Making the move to Atlanta? With top colleges and universities, major cultural attractions, and a buzzing social scene, Georgia’s state capital is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities to spend your student years.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay during your studies, you’re in the right place – we have a great selection of student housing in Atlanta, with options for every budget in Downtown, Midtown and other key student areas.
Start browsing our student apartments at the top of the page – or continue reading to learn more about student life in the ATL...
Colleges in Atlanta
The Atlanta metropolitan area is a major hub for higher education with over 50 colleges and universities catering to more than 250,000 students! Prestigious research institutions, major state universities, specialized colleges – the city does it all.
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) is one of the world’s best universities for technology, engineering, and applied science. Part of the University System of Georgia, it also ranks as one of the top public universities in the US.
The main campus occupies over 400 acres in Atlanta’s Midtown and serves more than 40,000 students. It’s home to Georgia Tech’s six main colleges, as well as Tech Square – an innovation hub filled with tech companies that work closely with the university.
It’s best known for engineering but also held in high regard for computing and business. There’s a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, too, with the CREATE-X initiative helping to launch hundreds of student startups.
Secured your place and need somewhere to stay? Check out our range of Georgia Tech off-campus housing!
Georgia State University
Home to around 50,000 students, Georgia State University (GSU) is the largest university in Georgia and one of the most diverse in the US. The main campus is located right in the heart of downtown Atlanta, just a stone’s throw from some of the city’s top attractions.
GSU’s study offering is vast with over 250 degree programmes to pick from and strong subject rankings for education, business, and law. Across the board, the university is praised for its innovation, quality of teaching, and focus on social mobility.
Another advantage of its downtown location, GSU has solid connections with major corporations and government agencies based in Atlanta – many courses include placements where you can pick up invaluable experience.
Joining Georgia’s biggest student community? We have a host of different options for GSU off-campus housing!
Emory University
A private research university with top-ranking courses across various subject areas, Emory University regularly places among the top 25 colleges in the US. It's based in the Druid Hills neighborhood about 5km from downtown Atlanta, offering that classic campus experience.
Emory is best known for medicine and health science – where it ranks among the top universities in the world – while it also has an excellent liberal arts college and business school. Its smaller body of roughly 15,000 students gives it a close-knit community vibe.
Looking for a living space that’s close to campus? Explore our selection of apartments near Emory University!
SCAD Atlanta
Regularly ranked as the best art school in the US, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is a standout option if you’re pursuing a career in a creative field. It has a diverse study covering everything from fashion and animation to architecture and UX design.
Located in Midtown, SCAD’s Atlanta campus serves around 2,000 students and is home to top facilities including computer labs and production studios. The college has a strong reputation for industry collaboration and boasts near-perfect graduate employment rates.
Heading to one of the world’s leading art schools? Discover our range of apartments near SCAD Atlanta!
Other colleges and universities in Atlanta
Atlanta’s colleges and universities don’t end there! Other options include Spelman College and Morehouse College, which together form the historic Atlanta University Center Consortium alongside Clark Atlanta University and the Morehouse School of Medicine.
Agnes Scott College, a private women's liberal arts college in nearby Decatur, scores highly in the national rankings for innovation and social mobility, while Oglethorpe University offers a solid liberal arts program in the peaceful suburb of Brookhaven.
Things for students to do in Atlanta
Amazing food, great outdoor spaces, top-tier sports teams, and a vibrant art scene – Atlanta has a bit of everything. No matter what your interests are, you won’t have any trouble filling your free time here.
Entertainment
Atlanta offers endless culture and entertainment. Museums range from the rare dinosaur displays of Fernbank Museum to the eye-opening exhibitions of the High Museum of Art. For sports, take your pick between the Braves (MLB), Falcons (NFL), Hawks (NBA), and Atlanta United FC (MLS) – the latter is particularly popular with the college crowd!
