So you’re headed to UGA this Fall. Congratulations – your first year as a Dawg is an exciting time! Now that you’ve made the decision to head to Athens, it’s time to decide where you are going to live when you get there. As a transfer student myself, I know how exciting it is to start a new chapter at The University of Georgia.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Living Off-Campus for UGA Students
At Rambler, we have helped many students just like you find their dream apartment to call home while in Athens. To help you with your search, we have compiled a transfer student’s guide to finding housing to answer the most important questions.
We will answer our most-asked questions, including:
- What types of housing are available to transfer students?
- In what areas of Athens do UGA students live?
- What types of off-campus housing is available near UGA?
- When should I start looking for housing?
- How much does it cost to live near UGA?
- How do I find roommates as a UGA transfer student?
- What are the next steps?
On-Campus Housing for UGA Transfer Students
In Athens, there are a plethora of housing options for college students. To help narrow things down in your search, you first need to decide if you will be living on-campus or off-campus.
Read Next: What Types of Housing are Available for UGA Students?
UGA has 31 on-campus residence halls to choose from, offering a range of traditional, apartment, and suite-style floor plans. The dorms come fully furnished, and some offer private bedrooms, bathrooms and kitchens. Note that on-campus residence halls have a nine month lease term aligning with the school-year, and most are closed for holiday breaks.
For more information about on-campus living as a transfer student, check out UGA’s housing registration steps here!
With that being said, on-campus housing spots are limited, and many transfer students end up waitlisted and looking for alternative housing options. That’s why we have created this guide listing everything you need to know about off campus housing options near UGA available to transfer students.
Off-Campus Housing for UGA Transfer Students
If you choose to live off-campus, you will have a much larger selection when it comes to finding a home that perfectly matches your lifestyle. You have complete control over where you live, what amenities you have, what kind of lease you want to sign and more.
Read Next: Which is Right for Me? Student Housing vs. Traditional Apartments in Athens, GA
Where do UGA students live?
When looking for off campus housing near UGA, there are three popular areas to consider:
- Downtown
- Milledge
- Five Points
Downtown
The downtown area is the heart of Athens, and it is the most sought after living location among UGA students. There are a plethora of student housing apartments as well as select traditional houses and complexes. While being just steps from campus, downtown is overflowing with entertainment and Athens culture!
Milledge
Located beyond West Campus, Milledge is one of the most busy streets in Athens. There is always a gathering, party or event going on here! While it is home to several sorority and fraternity houses, there are also traditional and student housing apartments available in the area. If you live on Milledge, there is no doubt you will be in on all of the action, while still being close to campus!
Five Points
If you value a more laid-back lifestyle while still being in close proximity to Milledge and Campus, Five Points may be a great location for you. Five Points is home to multiple restaurants, stores and coffee shops that are favorites among locals and students! The most abundant housing style in Five Points are traditional houses, but there are also traditional and student apartments available in the area.
For more detailed information about the different areas where UGA students live, check out our article, Where Do UGA Students Live.
What types of off-campus housing is available near UGA?
There are three main types of off-campus housing options for UGA students:
- Student Housing Apartments
- Traditional Apartments
- Traditional Houses
Student Housing Apartments
There are many student housing developments available in Athens. These apartment complexes usually feature newer, more updated units, amenities and other features specifically catered toward a college student’s lifestyle.
The amenities usually include fitness centers, quiet study areas, buses that take you to campus, coffee stations and more. Also, almost every student housing apartment in Athens comes fully furnished, eliminating the need to buy new furniture or appliances.
Another feature about student housing complexes is that they offer individual, or “by the bed”, leases. This means that you and your roommates will all sign your own lease with a fixed monthly rental rate. You will not have to worry about splitting rent on your own, it is already done for you.
Read Next: 5 Benefits of Signing an Individual Lease in Athens
Student housing apartments usually offer a 12-month lease, beginning in early August and ending in late July to align with the academic school year.
