Navigating the housing landscape at Georgia Tech can be difficult for anyone, especially for out-of-state or exchange students unfamiliar with the area.
At Rambler Atlanta, we know the challenges associated with finding suitable housing. To simplify this process, we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide specifically for exchange students, detailing crucial steps to follow when seeking housing in Atlanta Midtown.
Throughout this guide, we’ll address the most frequently asked questions, including:
- What housing types are available for exchange students at Georgia Tech?
- How much do they cost?
- Where do students live near Georgia Tech?
- Where do I start my housing search?
- What next steps should I take to secure housing at Georgia Tech?
Read Next: 8 Steps to Finding the Perfect Student Apartment Near Georgia Tech
How to Find Housing in Atlanta Midtown as an Exchange Student at Georgia Tech
What housing types are available for exchange students at Georgia Tech?
One of the first steps in your housing search is to identify what type of housing you are interested in. There are a variety of housing options available to Georgia Tech students, so it is important to do your research and decide which is best for you.
The housing options for Georgia Tech students, both on and off-campus, include:
- On-Campus Georgia Tech Residence Halls
- Off-Campus Student Apartments
- Off-Campus Traditional Apartments
On-Campus Residence Halls
On-campus residence halls are university-owned housing units catering to Georgia Tech students. These are offered in both dormitory-style and apartment-style. Primarily housing freshmen and some sophomores, these halls offer a nine-month lease term (from August to May), which includes meal plans, on-campus dining access and fully furnished living spaces.
For exchange students seeking a more tailored community experience, Georgia Tech offers two international houses: Hayes House and Gray House. These houses exclusively cater to exchange students, fostering a sense of community and shared interests.
Located on East Campus, both The Hayes House and The Gray House feature apartment-style living with two private bedrooms sharing a full bathroom. The first floor boasts communal spaces, including a shared lounge, study area and kitchen, encouraging a vibrant and supportive living environment.
Off-Campus Student Apartments
The next option is leasing at an off-campus student apartment. Student apartments are purpose-built for college students and are tailored to meet the unique needs of students. Gaining popularity in recent years, this housing type has become a prevalent choice for Georgia Tech students, particularly in East and West Midtown.
Typically leased on a 12-month basis (though shorter-term options may be available through relets), these apartments provide student-centric amenities and come fully furnished.
To learn more about reletting or subletting at Midtown student apartments, check out our article on How to Sublet a student apartment in Midtown.
Off-Campus Traditional Apartments
Spread across East Midtown and West Midtown, traditional apartments provide another off-campus option. Although not as prevalent as student housing, traditional apartments offer more space and privacy at a comparatively lower cost. These apartments are usually unfurnished and may have minimal amenities.
It’s important to note that there are additional housing options like on-campus Greek housing and off-campus traditional houses that may present challenges for exchange students due to various reasons.
Each housing type comes with its own set of advantages and drawbacks, encompassing amenities, pricing, lease terms and location. To make an informed decision, thorough research is key. For an in-depth comparison, including typical price ranges and amenities, refer to our detailed article on housing options available to Georgia Tech students.
How much do they cost?
On-Campus Residence Halls
Georgia Tech provides various on-campus housing options with diverse layouts, floor plans and prices. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these options to make an informed decision based on your preferences.
The cost of on-campus residence halls varies, ranging from $3,505 to $5,675 per semester, contingent on the specific style of the residence hall.
Apartment-style residence halls offer flexibility in choosing a meal plan. The rental cost for these apartments is approximately $10,500 per year, excluding the meal plan.
Both international houses have a semester rate of $4,709, excluding a meal plan if you decide to opt for one.
All of these prices are accurate at the time of publication in Month 2024. For detailed information on Georgia Tech’s on-campus housing types and the most up-to-date prices, you can visit Georgia Tech’s Housing and Residence Life page.
Off-Campus Student Apartments
Student apartments near campus are relatively new, resulting in prices ranging from approximately $1,200 to $2,500 per person, per month. The variations in cost depend on factors such as location, amenities, apartment size and other considerations.
Read Next: What is generally included in student apartment rent in Atlanta Midtown?
Off-Campus Traditional Apartments
In Midtown, there are a variety of traditional apartments with differences in age, location and target market. Prices for these apartments can span a wide range, starting from around $700 to over $2,500 per person, per month.
Read Next: What’s the Cost of Living Near Georgia Tech in Midtown?
Where do students live near Georgia Tech?
Once you’ve identified the housing type that suits your preferences, the next choice is the neighborhood you want to live in. The significance of location cannot be overstated, particularly for students at Georgia Tech, known for their busy and dynamic lifestyles. The right location can significantly enhance your overall living experience.
