In most cases, you won't be able to see your exact unit when you tour your Athens apartment complex and sign the lease. More than likely, most UGA apartments have a model apartment to show that may or may not be the same floor plan as yours. Unless there is a major issue, you most likely will not be able to switch units. In saying that, once you move in you should make a list of things that need to be fixed so you can turn in the work orders as soon as possible. It is smart to do this before you start moving all your stuff in, so you have a clean slate to look at.
If you want to learn more about how to put in work orders, we have an article here. This can also coincide with the "move-in inspection" that some Athens communities already have in place. While you might want to wait to put in work orders because a lot of people moving in will be doing the same, you don't want to forget about little things and be charged for them later. Here is a list of things you will want to check for while moving into your UGA student apartment, or before you sign your lease if that is an option.
Mildew in Your UGA apartment
Mildew is unfortunately quite common in college dorms, and while it might be less so in apartments, you still want to make sure you are in a safe environment. A rule of thumb would be to check around areas of moisture, like your bathroom, and work from there. Also, check for any leaks in the kitchen sink that could lead to mildew underneath your sink.
In most cases, your UGA apartment community will fix any marks or scrapes on the walls before you move in, however, it is still good to check so you do not get charged. Take photos and report any wall damage on your move-in checklist.
Wall Outlets
Your outlets are incredibly important and need to be working correctly. You can easily check your outlets by just plugging in a night light, however, there are also tools you can use that test the strength of your outlets. If you do need to submit a work order for these, make sure that the repairperson knows that it is an electrical problem, which is a little more complex.
Countertops and Cabinets in your off-campus housing
A lot of UGA apartments now utilize granite "style" countertops, which is a material put on top of the countertops to look like granite. Make sure there is no bubbling, tearing, or loose edges on these surfaces. This is the same with cabinets with a wood-style covering on top. These are more susceptible to lifting at the edges due to moisture and humidity.
Appliances - Microwave, Refrigerator, Stove, and Washer/Dryer
It is a good idea to check all your kitchen appliances as well. Make sure your fridge and freezer are cool enough for food storage. Try using your stove to simply boil water, or heat water in your microwave to make sure they are working well enough. If your living in an apartment near UGA with a washer and dryer, you'll also want to run a quick load of towels to make sure everything is working as expected.