| If you are planning to attend one of Atlanta's many | | | | little overwhelmed with college life in general. After all, |
| universities or colleges, you will want to find a suitable | | | | it is an exciting, challenging, and important experience. |
| apartment--a place where you can study, entertain, | | | | But like most complex situations, these problems can |
| and feel at home. | | | | be resolved. All you need is a gameplan, |
| It's a difficult transition. Students need to navigate a | | | | determination, and guidance. |
| new city. They need to find a job. They usually need | | | | |
| roommates. All while balancing a heavy college course | | | | I spent my first semester adjusting to school. I got a |
| load. Of course, if you are enrolled in one of Atlanta's | | | | job developing photographs, focused on my studies, |
| prestigious universities, you are used to hard work | | | | and joined a variety of social circles. I also kept my |
| and overcoming adversity. You understand the | | | | eyes and ears open, looking for a good apartment. |
| benefits of planning ahead. The chances of a | | | | I saved money through the semester. I made friends. |
| successful college transition are significantly higher | | | | I found resources that detailed available apartments. |
| when you work with a business and individuals that | | | | It was hard, arduous work. But by the time I began |
| can point you in the right direction. | | | | my sophomore year, I was where I wanted to be--I |
| If you already live in Atlanta, and have a comfortable | | | | had my own apartment. |
| feel for the numerous neighborhoods and people, you | | | | Today it's easier. But in other ways it's more difficult. |
| probably want a better selection of apartments, a | | | | Students are faced with heavier course loads. That |
| selection that directly reflects your needs and price | | | | means more time studying and less time looking for |
| range. | | | | apartments. Apartments are expensive. In Atlanta, it's |
| And finally, if you have not yet decided which school | | | | important to rely on trustworthy information, |
| to attend, numerous directories are available that will | | | | information that will lead you to a suitable apartment, |
| help you gain information and make the best decision. | | | | not one that's ready to fall down. And the student |
| The city of Atlanta provides a comprehensive list of | | | | population has increased. Atlanta is experiencing |
| colleges for potential students. You can also research | | | | tremendous economic growth. Families, professionals, |
| Atlanta's various neighborhoods, cultural life, and job | | | | and students move here for the high quality of living |
| opportunities by reading through the Atlanta Journal | | | | and numerous employment opportunities. |
| Constitution. | | | | You can bypass these challenges by making smart |
| I began my freshman year living in a dorm. For some | | | | decisions. To begin, follow the advice of the |
| students, dorm life means friends, community, and | | | | resources listed above. They are there to help you. |
| growth. But for me--I lived in dorms throughout high | | | | From your research, contact a few businesses that |
| school--I was ready to graduate to the next level of | | | | can help you find an apartment. Apartment Finder is a |
| living. I needed my own apartment. | | | | trusted resource. They list properties by address, |
| To do this, though, especially as a freshman, is | | | | school, and nearby Military bases. And their publication |
| difficult. First, you probably won't know too many | | | | can be found almost everywhere in Atlanta. Be sure |
| people. So your chances of finding a worthwhile | | | | to check grocery stores, drug stores, and cafes for |
| Atlanta apartment through friends are slim. Second, | | | | the Apartment Finder magazine. |
| you probably won't have a stash of extra money | | | | Good luck in your move to Atlanta. Hopefully this |
| waiting for you to use. And third, you'll probably be a | | | | article's resources and advice will help you along. |