Once you have decided to come to the United States to study, many practical issues need to be answered. Check out the links on the left for information about living in Atlanta. The US Department of State has published a helpful document called “Prepare for your Departure” to help students prepare in advance.

Transportation

There are many different ways to get to the Georgia State campus. It is essential to plan whether you will drive or take public transportation. Georgia State website provides essential information about campus shuttles, student discounts for MARTA and parking on the Transit page.

In addition, if you need information on how to get a driver’s license, please refer to the IEP Student Handbook for more information.

New Students Arriving in Atlanta
Please see the Ground Transportation Overview for information on getting to and from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

• Before arrival, you should arrange transportation from the Atlanta airport to your lodging place. For those of you who will be arriving in Atlanta from overseas or another part of the US without someone to pick you up at the airport, below are two possible options: Contact one of the international student groups that are a part of ISAC (International Student Associations Council). These groups exist to promote the culture and serve the needs of the many international students on campus. Several of them provide airport pickup as well as housing assistance for new students from their part of the world. The list of groups can be found here.
• A group called Culture Connection can provide an airport pick-up service.  You can contact Elaine Brown at [email protected].
• Take a taxi or shuttle directly to your accommodations.

Driving and public transportation (MARTA) directions can be found here.

Housing

Housing is available in Atlanta for students in on-campus residence halls, apartments and homestays.  The IEP does not arrange student housing; many options are available based on individual preferences.

On Campus Housing
If you are interested in on-campus housing, you must apply online (after you have been accepted to the IEP and have a PantherID number).  Housing space on campus is limited, so it is essential to apply early.  Students who begin the fall semester with greater demand should apply as early as possible. The housing application is separate from the application to the IEP and must be done online.

Off-Campus Housing

•  Apartments/Roommates: Many apartments throughout the city are affordable and close to public transportation (estimated rent: $600–$800). IEP students are responsible for finding their apartment housing.  You can use Georgia State’s Off-Campus Living website to locate an apartment or a roommate and click “Places for Students.” If you need a place to stay while you look for an apartment, you can choose to live with a family through a homestay company when you first arrive. NOTE: NOTE: BE SURE TO SIGN A SHORT-TERM CONTRACT ONLY.
• Homestays: Independent companies in Atlanta place students in private family residences. This can be an excellent opportunity to practice English and learn about American culture.  However, the IEP is not officially affiliated with any single company in the Atlanta area.   An internet search “Atlanta Homestays” or “Homestays Atlanta” will yield several results.

Banking
Because tuition must be paid during IEP orientation week, every student should have the necessary funds available in U.S. dollars. The IEP recommends that students purchase traveler’s checks and/or consult their local bank about a safe, efficient way to transfer funds so that money is available when they arrive in Atlanta. Students should not carry large sums of cash.

If you need information about banking services or want to open a bank account:

Go to the IEP Office, 34 Peachtree St., 12th floor and ask for

1. an “Assistance Letter,” which states that you are a student in the Intensive English Program (IEP).
2. An IRS W8 BEN form. You need to complete this form, which explains why you don’t have a social security number. You do not need this form if you have a social security number or a tax identification number.

Take your Assistance Letter, the completed IRS form and your passport to open an account at a bank.

Go to the Customer Service counter at any bank and ask to open an account. Regular bank hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

NOTE:  Georgia State has partnered with Flywire to streamline the tuition payment process for our international students.  With Flywire, you are offered excellent foreign exchange rates, allowing you to pay in your home currency (in most cases) and save a significant amount of money compared to traditional banks.  You will also be emailed when Georgia State receives your payment. Go to the PAWS website for more information.

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Congratulations on your acceptance to the Georgia State Intensive English Program!  The following steps will help you through the post-arrival process.

1. Activate your CampusID and Password. Your Panther ID is the nine-digit number on your acceptance letter (ex. 002-12-3456). Click on “More Information on First-Time CampusID Activation” get started. Follow the directions on the screen. Remember to record the answers to your questions.

2. Set up your Georgia State e-mail account. Set this up right away to make sure you’re on track. Remember that Georgia State will send all important e-mails to your Georgia State e-mail address.

3. If you are interested in on-campus housing, you must apply online after acceptance to the IEP.  The IEP does not arrange housing for its students.

4. Submit required immunization for MMR, Tetanus/Diphtheria, Varicella and Hepatitis B before arrival, if possible: Fax or scan the completed immunization form to 404-413-1955 or scan to [email protected] prior to class registration. Visit University Health Services. If you applied for on campus housing, you must also obtain the meningitis vaccine.

5. Read about Georgia State’s health insurance options and health insurance requirements for F-1 and J-1 students. As of January 2014, most vaccinations in the University Health Clinic are now free of charge after setting up your Georgia State health insurance.

6. Plan your transportation and parking. All Georgia State students are allowed to bring vehicles on campus. For more information about parking fees, MARTA and shuttle services, please visit Auxiliary & Support Services. Students who wish to park vehicles in the University Commons will inquire through their housing application.

7. After you receive your visa, submit your “Confirmation of Attendance” to [email protected]. We need this information to plan for classes and orientation.

• SEVIS Website
• Visa Processing Times
• Visa Hints for Students
• Activate Campus ID & Password