WHAT’S IT LIKE TO LIVE IN EAST MIDTOWN ATLANTA AS A STUDENT AT GEORGIA TECH?

East Midtown is right in the center of Atlanta, making it a hotspot for Georgia tech student living. This vibrant scene blends the energy of the campus with the allure of the city. Not only is getting to campus a breeze, the lively city atmosphere offers endless opportunities to explore the music scene, dine and socialize. Around East Midtown you can find:

+Iconic entertainment venues like The Fox, Mercedes Benz Stadium and Piedmont Park
+Restaurants such as Cypress Street Pint and Plate, 26 Thai Kitchen and Bar, and El Valle
+Popular social spots like The Beltline, Atlantic Station and Ponce City Market

Read Next: Alternatives to Living On Campus for Georgia Tech Students: Where to Live in Midtown Atlanta

DO I NEED A CAR TO LIVE NEAR GEORGIA TECH?

Whether or not you choose to bring your car is up to where you choose to live in Midtown and your personal preference of how you like to get around.

Many students who choose to live in East Midtown or near campus do not find a car necessary. However, if you choose to live anywhere else in Atlanta, a car is the primary way to get around.

Walking, biking, or using an electric scooter/board to campus is also very common for students. However, keep in mind that bike lanes are not available on every street, making other places around Atlanta more difficult to walk or bike to.

HOW BIG IS GREEK LIFE AT GEORGIA TECH?

According to the Georgia Tech News Center, about 24% of Georgia Tech undergraduate students are affiliated with Greek Life.

WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS FOR HOUSING IF I CHOOSE TO GO GREEK?

Sorority and fraternity houses are located around Georgia Tech’s campus, mostly on East Campus near Techwood Drive. These houses are on campus and are on the Georgia Tech bus routes, so going to class is an easy walk or ride. Greek houses are typically for second-year members and usually house around 40 people. Many members who are heavily involved with their organization choose to live in the house. Each house has their own way of deciding which members are able to live there, usually based on the organization’s point system.

Read Next: Where Do Georgia Tech Students Live: Housing Options Beyond Greek Housing

IF I CHOOSE NOT TO LIVE IN A STUDENT APARTMENT, WHAT ARE MY OTHER OPTIONS AND HOW MUCH DO THEY COST? 

UNIVERSITY HOUSING

+Nine-month lease (following the GT academic calendar). You will not have access to your dorm during school breaks or over the summer.
+Cost on average $4,950 per semester ($9,900 for the academic year; $990 per month), depending on the style of living and number of roommates you choose.
+Rates include internet service, utilities (water, electricity, gas, and trash), study rooms, laundry access, mail services, and all dorms come fully-furnished.
+Meal plans are around $2900 for the year for full access to all dining halls.
+A meal plan is not required if you live on campus, but is highly encouraged as you will likely have limited access to a kitchen in a dorm. This is an additional cost to consider and is not included in the base price of a dorm, unless you opt into the First-Year Experience Program.
+Option to live in traditional (two people per bedroom, communal bathrooms), apartment style (private room, shared bathrooms), or suite (shared rooms and bathroom).

TRADITIONAL HOUSE

+One- to two-year long leases.
+Monthly rates typically fall between $900 to 1,100 per person.
+Roommates divide rent amongst themselves to pay the landlord. There is shared responsibility for all payments and damages.
+Internet and utilities are not included in base rent and are additional fees each month.
+Come unfurnished and lack the amenities that many apartments in Atlanta offer.
+Option to live alone or with up to five roommates.
+Living styles vary. Some houses will not have the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and more space will be shared between roommates than an apartment.
+Usually include in-unit washer/dryer.

TRADITIONAL APARTMENTS

+Offer traditional one-year leases.
+Monthly rates range from around $700 to $3,000 per month depending on a number of factors such as amenities, location and floor plan.
+Do not have the same luxury amenities as student housing options, and will usually offer a small amenity package at best.
+Internet and other utilities are typically not included in base rent and are additional monthly fees.
+Option to live alone or with up to four roommates.
+Typically have a private bedroom and bathroom and in-unit washer/dryer.

GREEK HOUSING

+Nine-month lease (following the Georgia Tech academic year). You will most likely not have access to your Greek house during school breaks and over the summer.
+The average cost per semester is around $5,000 ($10,000 per year) depending on which fraternity or sorority you are a part of.
+Internet and all utilities are included in the base rent and are not additional fees.
+This price includes dues for the semester and a meal plan, so these will not be additional costs.
+Option to live alone or with up to three roommates, but in a dorm-style house with communal spaces (including bathrooms) shared with other members.
+Shared laundry room access

WHAT COSTS SHOULD I CONSIDER OTHER THAN MY MONTHLY RENT?

APPLICATION FEE

$50 to $150
+ This fee covers the cost of your background check as well as the administrative cost of processing your application.

ADMINISTRATIVE FEE

$50 to $300
+ This is non-refundable and used to cover the price of administration, billing, bill auditing, overhead, and similar expenses.
+ Some apartments require this fee at the time of application, while others require it on move-in day.