Fancy a live show? The historic Fox Theatre stages major Broadway productions, the Atlanta Symphony Hall serves as the home of the city’s famous orchestra, while much-loved venues like Tabernacle and Variety Playhouse host artists from all over the world. If comedy is your thing, drop by Punchline and the Laughing Skull Lounge.
Food & drink
Atlanta has one of the most diverse food scenes around. The city is home to several amazing food courts, including Ponce City Market, Krog Street Market, and the Municipal Market, where you can sample everything from Southern comfort food to international classics – all for an affordable price, too.
Burford Highway, running northeast from Atlanta, is a foodie paradise famous for its Asian and Latin American restaurants. Varsity is another legendary spot and has been serving chili dogs since 1928. Into your beers? Atlanta’s craft scene is on the up with breweries like SweetWater and New Realm leading the way.
Nightlife
Atlanta has a buzzing nightlife with plenty of pubs, clubs, and bars catering to the college crowd. Edgewood Avenue near Downtown and Buckhead on the northern side of the city are two of the main hotspots, both lined with college bars where you’ll find plenty of fellow students.
East Atlanta Village is another popular area with a mix of casual dive bars, cozy gastropubs, and alternative music venues like the EARL. For a night out clubbing, options range from the sleek decor of Tongue & Groove to the high-energy DJ sets of MJQ Concourse.
Outdoors
Known as ‘the City in the Forest’, Atlanta has a wealth of green space with close to half of the metro area covered in trees! Occupying over 200 acres in Midtown, Piedmont Park is home to walking trails, a lake, and the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, while it also hosts major art and music festivals during summer.
The Atlanta BeltLine, a 22-mile loop circling the core of Atlanta, is ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. For a true escape from the city, Stone Mountain Park is just 30 minutes from downtown and has some amazing hiking trails that reward you with truly unforgettable views.
History
Atlanta has a rich but complex history that’s central to the story of the US. The Atlanta History Center in Buckhead is simply a must-visit and covers a huge amount of history, with various exhibitions ranging from Southern folk art and the American Civil War to the 1996 Summer Olympics.
The city also served as the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement, with its role in this chapter of American history chronicled by sites like the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park.
Best student neighborhoods in Atlanta
Atlanta is a sprawling city with over 200 distinct neighborhoods. College students tend to live in the central districts, and there are a few key areas many look to target when searching for student housing.
Downtown
A top choice for GSU students, Downtown puts you right in the heart of Atlanta's bustling business district. Here you’re just steps away from top tourist attractions and can also take advantage of strong transport links to explore the rest of the city.
The central location means that demand is high, however lots of new student apartments have come onto the market in recent years – particularly in neighborhoods like Peachtree Center and Sweet Auburn – making it a more viable option.
Midtown
Midtown, known as ‘the Heart of the Arts’, retains all the buzz of Downtown but also boasts plenty of green space – most notably at Piedmont Park. It’s especially popular with Georgia Tech students, given its close proximity to campus.
Housing ranges from luxury high-rises overlooking Tech Square to older apartment buildings converted for student use. It’s generally one of the more expensive areas for student housing in Atlanta, though you can find good value in the outer fringes.
Atlantic Station
Based just northwest of Midtown, Atlantic Station is another popular student area within walking distance of Georgia Tech. The neighborhood is relatively compact but offers an impressive range of amenities including the open-air Atlantic Station mall.
It’s also home to several purpose-built student complexes with luxury facilities like study rooms and fitness centers. Some even offer free shuttle services to Midtown Station, making it easy to reach Downtown and GSU.
Atlanta cost of living
The cost of living for students in Atlanta is relatively affordable compared to other major US cities. Housing represents the biggest expense, though this can vary considerably depending on location and amenities. In most cases, student apartments in Atlanta range from $1,000–$1,500 per month.
Grocery costs are similar to other cities – you can generally limit spending to $200–$300 per month by shopping at budget stores. Factoring in other living costs like transport and entertainment, most students will probably need a minimum of $1,500–$2,000 per month to get by.
