Finding the Perfect Student Apartment Near Georgia Tech

For students attending Georgia Tech, finding the right housing is a crucial part of the college experience. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the on-campus and off-campus housing options available, ensuring students can make informed decisions that suit their individual needs and preferences.

On-Campus Housing at Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech's Housing and Residence Life offers a variety of on-campus housing options. The application process typically begins in early spring through the My Housing portal. It's important to note that Housing and Residence Life does not guarantee housing, and contracts are for a space on campus rather than a specific assignment. Room selection numbers are assigned based on the order in which applications are completed, so applying early increases your chances of securing your preferred option. A one-time, non-refundable $80 application fee is required at the time of application.

Housing Options for Specific Student Groups

Georgia Tech provides one and two-bedroom unfurnished apartments for graduate students and students with families. To apply, students can log in to My Housing and select the "Family-Monthly" tab.

Full Academic Year exchange students can apply for on-campus housing after being admitted to Georgia Tech. However, exchange students studying only for the Fall semester are eligible for on-campus housing only if they participate in a Living Learning Community, such as I-House and I-Lead. These programs help students acclimate to campus and connect with fellow visiting students. While academic year visiting international students can apply to any residence hall, these two housing options reserve spots specifically for this student population.

New first-year, undergraduate degree-seeking students starting classes in August have the option to join the Global Leadership Living Learning Community. This program aids in the transition to college life through shared courses, excursions, and living space in Matheson and Perry Residence Halls. Space is limited, and admitted first-year students can apply through their admission portal upon receiving their admission decision.

Important Considerations for On-Campus Housing

The academic year housing contract covers both fall and spring semesters. Terminating the contract may result in significant financial loss, so students should carefully consider their plans before committing. Students requiring disability accommodations should register with the Office of Disability Services, with deadlines of May 1 for the fall semester and October 14 for the spring semester.

Off-Campus Housing Options

Georgia Tech Housing and Residence Life has partnered with College Pads to offer an off-campus housing marketplace for students and community members. The College Pads platform, accessible at offcampus.housing.gatech.edu, provides an interface for students searching for off-campus housing. The site includes renter education modules to help students navigate off-campus life successfully and become more informed about local rental processes. The platform also offers a customized roommate and sublease portal.

Finding affordable, off-campus apartments and houses near Georgia Tech involves browsing. The GT apartment marketplace exists to give students the ability to contact landlords of all sizes on one site. All of the off-campus housing options available in Atlanta, GA are approved to make sure students are able to completely enjoy their college experience. Students can use the filters to find the features that they’re looking for, including price, style and amenities, whether they are looking for a 1 bedroom for themselves or looking with roommates.

Popular Neighborhoods Near Georgia Tech

Georgia Tech is located in Midtown, an area north of Downtown Atlanta. Many apartments or other housing options are available within walking distance of campus and/or on the GT shuttle routes or city bus/railway routes. Housing options vary from neighborhood to neighborhood, as do expense, safety, and convenience.

Midtown: Midtown is a popular choice for students due to its convenient location. It includes high-rise condos, apartments, hotels, skyscrapers with office space, and busy shopping areas. It is also home to quiet residential neighborhoods, and Midtown's focal point is the expansive green space of Piedmont Park. Midtown's proximity to Georgia Tech allows one to walk, bike, or take the Tech Trolley to campus. Grocery stores, shops, hotels, restaurants, bars/nightclubs, and Piedmont Park are all easily accessible.
Westside: Atlanta’s Westside offers a handful of apartment complexes and small homes, ideal for students. The area is rapidly developing, with new restaurants and niche shops blossoming on every corner. The commute from Howell Mill or Marietta Street may not be feasible on foot, but the distance is still manageable with a car or provided shuttles by certain apartment complexes. Westmar, Alexan Metro West and Post Collier can all be found on the Westside.
Atlantic Station: Atlantic Station is a residential and shopping community located approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) from Georgia Tech. Residents can walk (although it is a bit far), bike, or take a shuttle bus to campus. The nearby Target Department Store, Publix Grocery Store, and IKEA offer great convenience to students, along with extensive shops and restaurants.
Home Park: Home Park is a community of houses where many students live and walk or bike to campus. The houses in Home Park are often older but are usually a less expensive and practical option for college students (students typically rent a house together and pay per room).
Virginia Highland: Just to the east past Midtown, many students frequent the Highlands for its restaurants, bars, and shops. The Highland is known for attracting twenty-somethings and offering lower rents, while still having a mix of residents and being relatively safe. Though it will take a car, bike, or long walk to MARTA to get to campus, it offers plenty of entertainment options within walking distance. It’s also home to multiple coffee shops for those who prefer such venues for studying.
Buckhead: Located approximately 9.6 km (6 miles) from Georgia Tech, Buckhead is somewhat far from campus and thus requires using public transportation (MARTA) or having a car. It is an upscale residential and commercial district with internationally renowned shopping and dining. Buckhead features shopping centers and malls, hotels, restaurants, bars/nightclubs, and high-rise office buildings and condominiums.
Vinings: Vinings is more common to families and younger working couples, making it quieter and more expensive. The nightlife may not be as exhilarating, but the area offers its own social scene with plenty of restaurants, shops, and parks to explore.
Downtown: Downtown Atlanta is the location of many corporate or regional headquarters, city, county, state and federal government facilities, sporting facilities, and is the central tourist attraction of the city. Downtown Atlanta is also home to Georgia State University. This area is a less common option for off-campus student housing for Georgia Tech students. Downtown Atlanta includes several hotels, restaurants and other attractions (including Centennial Olympic Park) as well as some residential neighborhoods.

