Transportation to and from Athens
The first time that you drop off your student can be stressful and confusing. Planning is the key to a smooth move. Since most parents go with their students to help move them in, it is important to know the ins and outs of traveling to and from Athens. There are some options when it comes to getting to Athens. Since you probably won’t be picking them up and delivering them back to campus very often, here are some ways to get them to and from UGA.
For areas within Athens-Clarke County, students can ride Athens Transit for free. This bus system has a couple of stops on and around campus. For areas outside of Athens, including Atlanta and beyond, there are a few services offered. Atlanta’s International airport is about an hour and a half drive from Athens. Groome Transportation offers 23 daily round trips from Athens to the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport seven days a week. It is $41 each way and is an easy option for students. Southeastern Stages also operates in Atlanta, Augusta and beyond. They are charter busses, have a stop in Athens, and fares are around $36 each way. A popular company that services many universities in many states is Megabus. Their fares can be as little as a dollar. When looking for a fare from Athens to Charlotte, NC over the holiday break, the quote was from $5.00 – $15.00 depending on the time of departure. That was for a round trip transportation! It’s always a good idea to ask around about any of the bus options. They may be inexpensive, but be mindful of how long the trip will be and how many stops your student will have to go through.
Freshmen are allowed to have cars on campus at UGA, so driving is, of course, another option. Carpooling, especially over holiday breaks is also common among students. And it’s a great way to make new friends and share in the cost of gas. Don’t forget to check the student and parent chat boards, sorority/fraternity/dorm/club boards, as well as Facebook pages for posts on drive-sharing.
On-Campus Bus System
The UGA Campus Transit is the on-campus form of transportation for students. It has live maps and schedules for students available right on their phones. This is the easiest way to get around campus, aside from walking. There are stops from downtown to the main campus, to Milledge (where most of the sorority/fraternity houses are). Student Government is partnered with the transit system and works to make stops more efficient. Be sure to click here for the most recent updates and schedules. Games and on-campus events may cause changes to the schedules and points of pick up and drop-offs.
Bicycles
Although walking and campus buses are the most common way to get around, students with bikes will find that they are not only riding on campus but maybe on the roads, since UGA is in the heart of Athens. Bike paths are plenty, but caution is always necessary. The campus and town are very hilly so beware where you are riding. If you will be riding at night, it is required that you have a white front light, and a red rear reflector or you can accrue a $150 fine. UGA is currently looking into an electric bike-share program with multiple on-campus locations. Click here to follow the information on that.
No matter how you get around, remember that UGA is in the middle of town. Always stay alert and watch for cars and walkers.
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