Popular locations for students to live include:
- Georgia Tech Campus
- East Midtown
- West Midtown
- Home Park
Georgia Tech Campus
Living on campus is in great proximity to classes, the library, dining halls and other on-campus facilities. However, options are limited to Georgia Tech-owned residence halls and Greek housing.
East Midtown
Located just off Tech Square and across the Fifth Street Bridge from campus, East Midtown is a vibrant area with diverse food, drink and entertainment options. It’s popular for student apartments and traditional apartments, offering an urban lifestyle with a short walk to campus.
West Midtown
Situated past west campus along Northside Drive and Marietta Street, West Midtown features student apartments and traditional apartments. This area is close to restaurants and west campus locations like the Campus Recreational Center and the West Village Dining Commons.
Home Park
Home Park, a neighborhood north of campus between campus and Atlantic Station, offers houses for rent, providing a short commute to campus.
For a detailed exploration of different areas where Georgia Tech students live, refer to our article, Where to Live Near Georgia Tech?
Where do I start my housing search?
Now that you have insights into housing options and costs, it’s time to start your search. Online resources such as Facebook groups, GroupMe chats, WhatsApp groups and other forums are popular among exchange students. These platforms facilitate housing searches, roommate finding and general information sharing.
Key Facebook groups for housing and roommate searches include:
- Georgia Tech Subleases and Roommates
- Emory and Georgia Tech Subleases and Roommates
- Georgia Tech Housing and Sublease Community
GroupMe and WhatsApp chats are also widely used among exchange students for networking and finding roommates.
For those preferring to explore apartments independently, checking the housing property’s website is essential. Most housing sites provide a contact page, allowing you to reach out to the leasing team for detailed information. Many student housing apartments offer roommate-matching services, simplifying the process for those seeking compatible roommates.
Do I Need Roommates?
Before making a list of preferred housing options and initiating property tours, consider whether you want to live with roommates. While having roommates can foster a sense of community and lower rental costs, it might not be suitable for those seeking a quieter, distraction-free environment.
For more information on finding roommates and the benefits of shared living, refer to our article, How to Find Roommates at Georgia Tech. Additionally, explore ways to save money on off-campus apartments near Georgia Tech in our article, 6 Ways to Save Money on an Off-Campus Apartment Near Georgia Tech.
What next steps should I take to secure housing at Georgia Tech?
Find a Guarantor
If you’re a full-time student, securing a guarantor to co-sign your lease is likely a requirement. Most student housing properties mandate a guarantor and many landlords in Atlanta may not lease to undergraduate students without one.
Now, what exactly is a guarantor?
A guarantor is an individual, often a parent or guardian, who co-signs your lease and assumes responsibility for any rent payments you might be unable to cover.
For applicants lacking a credit history in the United States or without a guarantor, some landlords or property managers may accept a prepayment of two installments as an alternative to meeting credit/guarantor prerequisites. It’s essential to inquire about the specific policy of your chosen apartment complex, as these conditions can vary.
Get Your Documents Ready
Before finalizing your lease, the landlord will conduct a credit check, requiring both you and your guarantor to compile bank account statements, pay stubs and Social Security numbers.
For applicants who are citizens of another country, additional documentation is necessary, including a passport, the INS document authorizing residence in the United States and an I-20 confirming student status and enrollment proof. The landlord or property manager may request photocopies of INS documents, an international passport and/or visa.
If proof of enrollment is unavailable during the application process, conditional approval may be granted with the requirement to submit enrollment documentation as soon as it becomes accessible. To clarify this process, be sure to check with the prospective apartment complex.
Thoroughly Review Your Lease Agreement
Typically spanning around 40 pages, a standard student lease may appear extensive; however, it is imperative to meticulously read and comprehend each section. Given that a lease is a legally binding contract, a clear understanding of your responsibilities and obligations is crucial. Familiarizing yourself with the terms ensures that you are fully cognizant of what you will be held accountable for throughout the lease’s duration.
Pay close attention to specific terms in your lease, including:
- 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 to Secure Your Spot
Once you have a comprehensive understanding of the lease terms, it’s time to sign. Upon your and your guarantor’s signatures and successful credit check completion, your lease is ready for approval. Congratulations!
While finding an apartment may seem daunting at first glance, breaking down the process into manageable steps turns it into a straightforward task. If you’re ready to start the process of touring apartments, be sure to check out our article on 15 Questions to Ask on a Tour. If you are interested in touring at Rambler Atlanta, book a tour.
If Rambler Atlanta has stood out to you, but you need more information before booking a tour, feel free to reach out to our leasing team. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have!
