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Athens, Georgia is the classic college town, a creative, music-soaked city in the northeast Georgia hills built around the University of Georgia. UGA's cast-iron Arch marks the line between North Campus and Downtown, and that downtown grid is where student life concentrates, packed with venues, the live-music scene the city is famous for, and easy walks to class. Students cluster in named areas like Downtown, Five Points, and Normaltown, each with its own personality. Green space runs from North Campus to the trails at Sandy Creek, and every summer the free AthFest music and arts festival takes over the streets. As a UGA student renting here, you get one of the most walkable, genuinely fun college towns in the South.
The closest area to UGA and the most energetic, full of high-rise student apartments within a short walk of class and the music scene.
Just south with a quieter, characterful feel, cafes and shops, and a quick walk or bus to campus, popular with upperclassmen.
Near the health sciences campus, with a laid-back, local vibe and more space a little farther from the core.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Athens.
Athens Transit runs the city bus network and is free for UGA students with a valid ID, and UGA operates its own campus bus system covering the university and nearby routes. Some student apartments even run private shuttles to campus. If you live in or near the core, transit can cover most of your daily trips to class. The free student fare makes the bus an easy default for getting around.
Athens is very walkable near campus, since UGA sits right against downtown and a lot of students walk or bike to class daily. Downtown, Five Points, and Normaltown are all walkable areas. The compact core makes biking and walking an easy way to handle class and errands. If you live in or near the center you can cover most of your week on foot or two wheels.
A car mainly earns its keep for trips out of town or late-night runs, so it isn't essential if you live near the core. Students who do keep one use it mostly for grocery runs and weekend travel. Parking is easiest in the outer neighborhoods, where there's more room than downtown. Around downtown and campus, expect tighter spots and to plan ahead.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
It ranges by neighborhood. Downtown high-rises are the priciest, often $800-$1,200 per person per month for a room in a shared unit. Head to Five Points, Normaltown, or farther out and shared houses and apartments can run more like $500-$800 per person per month. Splitting a larger place with roommates is the standard cost-saver here.
Browse student housing near each Athens-area university.