The invitation to interview has landed in your inbox and now what?!

You know there are interviews, suits, handshakes, and talking about your strengths, but how do you get to the place where all the magic happens? This may be one of the pieces that stresses you out, but fear not. With a couple of tips and tricks, you’ll be booking travel reservations like a pro in no time.

Booking your flight. The best time to book a flight is generally four weeks out from the date of travel. You have two airport options, but the most accessible is the Atlanta-Hartsfield International Airport (ATL). It’s about 70 miles from the University of Georgia and you have plenty of shuttle options to get you to Athens. You can also fly into Greenville-Spartanburg Airport (GSP) if you’d like – but I don’t recommend this, since travel options from the airport to campus are limited unless you rent a car.

Booking the appropriate flight is tricky, especially since flights are not the most affordable mode of travel. Choose a flight option that allows you to arrive in plenty of time prior to interview weekend activities beginning. The first flight out (depending on your city) to Atlanta might be the best option, which would allow you to arrive in Athens around lunchtime. Extra time provides flexibility and the ability to deal with unforeseen issues, should they arise. When you are departing, book a flight late enough in the day that you can commute from Athens, deal with some metro-Atlanta traffic, and make it through airport security before your flight takes off.

Booking a shuttle. CSAA and UGA students utilize the Groome Shuttle, a shared ride van, to get to and from the Atlanta airport, especially since there is a pick-up stop right on campus! The shuttle from the Atlanta airport to Athens and vice versa is about an hour and forty-five minutes. Be cognizant of the shuttle departure time for your outbound trip. You need to choose an option after interview activities conclude; the day officially ends at 5 pm. Be sure to book a shuttle that leaves after the conclusion after activities (probably the 6 pm shuttle from the Georgia Center).

Groome Shuttle website: http://athens.groometransportation.com/

Groome Shuttle pick-up and drop-off at UGA: Georgia Center (right before the intersection of Lumpkin and Carlton)

Driving. If you are within driving distance of UGA, you may want to coordinate with your CSAA host for the weekend for an address to arrive at in town. The address for the Tate Student Center, where interview activities will be held, is 45 Baxter Street, Athens GA 30602. Be aware of the time of day you choose to drive, accounting for traffic or possible delays. Ask your host about parking options and regulations – either at their apartment complex off-campus or the regulations on-campus.

Flexibility and patience. The biggest piece of advice I can provide with regard to travel is to have patience and be flexible. As someone who walked through an airport every three or four days for a calendar year, this is easier said than done. Plan for the worst and hope for the best. Give yourself some extra time. Prepare for your trip in advance to eliminate stressors or complications. Printing your documents, having phone numbers, addresses, and contact information readily accessible comes in handy should something unexpected arise. Most of all, use your resources. Your CSAA hosts are happy to answer your questions and help you if you need it, in any aspect. From answering questions about the weekend, to input on what shuttle to book – we are here to help you, and are excited you chose to visit us in Athens!

Understand your needs. Meet them. You know yourself better than anyone else. Trust your instincts and arrange a travel experience that matches your needs. Will you feel more comfortable arriving on Saturday evening versus Sunday morning? Do your flight options limit you to leaving Tuesday morning instead of Monday evening? There are so many aspects to juggle in your graduate program search, this is an area where you can eliminate unknown information. Choose the options that are the best for you financially, physically, and emotionally. You should feel confident about your journey to UGA, and shouldn’t be worried about travel concerns.

CSAA is here for you. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know! We are here to help you, and want you to have the best Bulldawg experience possible. We’re excited to meet you in a few short weeks!

CSAA love,

Christine

Christine is a 2nd Year in the CSAA program, and currently holds an assistantship with the Center for Student Organization in the Office of Student Activities and Organizations at the University of Georgia. She came to UGA from The Ohio State University in a full-time position in development and Greek Life, as previously traveled as a Chapter Consultant on the West Coast for Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity. She hopes to work in Sorority and Fraternity Life, Student Activities, Orientation and First Year Programs, or Student Veteran Services upon graduation. She loves to cook, do Bikram yoga, and is learning how to love running to prepare for her first 10k in Charleston, SC!

Contact: calicata@uga.edu