Living in Atlanta
The Georgia Institute of Technology is in Atlanta, Georgia, in the southeastern United States. It is the capital of the state of Georgia, site of the 1996 Olympic games, and one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Atlanta is a city of neighborhoods, with a wonderful mix of rich heritage and contemporary international urban excitement. The metropolitan area is home to approximately 4.5 million people.
Georgia Tech is located in “Midtown” Atlanta. From theaters to art centers, Midtown is the heart of the arts. Known for its vibrant and diverse residents, energetic business district and the city’s largest green space — Piedmont Park, Midtown offers an eclectic blend of shopping, dining, culture, and nightlife. From its mild climate, ensuring year-round outdoor activities to its hundreds of restaurants, dance clubs, sports clubs, and cultural activities to the many professional sports teams, Atlanta’s students rarely lack inspiration for leisure activities. In addition, nearby lakes, mountains, and beaches offer water sports, camping, rock climbing, and snow skiing.
Getting Around Atlanta
Atlanta has one main airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, located about 15 miles from campus. It is the busiest and one of the largest airports in the country, with flights leaving to all destinations in the United States and throughout the world. Georgia Tech’s campus is accessible by MARTA, Atlanta’s public transportation system. Rides are $1.75 each way, and buses and trains run from early morning until late at night. The trains stop throughout the city, with two stops convenient to the Georgia Institute of Technology campus. For more information on MARTA, please visit www.itsmarta.com. Several major highways also run very near campus. If you have a car or know someone with a car, it is easy to make trips in the area. Often rental car companies will not rent to you if you are under 25 years of age; or if you are able to rent a car, you may pay a higher rental fee.
Weather
Atlanta has four distinct seasons, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a range of comfortable climates. During the fall and spring, Atlanta is quite comfortable with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21-26 Celsius). Summers can be quite hot and humid, and winters are normally mild with a few colder spells. The annual rainfall is only about 48 inches (122cm). You should bring clothing suitable for both hot and cold temperatures, although extreme cold weather is very rare. Student dress on campus is quite casual and entirely according to your personal taste.
Exchange Student Excursions
The Office of International Education sponsors activities and off-campus outings specifically for exchange students to give you an opportunity to explore Atlanta, the state of Georgia, and other regional locations of importance. Previous excursions have included white-water rafting in Tennessee, visits to the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, hikes to Stone Mountain Park, and professional sports events