Free things to do in Atlanta
For the days when your bank balance is running low, Atlanta offers a host of free things to do. Top attractions like Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and Atlanta Contemporary are free to visit, while the High Museum of Art waives its fees on the second Sunday of each month.
Atlanta’s wonderful outdoor spaces are of course free to enjoy whenever you like. Highlights include Piedmont Park – which also hosts regular unticketed events – the Atlanta BeltLine, and Stone Mountain Park.
Student discounts in Atlanta
Many of Atlanta’s most popular museums and visitor attractions offer discounted rates to students, including Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta History Center, the Center for Civil and Human Rights, and the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum.
Your college ID also unlocks savings at entertainment venues across the city. The Alliance Theatre offers discounts on most of its productions, while Fox Theatre releases student rush tickets for certain shows. Most movie theatres including Regal and AMC also offer student discounts.
Public transit in Atlanta
Atlanta is spread over a huge area, so it’s important you get familiar with the public transit system. This is managed by MARTA (the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority), which operates buses and trains, allowing students to get by without the need for a car.
One-way fares across the MARTA network are fairly cheap, but if you’re going to be traveling frequently, you may want to pick up a ‘University Pass’. Exclusive to college students, these passes cost $60–$70 and unlock unlimited MARTA travel for the month.
Rail
The rapid rail system operates across four lines (Red, Gold, Blue, and Green), which meet at the Five Points station Downtown. Services run every 10–20 minutes, starting early in the morning and through to around 1am – though with slightly reduced services on weekends.
The Red and Gold lines run north to south and pass through popular student areas like Midtown (North Avenue and Midtown stations near Georgia Tech), Downtown (Peachtree Center near Georgia State), and Decatur (serving Emory University via shuttle connections).
Bus
MARTA's bus network complements the rail service with over 100 routes covering areas beyond the reach of train stations. Key student routes include the #36 connecting Georgia Tech to Midtown and Downtown, the #6 serving Emory University, and the #12 connecting Midtown to Atlantic Station.
Georgia Tech (Stinger Bus) and GSU (Panther Express) also operate their own shuttle services which provide more direct routes between campus and popular student housing areas.
Streetcar
The Atlanta Streetcar runs across a 2.7-mile loop downtown, passing directly by GSU and other handy stop-offs like Peachtree Center, Centennial Olympic Park, and Sweet Auburn Market.
While coverage is a lot more limited than the bus and train, it does provide another way to easily navigate Downtown. It’s also operated by MARTA, so you can use your usual pass to pay for fares.
Frequently asked questions
Is Atlanta a safe place for students to live?
Atlanta is generally a safe city for students. The areas surrounding the main colleges are well-maintained with regular campus patrols, while popular student living areas like Midtown are among the safest in the city. Still, it’s best to exercise the usual precautions like keeping your possessions secure and avoiding going out alone late at night.
Is there high demand for student housing in Atlanta?
The demand for student housing in Atlanta is consistently high, especially in popular areas like Midtown, Downtown, and Atlantic Station. Pre-leasing often begins several months in advance, so to avoid disappointment it’s best to start searching for housing at least three months before your expected move-in date.
How much does student housing in Atlanta cost?
Student accommodation costs in Atlanta vary widely based on location, amenities, and housing type. A standard room in a shared apartment may cost just $800 per month, while a flashy student residence in an area like Midtown could fetch as much as $1,800 per month. The apartments we list in Atlanta typically range from $900–$1,400 per month.
Where are the best student neighborhoods in Atlanta?
Atlanta has some great student areas near the main college campuses. For Georgia Tech students, Midtown and nearby Atlantic Station are most convenient. Downtown and the surrounding areas of Old Fourth Ward and Summerhill are ideal for Georgia State students, while Decatur and Virginia-Highland are well connected to Emory.
Do I need a visa to study abroad in Atlanta?
To study in Atlanta as a non-US citizen, you’ll need to obtain a student visa. You can read about the application requirements and your eligibility on the US Department of State website.
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