Traditional Apartments and Houses
If you do not care much for luxury amenities or tend to lead a more laid-back lifestyle, traditional apartments and houses may be a better fit for you.
Usually, the amenities offered in traditional style apartments and homes are limited to Wi-Fi, trash and laundry, but it all depends on the specific property. Some traditional apartments or houses may offer access to a community gym or pool, so be sure to ask what is included prior to signing a lease.
Unlike student housing, the leases for traditional housing are not individual. You and your roommates will all sign one lease between you and the landlord, and you will be given a monthly rental rate for the entire apartment. It is up to you and your roommates to split rent every month and have it paid on time.
To help you simplify your UGA housing search, we’ve put together a complete guide to off-campus housing near UGA:
When Should I Start Looking for Housing?
The earlier, the better. In Athens, both off-campus and on-campus housing is highly competitive. As soon as you commit to transfer to UGA, you should start looking for housing. Your chances of finding your dream dorm or apartment are much higher when you sign a lease early.
For on-campus housing, you can apply for an assignment as soon as you are accepted into UGA. To decrease your chances of being put on the waitlist and of missing out on your preferred dorm, be prepared to fill out an application as soon as you get your acceptance letter.
Off-campus housing is just as competitive, if not more competitive than on-campus housing. At UGA, most students begin looking for housing about 10 months in advance. Off-campus apartments begin leasing as early as Fall the year prior to move-in, and spots fill up fast– especially at popular student apartments.
If you want to make the process as stress-free as possible, start doing your research early and book tours at properties that fit your needs.
Read Next: 8 Steps to Finding a Student Apartment Near UGA Campus
How much does it cost to live near UGA?
The monthly rate differs between every housing style and unit.
At the time of publication, the price range for on-campus housing is usually between $3000 and $5000 per semester depending on what dorm or apartment you are assigned to. Keep in mind that the contracts for residence halls are for two semesters.
Off-campus apartment prices have a much broader range due to the variety of options. Rent can be anywhere between $300 to $1,200. The cost of rent depends heavily on housing type, property location, amenities, etc.
Be aware that rent is just the largest cost when it comes to your monthly living expenses. Be sure to factor in other utility expenses, and ask your leasing agent what is included when you start looking at properties.
Read Next: How Much Does It Cost to Live Near UGA?
How do I find roommates as a transfer student?
If you want the experience of having roommates but don’t have anyone in mind, there are many options available to help. Also, keep in mind that there are many other students in your position, so you are not alone!
If you already have roommates in mind, both on-campus and off-campus housing offers the opportunity to sign your lease with those people. If you do not know of any roommates yet, many properties, including Rambler, have a roommate matching system that will assign you with roommates based on a questionnaire!
Take advantage of our downloadable roommate questionnaire to see if your roommate is the best choice for your lifestyle.
However, if you do not want a random roommate, there are various facebook groups and other online platforms that many students use to find the perfect match. For more information on how to find roommates, our article How to Find Roommates at The University of Georgia has some great tips.
What are the next steps?
Now that you have determined what types of housing you are interested in and how many roommates you plan to have, it’s time to begin the leasing process!
This consists of touring properties, filling out applications and finally, signing the lease to your new home in Athens.
The first thing you should do is make a list of the properties that fit your desired location, price and amenities. Next, you will book tours at these properties. If an in-person tour is not an option for you, many properties also offer virtual tours and information sessions.
You should always have some questions in mind before going on a tour, so check out our Apartment Tour Checklist for some guidance!
After touring and deciding on your perfect home, it is finally time to sign your lease! If you are new to the process of signing a lease, read our article How to Sign a Lease at a Student Housing Apartment Near UGA.
We hope this guide helps you in your housing search as you begin this exciting journey at The University of Georgia! If you have any questions about the housing process or want to learn more about Rambler, contact our leasing team who are more than happy to help.
