Home to the esteemed University of Georgia, Athens is categorized by its academic nuance, historic charm, and, of course, its electric school spirit. With a stunning campus and charming downtown, this college town provides a one-of-a-kind living experience for over 30,000 students.
With such a large student body, securing housing on campus can be challenging. For this reason, many students opt for off-campus housing options that offer more space and independence than on-campus living. If you’re a future or current Georgia Bulldog considering living off-campus, here is a guide to help you navigate the Athens rental market.
Where Do Most UGA Students Live Off-Campus?
Athens has numerous off-campus living options throughout its residential areas. From spacious rental homes on the campus outskirts to updated apartments in the city’s downtown, student renters will have loads to choose from when making their off campus move.
Below are some of the top neighborhoods for off-campus housing in Athens.
Downtown Athens
Considered a hub for all things food, entertainment, and shopping, Downtown Athens adds energy and excitement to the off-campus living experience. When taking study breaks, students love to take advantage of this area’s diverse array of shops, restaurants, and music venues. And when it’s time to return to the books, they’re just a short walk away from the campus’s main library.
If you want to experience the best of both worlds in Downtown Athens, consider The Farmers Exchange Lofts or The Maxxen. Both of these options are perfect for students who want to be at the center of all the Athens action.
Chicopee-Dudley
Known for its more laid-back and quieter atmosphere, Chicopee-Dudley is great for those seeking a slower-paced off-campus living experience. This area boasts many nearby parks, walking trails, and a balanced mix of older homes and newer developments. Many student renters appreciate the serenity Chicopee-Dudley offers, as it’s perfect for studying, relaxing, and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of campus life.
Five Points
Five Points is another popular off-campus location. This neighborhood offers a range of housing options, from classic bungalows to modern apartments, often at more affordable prices than downtown rentals. While not as secluded as Chicopee-Dudley, Five Points provides a balanced mix of serenity and urban excitement. Here, you can enjoy a quieter suburban feel while still having access to local eateries, public transportation, and campus activities.
How Much Does Off-Campus Housing Cost in Athens?
The average rent in Athens as of August 2024 is $1,153 per month, according to CoStar data. This is 25% lower than the national average of $1,536 per month, making Athens a more affordable city than most in the United States.
Student renters in Athens will find various housing options, each catering to different lifestyles and living preferences. For those looking to live alone, Athens has studio and one-bedroom apartments for a rough average of $1,000 to $1,150 a month. For those living with roommates, the area also boasts two—and three-bedroom options, ranging from roughly $1,1300 to $1,600 a month on average.
If price is your main concern for off-campus living, you’re better off looking for rentals in Baxter, Beechwood, or South Lumpkin. These areas boast more affordable options, with the average rent roughly being $800-$1,000 per month. Meanwhile, for renters with higher budgets, you might consider living in Downtown Athens, Pulaski Heights, or Cedar Creek, which roughly cost $1,600- $1,900 monthly.
In addition to rent, student renters must consider utility costs when budgeting monthly expenses. These will include electricity, water, gas, and sometimes internet fees. Though these costs will vary depending on month-to-month usage, you can expect to pay around $100-$200 per month in utilities. So, for example, if you’re paying $1,150 a month for a one-bedroom apartment, your total living cost will be about $1,250-$1,350, including utilities.
If you’re living with roommates, you can evenly divide utility costs to minimize each individual’s expense. However, make sure to discuss this allocation with roommates at the beginning of your lease. This way, you can set expectations for usage and decide who will take care of what utility cost. Or, you can divide each utility evenly amongst yourselves to ensure fairness across the board.
Can You Live Off Campus as a Freshman at UGA?
No, you cannot live off-campus as a first-year student at the University of Georgia. Since 2003, UGA has required undergraduate, first-year students to live in University Housing during their first year of enrollment. According to UGA’s University Housing division, this is to provide students with a comprehensive educational experience that takes advantage of the academic and social benefits of living in on-campus residences.
First-year students can request to be exempt from the on-campus housing requirement under certain circumstances, such as the following:
- The student is living with a parent or guardian in certain Georgia counties
- The student is under 17 or over 21 by the start of classes
- The student has a compelling individual circumstance, such as a medical condition or financial hardship.
