IEP Resources & Additional Information
Click here to view information from Immigration Services for IEP applicants.
Immigration Services & International Student Life SUITCASE SERIES: Incoming Student Information
On the website of International Student Life (ISL), you can find resources and information for topics such as:
- Obtaining a driver’s license
- Buying a car
- Transportation
- Housing
- Banks
- Where to shop
- and more
Immigration Services & International Student Life (ISL) SUITCASE SERIES:
Resources for finding student housing are available in this Student Housing Guide from ISL.
Renting an Apartment in Athens
Unfortunately, the Intensive English Program is unable to provide housing for IEP students. Currently, there is no housing available on the UGA Campus, so you will have to stay in an apartment or hotel while you are studying in the IEP. Apartments in Athens cost around $500 to $1000 per month for one person. Renters usually have to sign a year-long lease agreement, and it can be difficult to find short-term rentals (such as 8 weeks or 16 weeks).
When you choose your accommodation, you will be signing a contract with the hotel or rental company. Be very careful about signing agreements online because you will be signing a legal contract and you could lose a lot of money if you change your mind and decide you do not want to stay there. Lease agreements are a private agreement between you and the hotel or rental company, and the IEP is not responsible if you want to change the agreement or if you have a problem.
There are many apartments available in Athens, and most people are able to find a good apartment within 2 or 3 days. There are multiple groups on Facebook where you might be able to find a place to live:
- UGA / Athens Lease, Subleases, Roommates, Off Campus Housing & Apartments
- Athens Apartments for Rent and Roommates
- Athens, GA Rentals, Apartments, Housing, Rooms, Sublets, Roommates
- University Of Georgia (UGA) Housing and Sublease Community
- University of Georgia Subleases & Roommate Search | ApartmentsForAthens.com
- UGA Girls Roommate Search
Checking these Facebook is especially helpful when you begin your IEP studies in January. Many UGA students graduate in December and try to find someone to “sublease” their room from January to June because they will leave Athens.
Immigration Services & International Student Life SUITCASE SERIES: Transportation in Athens
Buses are the best way to get around on campus. You will want to avoid driving to campus with your own car because parking is expensive and scarce. If your apartment is close to UGA, you can come to campus on the UGA bus line. UGA buses are free, so it will not cost you anything to travel on campus. UGA buses usually run 3 or 5 times every hour. Check out their website to see the UGA bus routes. Remember that the schedule could be different in the break between UGA semesters (called the intersession schedule).
If you live farther away from the UGA campus, your apartment may be on the Athens Transit bus line. Athens Transit buses arealso free, but they only run once per hour and only until 6pm (some routes have service later).The Athens Transit schedule shows you where the Athens Transit buses go and how often they run.
You should consider the cost and the convenience of transportation when you choose your apartment.
Immigration Services & International Student Life SUITCASE SERIES:
Immigration Services & International Student Life SUITCASE SERIES: Navigating U.S. Health Care and Health Insurance
Health Insurance
- Full-time students in the IEP (on a F-1 or J-1 visa) are required to purchase health insurance coverage.
- We recommend that students purchase coverage through the following website: https://georgiacare.intlinsure.com
Going to the Doctor
- Intensive English Program students are considered “Program Participants”, and not matriculated UGA students. Because of this, IEP students cannot go to the University Health Center on campus.
- If you are not feeling well and need to see a doctor, we recommend visiting an Urgent Care Center in Athens. To find one of these centers, type in “Urgent Care Center in Athens, Georgia” in the search engine of your choice, and you can find one that is not too far from campus or where you live
- Make sure to call the Urgent Care Center first and see if they accept your health insurance. Keep in mind that even if they do accept your health insurance, you might still be responsible to pay a fee for your appointment on that day.
- It is also a good idea to call the center before you go to confirm whether or not you need an appointment to be seen. However, sometimes Urgent Care Centers do not require an appointment, and they welcome “walk-ins” (people who are seen without an appointment).
- For severe illnesses and injuries, you should call the ambulance or go to an Emergency Room at a local hospital. There are three hospitals in town:
- Piedmont Athens Regional (1199 Prince Ave)
- St. Mary’s Health Care System (1230 Baxter St)
- Landmark Hospital of Athens (775 Sunset Dr)
- When you visit a doctor’s office, Urgent Care Center, or hospital, make sure to bring a copy of your ID and health insurance card or confirmation that you purchased health insurance coverage.