Georgia Tech University Housing Options: A Comprehensive Guide
Choosing where to live is a significant decision for students attending Georgia Tech. Housing and Residence Life offers a variety of options both on and off campus to suit different needs and preferences. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these options, from traditional dorms to off-campus apartments, to help you make the best choice for your college experience.
On-Campus Housing
Georgia Tech Housing and Residence Life provides high-quality housing facilities and residence life programs designed to help students maximize their potential. On-campus housing includes traditional, suite, and apartment-style rooms. Rent rates include all utilities and high-speed Internet access. Trained and caring student and professional staff provide additional support and programs.
First-Year Experience
Georgia Tech promotes on-campus living for freshmen by offering the First-Year Experience Program, which supports new students' transition and fosters personal, academic, and leadership growth. This program is designed to ease the transition for freshmen from living at home to college life. On-campus dorms are typically arranged to accommodate you and another individual in a shared room, although there are instances where triples and quads are available.
The First-Year Wellness Experience (FYWE) supports the personal, academic, and professional growth of first-year students by fostering a strong first-year cohort that centers well-being.
Living Learning Communities
Living Learning Communities (LLCs) immerse first-year students in shared interests, fostering collaboration and easing the transition to college. Each Georgia Tech Learning Community is an integrated experience that promotes interactions between faculty and students, fosters collaboration among students, enhances campus and civic engagement, and eases both the academic and social transition to college.
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New first-year, undergraduate degree-seeking students who will begin classes in August have the option of joining the Global Leadership Living Learning Community. This program helps newly admitted, first-year students adjust to college life through shared courses, excursions and living space in Matheson and Perry Residence Halls. Space in the program is limited, and admitted first-year students can apply through their admission portal immediately upon receiving their admission decision. Students must be starting their first year of college in August to be eligible for this program.
First-Year students admitted to Georgia Tech can apply to the Explore, Global Leadership, Grand Challenges Living Learning Communities, First-Year Semester Abroad and the Ignite Summer Launch Program. Transfer students are invited to apply to the Explore Living Learning Communities. Beginning in their second year, students are invited to apply to the Women, Science, and Technology (WST) and the International House (I-House) Living Learning Communities. John H. First-Year and Transfer students admitted to Georgia Tech can apply to the John H. Martinson Honors Program (JMHP). JMHP students are encouraged to pursue their curiosity, creativity, and connection across disciplinary boundaries and the boundary between theory and practice.
Upperclass Living
Georgia Tech offers specialized residential programs for second-year and upperclass students, emphasizing academic, personal, and career development in a supportive community setting. For second years and above, Georgia Tech offers apartment-style housing for both undergraduate and graduate levels. These apartments are leased directly from Georgia Tech and feature private bedrooms and shared living room and kitchen spaces.
Transfer Year Experience
The Transfer-Year Experience Program is a self-selected living option offered to help new transfer residents access the services and resources that are relevant to their current needs through programming and customized housing.
Exchange Students
Full Academic Year exchange students who would like to live on-campus can apply for on-campus housing after they have been admitted to Georgia Tech. Exchange students studying for Fall semester only are only eligible for on-campus housing if they are participating in a Living Learning Community: Georgia Tech offers two living learning community options, I-House and I-Lead, for visiting exchange and Techsplore students attending Georgia Tech for 1-2 semesters as non-degree seeking students. Though academic year visiting international students may apply to live in any residence hall on campus, spots are usually competitive, and these two housing options reserve spots specifically for this student population. Additionally, these programs provide the only opportunity to live on campus for visiting students studying at GT for the fall semester only.
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Application Process
The application for on-campus housing opens in early spring in the My Housing portal. Housing and Residence Life does not guarantee housing, and contracts are for a space on campus, not a specific assignment. Room selection numbers are assigned in the order applications are completed, so the earlier you apply, the more options you’ll have. Please review the Application Guide for details. After assignments are completed, students may view their room and roommate information by returning to My Housing, opening the current application, and clicking on "Room and Roommate(s) Info". All students pay a one-time, non-refundable $80 application fee at the time of application.
To apply, please log in to My Housing and select the "Family-Monthly" tab.
Important Considerations
The academic year housing contract includes both fall and spring semesters. There is NOT a fall only housing application unless prior approval is received from the Office of International Education. Termination of your contract will incur significant financial loss. Students who require disability accommodation should register with the Office of Disability Services. The fall semester deadline is May 1, and the spring semester deadline is October 14.
Roommate Selection
Both on- and off-campus housing options give you the autonomy to select your own roommates. However, for first-year students who may not know many people at school yet, finding roommates can be challenging. Alternatively, you can opt for the dorm or apartment management to match you with a random roommate. In the GT My Housing Portal for on-campus dorms, you’ll complete a roommate questionnaire that will pair you with a roommate based on your preferences.
Cost of On-Campus Housing
At the time of this publication, living on-campus as a part of the First-Year Experience Program costs $7,450 per year for housing, with an additional $5,950 per year for the meal plan, applicable to both in-state and out-of-state students. As of publication date in January 2025, rates range from $3,505 to $5,338 per person, per semester for Fall and Spring semesters. This is around $700 to $1,200 each month over nine months.
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Off-Campus Housing
Georgia Tech Housing and Residence Life has partnered with College Pads to provide a new off-campus housing marketplace for Georgia Tech students and community members. The College Pads platform at offcampus.housing.gatech.edu aims to provide an interface for Georgia Tech students searching for off-campus housing. The new site includes renter education modules to help students successfully navigate the transition to off-campus life and become better educated on the local rental processes. Custom-tailored to the needs of Georgia Tech student renters, the College Pads platform also offers students a customized roommate and sublease portal.