If you meet one of these exemptions, make sure to apply for the exemption before the specified deadline stated on the official First-Year Live-On Requirement policy. Once approved, you can begin looking for off-campus housing options.
What to Consider When Searching for UGA Student Housing
Like any renter, students have specific criteria they look for in apartments or rental homes. However, their requirements will typically be more academic-oriented, such as proximity to campus, communal study spaces, or lease flexibility during school breaks.
If you’re a UGA student looking for off-campus housing, consider filtering your search with the following rental criteria:
Proximity to campus and downtown
As a student, living close to campus will make your life a whole lot easier. Whether you’re just a walk or a bus ride away, a short commute to campus will allow for a much better living experience in Athens. It will give you more time to sleep before class, attend study groups, and participate in campus activities.
From a social standpoint, you’ll probably want to be close to downtown Athens. Known as a hub for bars, restaurants, and boutiques, downtown Athens is a popular gathering spot for students. So, if you want to be in the center of action and close to campus, you might consider neighborhoods like Normaltown or Five Points. These areas will provide convenient access to academic and entertainment options, making them perfect for student renters.
Walkability
Walkability is another important factor for student renters. Given its large population of residents, comprised of both students and locals, Athens is known to be pedestrian-friendly. Certain neighborhoods, such as Downtown Athens or Milledge, offer paths and sidewalks perfect for active residents. However, neighborhoods more on the outskirts, like Oconee County or Eastside, typically require a car or public transportation.
Public transportation
If you don’t want to live within walking distance of campus or local amenities, you might look for housing with public transportation access. Athens has a reliable public transportation system that makes it easy for students to get around the city.
First, there is the Athens Transit, a city-operated bus service offering numerous routes connecting off-campus neighborhoods, campus, and downtown. With a student identification card, you can ride the Athens Transit for free or at a discounted rate.
Additionally, UGA operates its bus system, which is free for all riders. These shuttles operate on regular academic instruction days during the spring and fall semesters, stopping at twelve different locations, including campus facilities and city landmarks. If you’re considering living off-campus without a personal vehicle, choose somewhere with access to either of these transit options, like Riverbend, as it will make life much easier for you as a student.
Lifestyle fit
Lifestyle fit should also be on your radar when considering Athens’ off-campus living options. Maybe you’re an extrovert looking to live among other students. Or perhaps you’re more of a bookworm who needs a quieter, secluded living environment. Whatever your lifestyle, there will certainly be an off-campus housing option that meets your needs in Athens.
Along with location, you might also factor in amenities that accommodate your lifestyle. For example, you might want an apartment with an expansive fitness center like Georgia Heights or Eclipse on Broad. Or, you might want somewhere with communal study areas like The Standard. Determining criteria like these will help you filter your off-campus housing search and find somewhere that complements your academic and personal lifestyle in Athens.
Find Student Housing in Athens with Apartments.com
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Start by entering “Athens, GA” into the search bar. Then, utilize our filter options to narrow your search. Start by clicking “Specialty Housing” and select “Student.” You’ll then be given a variety of specialized filters, ranging from proximity to different Athens academic institutions to student-catered amenities like study lounges, campus shuttle access, etc.
By taking advantage of these filters, you’ll quickly find housing options that align with your lifestyle, academic needs, and financial situation. Don't wait—begin your housing search today and find the perfect place to call home in Athens!
FAQs
Where is the best off-campus housing at the University of Georgia?
The best off-campus housing options vary based on personal preferences, but some popular areas include Normaltown, Downtown Athens, Five Points, and Chicopee-Dudley.
Is living on or off campus at the University of Georgia cheaper?
Generally, living off-campus can be cheaper than on-campus housing, but it depends on factors like location, type of accommodation, and whether you share costs with roommates.
What is the average cost of rent in Athens, GA?
The average cost of rent in Athens is $1,153 per month as of August 2024.
Can I bring a pet to off-campus student housing in Athens?
Many off-campus housing options allow pets, but it’s essential to check individual property policies as some may have restrictions or require additional fees.
Are there any specific requirements for first-year students living off-campus at UGA?
First-year students at UGA are required to live on campus during their first year of enrollment. If they choose to live off-campus, they must have a university-approved exemption.
What utilities are typically included in off-campus housing?
Off-campus housing often includes utilities like water, trash, and sometimes internet and electricity, but it's important to confirm what is included in the lease agreement.