Temporary Accommodation

For students needing temporary accommodation, several hotels are reasonably priced and convenient to Tech. Many hotels offer free breakfast included in the room fee, so ask before you reserve a room. Some hotels, especially those closest to Tech, may offer discounted rates to Tech students, so be sure to ask. Hotel room prices change often based on demand.

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Here are a few options with varying price ranges:

Days Inn Atlanta Airport West: \$ (up to $75/night)
Microtel Inn and Suites Perimeter Center: \$-$$ ($76-$100/night)
Comfort Inn & Suites Airport North: \$\$ ($76-$100/night)
Extended Stay Deluxe Lenox North: \$\$ ($76-$100/night)
Hampton Inn - Georgia Tech: $$$-$$$$ ($101-$125/night to more than $126/night)

Tips for Finding the Right Off-Campus Apartment

Finding affordable, off-campus apartments and houses near Georgia Tech doesn't need to involve browsing several different apartment sites. The GT apartment marketplace exists to give students the ability to contact landlords of all sizes on one site. To make your student housing hunt even easier, all of the off-campus housing options available in Atlanta, GA are approved to make sure you’re able to completely enjoy your college experience. Whether you are looking for a 1 bedroom for yourself or looking with roommates, you can use the filters to find the features that you’re looking for, including price, style and amenities.

Here are some steps to help you in your search:

Determine Your Needs: 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.
List Must-Have Amenities: To help figure out what is most important to you, make a list of your must-have amenities to help you narrow down your options. Make sure to think about base rent vs.
Search Online: Based on your desired location, amenities and budget, search online for some properties that meet these needs. Starting with keywords like “Student apartments in Atlanta, Georgia” or “East Midtown Atlanta student apartments” will help you find properties specific to Georgia Tech students.
Book a Tour: Once you have found a short list of properties that are a potential fit for you, visit their online contact page and book a tour. If you would rather speak with someone before touring, you can also call the property’s leasing office for more information. If you haven’t lived in East Midtown before, touring a property can help you get sense of the atmosphere and location. You’ll be able to speak with a leasing specialist and get your specific questions answered. Make sure to bring a photo ID. It’s standard for the leasing office to hold onto it while you’re on your tour for liability purposes. If you’re planning on living with roommates, bring them! This is a decision you will be making together, and touring properties together will ensure you’re both on the same page and educated on the property.
Consider New Developments: 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. 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. 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.

Roommate Considerations

Living with roommates is a personal choice that can be a great way to live with friends and save a little money. However, it's important to consider potential drawbacks:

Distractions: Not everyone prioritizes downtime and studying in the same way.
Reduced privacy: When you share a space with other people, there will inevitably be a lack of privacy.

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.

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Asking around: Whether it’s your friends or members of your organization (sorority, fraternity, club, etc.), it never hurts to ask!
Looking at social media: On Instagram, you can find pages where you can submit a photo and short bio introducing yourself to new classmates.
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.

Leasing Process

Most applications can be completed online. You can also fill out your application at the leasing office after your tour. Filling out an application is generally a 10-20 minute process. You will need to answer basic information, such as your driver’s license information, emergency contact, pet information, current residence, etc. An application might also ask you for your guarantor information. A guarantor is someone, typically a parent or guardian, who qualifies you to sign a lease. Most Georgia Tech students don’t qualify on their own from their monthly income and credit score, so your guarantor is taking on the liability of the rental rate for you. By guaranteeing your lease, the guarantor is taking on the liability of rent for the entire duration of the lease, plus any damages. If you do not pay your rent, they will be responsible for payment. In an individual lease, which what you will sign at a student apartment, both you and your guarantor are only signing for your bed space. This means that your guarantor is not responsible for any of your roommates’ bedrooms.

Key Considerations for Off-Campus Leases

Lease Length: If you choose to live in a student apartment in Midtown, you will likely sign a 12-month lease as opposed to the nine-month lease offered for on-campus housing. With a year-long lease, you have a guaranteed place to live if you plan on staying in Atlanta during the summer or winter breaks.
Utilities: Most student housing apartments include Wi-Fi, cable TV and washer/dryers in your monthly installment. Many utility companies charge a fee to cover the costs of utility setup.
Individual vs. Joint Leases: 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.
Security: Almost all Midtown student housing apartments offer various forms of security to ensure resident safety. This may include video monitoring, controlled access to units and amenities, deadbolts, on-site security guards, and more.

Additional Resources

GT Apartment Marketplace: A centralized platform for finding off-campus housing near Georgia Tech.
College Pads: Georgia Tech's off-campus housing marketplace with renter education modules.
Rambler: Offers assistance in finding roommates and navigating the leasing process.

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