College Pads works to help college students at Georgia Tech find the best off-campus housing options near campus. Our listings feature apartments and houses for rent. All of our off-campus housing options have been verified and approved by our diligent team of campus managers. We even follow up with you and the landlord to make sure you have found your perfect house.
Finding apartments at Georgia Institute of Technology has always been a chore. At College Pads we are fixing that. All of the apartments and houses listed for rent have been verified and approved by our diligent team so you'll be sure to find a place you'll love using College Pads today!
Advantages of Off-Campus Living
Off-campus apartments give you more freedom to choose your living arrangements, roommates, lease terms, preferred amenities, and various other preferences. You have the flexibility to decide whether you want to reside in new, luxury student apartments located near campus or in more spacious, conventional apartments within the broader Midtown area.
Types of Off-Campus Housing
Off-campus housing typically offers year-long leases, giving you more flexibility in your summer arrangements.
Purpose-built student housing is apartment-style, typically with individual bedrooms, private bathrooms and a shared kitchen and living space. Most apartment complexes offer a range of floor plans. Purpose-built student housing apartments understand this and tailor their amenities to target the wants and needs of an off-campus college student. Amenities often include fully-furnished apartments, individual and community study spaces, pool decks, gyms and fitness centers.
Application Process for Off-Campus Housing
For off-campus housing, start by compiling a list of apartments you’re interested in and schedule tours at these locations. The leasing staff will provide you with more details about rates, amenities, and availability. If you’re located out of state or unable to visit in person, many leasing teams are accommodating and can arrange a virtual tour or phone call to address any questions you may have about the property.
Cost of Off-Campus Housing
Opting for off-campus student apartments can range anywhere from $1,200 to $2,500 per person, per month. For traditional off-campus apartments, the pricing can span anywhere from $700 to over $3,000 per person, per month. Prices for these apartments range anywhere from the $1,200’s to over $2,000 per person, per month.
Lease Agreements
Under this arrangement, each tenant signs their own lease agreement rather than sharing one lease for the entire apartment. For instance, in a 3x3 apartment (three bedrooms and three bathrooms) shared with two roommates, each person signs a separate lease for their specific bedroom and bathroom. At student apartments, all leases will typically be for twelve months from the start of the fall semester in August through the end of the next summer in July.
Atlanta Neighborhoods
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. As with all cities, housing options vary from neighborhood to neighborhood as does the expense, safety and convenience of the neighborhood.
Neighborhoods Adjacent to Georgia Tech Campus are:
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.
Highlights:
- Georgia Aquarium (225 Baker St NW)
- World of Coca-Cola (121 Baker St NW)
- Atlanta Breakfast Club (249 Ivan Allen Jr.
Midtown: Midtown 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 Atlanta is a very popular place for students to live because of its convenient location. 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 the large Piedmont Park are all easily accessible in Midtown.
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. Though this means excellent additions to residents’ social lives, it also means increasing prices. 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.
Highlights:
- Ormsby’s (1170 Howell Mill Road)
- Figo Pasta (1210 Howell Mill Road NW)
- Yoforia (1100 Howell Mill Road)
- Yeah!
Atlantic Station: Atlantic Station is a residential and shopping community and is located approximately 1.6 km (1 mile) from Georgia Tech. One could 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 and a large number of students live in this area and walk or bike to campus. Although the houses in Home Park are often older, they 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 already 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.
Highlights:
- Fontaine’s Oyster House (1026 N Highland Ave NE)
- Aurora Coffee (992 N. Highland Ave. NE)
- Yeah! Burger (1017 N. Highland Ave. NE)
- Genki Noodles & Sushi (1040 N.
Buckhead: It is an upscale residential and commercial district with internationally renowned shopping and dining. 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. 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.
Temporary Accommodation
The OIE recommends that you make temporary housing reservations as soon as possible in order to have more options in accommodation.
Hotels Near Georgia Tech
The list below includes hotels that are reasonably priced and convenient to Tech. The hotels listed are within walking distance or accessible by MARTA, the Atlanta transportation system. Many (but not all) 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, but the key below will give you an idea of how much a room in each hotel might cost per night:
- $ = up to $75/night
- $$ = $76-$100/night
- $$$ = $101-$125/night
- $$$$ = more than $126/night
Hotel Listing:
Days Inn Atlanta Airport West: $2451 Old National Highway, College Park 30349 (23.3km/14.5 miles from Tech; about 55 minutes by MARTA)1-404-761-8371
Microtel Inn and Suites Perimeter Center: $-$$6280 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Atlanta (21km/13 miles from Tech; about 45 minutes by MARTA)1-678-781-4000
Comfort Inn & Suites Airport North: $$1419 Virginia Ave., College Park (17.2km/10.7 miles from Tech; about 55 minutes by MARTA)1-404-768-7800
Extended Stay Deluxe Lenox North: $$3967 Peachtree Road, Atlanta (13.5km/8.4 miles from Tech; about 35 minutes by MARTA)1-404-237-9100
Hampton Inn - Georgia Tech: $$$-$$$$244 North Ave. NW, Atlanta (0.3km/0.2 miles from Tech; about 4 minutes walking)1-404-881-0881
Transportation Considerations
Atlanta will be hot and humid in August, with daily highs in the low to mid 30s Celsius (high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit), and sudden afternoon thunderstorms are common. You may wish to take this into consideration when deciding how far you would like to be from Tech or from a MARTA station.
Georgia Tech is located in Midtown, and nearby hotels tend to be more expensive than hotels in other areas of the city. Many hotels in the Downtown area are relatively convenient to Tech and are cheaper than hotels in Midtown, but this area is generally deserted at the end of the workday and on weekends as it is primarily a business district. This may make some students uncomfortable. There are many budget hotels near the airport, and many offer free shuttle service to the airport. There is also a MARTA station in the airport.
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