SECURITY DEPOSIT

$100 to the equivalent of one month’s rent
+ Security deposits are typically due at the time of move-in and refundable at the end of your lease term, as long as there are no damages to the apartment beyond typical wear.
+ As long as you keep your apartment in good condition, you should have this fee returned to you within 45 days of moving out.

PARKING

$95 to $250 per month
+ This rate varies depending on the location, demand, and type of parking garage.
+ By paying for parking at a student apartment that is walking distance to campus, you won’t have to worry about paying for or securing on-campus parking that can be competitive and hard to come by.

UTILITIES

Varies by month, depending on usage
+ Utilities include electric, gas, trash, water, cable/TV, internet and washer/dryer.
+ Many utility companies charge a fee to cover the costs of utility setup. This fee is a one-time charge and generally ranges from $25 to $100.
+ Most student housing apartments include Wi-Fi, cable TV and washer/dryers in your monthly installment. Some do not, so it’s important to ask before you sign a lease.

RENTAL INSURANCE

$10 to $35 per month
+ Varies depending on coverage and provider

TRASH

$5 to $30 per month
+ Covers the cost of trash removal at the property.

PET FEES & RENT

Pet deposit: $100 to $350
One-time, refundable payment
Pet Fee: $100 to $350
One-time, non-refundable payment
Pet Rent: $10 to $35 per month per pet

Read Next: 10 Additional Costs of Living in a Student Apartment in Midtown Atlanta

What’s the difference between base rental rate & total monthly cost?

BASE RENT

The base rate for an apartment is the price listed for each floor plan at a given property. The base rate only includes rent – it does not include any upgrades, utilities or additional fees.

For student living, features such as balcony access, higher floor, ensuite bathrooms, and less roommates typically result in a higher base rate.

TOTAL MONTHLY COST

The total monthly cost is your base rental rate plus all of the additional costs you will be responsible for throughout your lease. Some of these fees are required, and some will depend on your personal lifestyle. For example, you may be required to pay a pet fee if you have pets.

Additional fees might include renter’s insurance, utilities, parking, trash services, Wi-Fi, cable, pet fees, and apartment upgrades.

If you choose student housing, you will sign an individual or “by-the-bed” lease. This means that each roommate within a unit will be given a separate base rental rate, and you will not have to worry about splitting rent yourselves each month and getting it to the landlord on time. Just because a property has a lower base rent does not mean it will be less expensive over all. Make sure to know all included expenses before signing a lease.

Read Next: 5 Reasons to Sign an Individual Lease as a Georgia Tech Student.

SHOULD I LIVE WITH ROOMMATES?

Living with roommates is a personal choice that can be a great way to live with friends and save a little money. Consider these pros and cons as you make your decision.

PROS:

+ Affordability: Depending on the complex you choose, rent and utilities are usually less expensive 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.
+ Peace of Mind: 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.

HOW DO I FIND ROOMMATES?

Make sure to answer these questions for yourself before beginning to search for roommates:
+ What is my monthly budget?
+ How many roommates would I be willing to have?

Once you’ve thought of your answers to these questions, start looking for other people who have similar answers and want to live in the same location as you. Some ways to search for roommates include:

+ Asking around. Whether it’s your friends or members of your organization (sorority, fraternity, club, etc.), it never hurts to ask! You never know who’s still looking.

+ Looking at social media. Georgia Tech has Facebook pages, such as Georgia Tech Subleases and Roommates and Emory and Georgia Tech Subleases and Roommates, where students can post a little bit about themselves and get to know other students looking for roommates. On Instagram, you can find pages where you can submit a photo and short bio introducing yourself to new classmates. You can also find accounts specific to your class such as @gt2028class.

+ Roommate matching. Many apartment complexes offer roommate matching services. When you fill out your application to live there, it will likely include questions about your living habits and preferences. Your answers will be used to pair you up with someone else in need of a roommate.

After you’ve found some people you’re considering living with, it’s always a good idea to make sure you’re both the right fit for each other. We suggest using this roommate questionnaire to make sure you ask all of the right questions and start your time as roommates together with open communication!

RENTER’S TIP

Start the search for roommates early! You’re more likely to have more options of people to live with, as well as more availability at any property you and your roommates choose to look at.

HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I START LOOKING FOR A PLACE?

Students will start to secure housing for the next academic year as early as September. You should sign a lease by March at the latest. 

What are the benefits of signing my lease early?

1. Best rates

Many student housing properties use a tier system during the leasing process. When leasing first opens, rates will usually be at their lowest, also called first tier rates. Then, as units decrease in availability, rates will typically be raised per month, per person.

2. Parking

If you are planning to park at your apartment complex, you should consider signing your lease early to increase your chances of securing a spot as space is often limited and can go quickly as the leasing season progresses.

3. Roommate choice

By signing your lease early, you will have more options when it comes to roommates. As time goes on, more and more people have secured their living situation, so you will have a smaller pool of potential roommates over time.

