Ultimate Guide to Student Housing.
As stated previously, on-campus living is required for all freshman students at UGA, so keep in mind that the majority of residents living in dorms are underclassmen.
The leasing term for residence halls align with the school year (August through May). However, it is understandable that not all exchange students can travel home for every break.
If you need to stay in Athens during a break, contact UGA Housing to see what your options are.
Student Housing Apartments
Student apartments are an off-campus housing option designed specifically for college students. This is the most sought-after housing style among students in Athens.
Student apartments have features like study areas, coffee bars, and fitness centers right on property to cater directly to the lifestyle of students. Some student housing properties even have transportation to campus so you do not have to drive or ride the city or campus bus.
These apartments typically come fully furnished, which is extremely convenient, especially for exchange students!
The leasing term for student housing apartments typically begin in early August and end in late July. Student apartments also offer individual leases, so you will not have to worry about taking responsibility for your roommates’ share of rent each month.
Traditional Apartments
Traditional apartments are another style of off-campus housing available to exchange students in Athens. While student apartments are typically built in the most convenient and popular locations for UGA students, you will find traditional apartments nearly everywhere, regardless of proximity to campus.
Traditional apartments do not offer individual leases, so you and your roommates will be responsible for paying rent together each month.
An upside to traditional apartments is that they provide more space and privacy at a lower price than student housing. However, traditional apartments are typically unfurnished and will offer a small amenities package in comparison to the luxury amenities found at student housing apartments.
Read Next: 6 Best Apartment Amenities in Athens
Traditional Houses
Traditional houses are also an option for students who want to live off campus!
Like traditional apartments, houses do not offer individual leases, and they tend to have very limited amenities.
Read Next: 5 Benefits of Signing Individual Lease in Athens
However, houses tend to be a convenient and affordable option if you have a group who wants to live together. While they are typically unfurnished, many houses include a yard which is great for gatherings, tailgates and pre-games.
How Much Does It Cost to Live Near UGA?
The cost of living near UGA varies greatly depending on the property you choose to live in. Factors like location, amenities, type of housing, the floor plan you choose and more affect the total price you will pay each month.
Read Next: Base Rent vs. Total Monthly Cost for Athens Student Apartments
On-Campus
At the time of publication, on-campus housing ranges from $3,100 to $4,200 per semester. This comes out to around $690 to $934 per month for the school year.
Off-Campus
For off-campus housing, the monthly cost is a much broader range. Student housing is typically more expensive compared to traditional housing options, with the downtown complexes being highest. Traditional apartments and houses tend to be less expensive, but keep in mind they do not include the luxury features and amenities that are included in rent at student apartments.
Read Next: 5 Benefits of Living in a New Student Apartment in Athens
What is the best way to find an apartment?
Online Resources
There are many resources available to help you in your housing search, but the most popular is online. There are a number of social media groups, websites and other platforms to look for housing and roommates.
Additionally, The University of Georgia offers an Off-Campus Living Guide that is helpful when beginning your housing search.
Another popular resource is the use of Facebook groups. For housing, there are various groups for subleases near UGA, where you will find students looking to sublease their room in a student housing apartment. There are also groups for students who are seeking out a roommate for the upcoming school year! With groups for incoming freshmen, exchange students, people in the same major, and more, Facebook is a great tool for housing and roommate searching.
GroupMe and WhatsApp chats are also very common among exchange students. They offer an additional way to meet other students, find roommates, and more. UGA also offers various resources to help exchange students with housing and gain connections.
Read Next: How to Find Roommates at UGA
If you prefer to seek out an apartment on your own, or would like to learn more about a certain apartment complex, it is always best to look into the student housing property’s website before making a final decision.
These housing sites typically have a contact page, where you are able to reach out to the property’s leasing team for more information. Plus, when it comes to roommates, many student housing apartments offer roommate-matching services. This is especially helpful for exchange students who may not have any roommates in mind yet!
To help you simplify your UGA housing search, we’ve put together a complete guide to off-campus housing near UGA:
How do you sign your lease?
Once you’ve found the perfect home for your time at UGA, it’s time to sign your lease. Though this is a fairly straightforward process, there are a few things you’ll want to be certain to remember:
Find A Guarantor
If you are a full-time student, you will likely need a guarantor to co-sign your lease. The majority of college students do not have the credit score or monthly income to qualify to sign a lease on their own, which is completely normal!
A guarantor is someone who co-signs your lease and takes responsibility for any rent payments that you are unable to make, typically a parent or guardian.
Most student housing properties require a guarantor, and many Athens landlords do not accept undergraduate student tenants unless they have one.
For applicants who do not have credit history in the United States and/or a guarantor, the landlord or property manager will typically accept a prepayment of two installments in lieu of the credit/guarantor requirements, unless otherwise expressed in writing by management. This varies by apartment complex, so be sure to ask each leasing team about their policy.
Prepare Your Documents
Prior to finalizing your lease, the landlord will run a credit check. During this step, you and your guarantor will need to have bank account statements, pay stubs, and Social Security numbers ready to go.
Applicants who are citizens of another country must also provide a passport, the INS document that entitles the applicant to be in the United States, and an I-20 verifying student status and proof of enrollment. The landlord or property manager may ask to make a photocopy of INS documents, exchange passport and/or visa.
If you cannot provide proof of enrollment at the time of application, you may be approved on the condition that you will submit proof of enrollment as soon as it is available. Be sure to ask the apartment complex that you are considering to confirm.
Read Over Your Lease Agreement
While your lease is a lengthy document, it is important that you read and understand each part of it. Remember that a lease is a legally binding contract, so it is important that you know what you’ll be held accountable for. Be sure to ask any questions along the way!
You will want to pay close attention to:
- Important dates and fees
- Rental amount and due date
- Pet policy
- Rental insurance
- Length of your lease
- Lease-breaking policy
- Sublease policy
Sign Your Lease!
After you fully understand the terms of your lease, it’s time to sign. Once the lease is signed by you and your guarantor, and your credit check is passed, your lease is ready for approval. Congratulations!
For more information on the details of signing a student housing lease, we have put together a guide on How to Sign a Lease at a Student Housing Apartment near UGA.
We hope that this article guided you in finding housing near UGA as an exchange student.
If you have any further questions or you’re interested in living at Rambler, contact our leasing team, who are happy to help in your search for housing.
