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: Housing in Athens
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 avoud 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: Life in Athens