4. Choice of apartment & room

Most developments have a limited number of units with special features such as balconies and specific views. If having these amenities is important to you, you should consider leasing early to increase your chances of securing one of these units.

5. Peace of mind

By signing your lease early, you gain the feeling of security on your housing decision. It is one more thing that has already been taken care of and you won’t find yourself scrambling at the last minute to find a place to live in subsequent years.

Read Next: 5 Reasons to Lease Early at Student Apartments Near Georgia Tech

What are the benefits of MOVING INTO A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED APARTMENT? 

1. MODERN design

A big incentive to live in a new construction are the modern designs and finishes. Many new developments have a sleek design with bigger windows, new technology, and furniture packages that set them apart from an older student apartments. New buildings near Georgia Tech are often decked out with upscale designs and trendy features that make you excited to come home after a long day of classes.

2. YOU are the first

Living in a new development means that you are the first person to use your shower, cook on your stove, and live in your space! The entire building is brand new, making you one of the first people to enter the lobby, use the gym, and take a dip in the pool! You get to be the first person to call the space home, and it creates the perfect fresh start while living in Atlanta.

3. updated amenities

Modern, up-to-date amenities are one of the top selling points for a new apartment. Having updated amenities under one roof makes living in a newly built apartment extremely convenient. Your new home could be a one-stop shop for washing your dog, your daily coffee run, and a spin workout. Also, it is important to remember that all the costs associated with these updated amenities are factored into your monthly rate. You may think that it costs less to live at an older development with less amenities, but when you factor in all your other daily costs, such as a gym membership, you will find that paying more for a new development and amenities is the most cost effective!

4. sense of community

Hundreds of new residents moving into a new development can sound hectic, but it makes for a fun move-in experience. This is when you can meet your neighbors who are also moving into your complex.

Everyone is having a similar experience; they’re excited about their new apartment and can’t wait to meet everyone! This creates a tight-knit community as everyone explores their new home.

Many new complexes also offer community events where you can meet new friends, participate in the free activities, and enjoy some free food! These are a great perk that brings the community together.

5. UNEXPECTED PERKS

In a new development near the Georgia Tech, you’ll find many bonuses that most people don’t normally think of during their housing search. For example, many new buildings typically offer added security with controlled access points and 24/7 surveillance cameras throughout the property. New construction also tends to emphasize customer service. While older buildings already have an established reputation, a brand new community relies heavily on the satisfaction of its residents to maintain its name. This typically leads to a friendly, attentive staff that is happy to assist you.

Read Next: 5 Reasons to Live in a New Student Apartment in Atlanta Midtown

HOW DO I DECIDE WHICH FLOORPLAN IS RIGHT FOR ME?

The first step to answering this question is to determine if you will be living alone or with roommates. There are different benefits and reasons to live in each floorplan, as well as features specific to the property you are looking at. It’s helpful to ask a leasing staff member about features like balconies, views, bathrooms, and layouts that might be available in a floorplan you’re thinking about. These features might affect your base rent, but knowing what’s important to you can help you decide what you need to make sure you feel at home in your space. The more you start to look at and tour apartments, the more easily you will be able to determine which space is best for you.

What Will I be Shown on a Property Tour?

COMMUNITY SPACES

The leasing agent should show you around the property and help you orient yourself in the building.

PREFERRED UNIT

You will be able to see the space where you could potentially be living. If the unit is still occupied, you should be shown the same floorplan in a different unit or one that is most similar to what you’re looking for.

PROPERTY AMENITIES

They should show you the building’s amenities so you can better understand what you’ll have access to if you live there.

DIGITAL TOUR

If the property is new, you might schedule a tour that will take place at the leasing office. The leasing agent will most likely walk you through the property virtually, showing renderings that model what the actual property will look like. At some leasing offices, some of the furnishing from a unit will be available so you can get a sense of how your unit will be set up and furnished.

Read Next: What Happens on a Tour of Rambler Atlanta?

15 Most Important Questions to Ask on Your Tour

1. What are my lease terms?
2. What expenses are due upon application, lease signing and move-in?
3. What does my monthly rental rate consist of?
4. How do I pay my rent?
5. What is the pet policy?
6. How is subletting handled?
7. How is reletting a lease handled?
8. Is renter’s insurance required?
9. What is the policy on move-out fees?
10. Is parking available and how much does it cost?
11. Do I need a guarantor or a co-signer?
12. What happens if I need to terminate my lease?
13. How are repairs and maintenance handled?
14. How secure is the property?
15. How often does rent usually increase and by how much?

Read Now: Top 15 Questions You Should Ask When Touring a Student Housing Property

We hope that this guide has helped simplify the process of finding a place to live in Atlanta as a student at the Georgia Tech. By following this guide, you will be well on your way to finding the perfect place for you and your needs!

If you need any additional help during this process, contact the Rambler Leasing Team or send us an email at [email protected]. We are happy to help answer any questions you might have regarding your housing search or living at Rambler.

Stay up-to-date on all things Rambler and East Midtown living by connecting with us on social media!