An essential part to living in any apartment near UGA and something that should always be top of mind when considering where you want to live is safety. It is so important to be able to feel safe in your living space, and it is completely valid to have concerns about some of the features apartments in Athens offer or fail to in order to ensure your safety while renting. If you are not aware of the essential safety features you should be looking for in an apartment while hunting for a living space, then this guide is for you.
Lighting
Proper lighting is probably not that average person’s first thought when it comes to safety, but it is something that is very important to consider. Before moving into an apartment building, you should ensure that all entry and exit-ways, hallways, and parking areas are properly lit 24/7. A good idea would be to drive by the apartment building at night before you move in to ensure that all these areas are properly lit when it's dark out.
Gated Entry
It is also very important to ensure that your building has some sort of gate system or on-site security. A lot of apartment buildings will have a passcode system that lets tenants in, as well as an intercom system for guests to use when they visit. In addition, many common areas–like the pool–should also require some sort of passcode or key. Apartments with elevators usually require a similar feature. Gated entry can significantly improve your safety living in an apartment building in Athens as it means that random people won’t be able to enter and exit the building as they please.
Security Cameras in Apartments near UGA
Security cameras located in entryways, hallways, lobbies, and any other common areas in apartment buildings are something to look for as well when assessing overall safety. A lot of apartments with parking garages have cameras to keep you safe, however if there are none make sure to be aware of your surroundings. It is also important to ensure that they are working and are constantly on. Some security cameras will have a green light to indicate they are on, but in case they don’t, it would be a good idea to inquire your landlord about them. It might also be a good idea to install your own security camera or Ring security system at your door for extra safety.
Locks
Whether you’re living with roommates or even alone in a studio apartment, it's a good idea to lock your doors whenever you leave the apartment, even if you’re just taking trash down the hallway or making a quick run to the lobby. If you have more roommates like in a four bedroom apartment, it can be safer to have your door unlocked compared to living alone. Making sure that your front door, room, and bathroom doors have properly working locks is a very basic essential to ensuring your safety in an apartment. It is also a good idea to check your window locks as well, especially if your window is accessible from the outside. Lastly, there’s nothing wrong with adding extra locks to your doors if it will make you feel safer.
Ensuring that proper safety measures are being taken in your building can make your off-campus apartment living experience better and more comfortable. Regardless of where you choose to live in Athens, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the area around you. For example, if you live Downtown, memorizing how long it will take you to get to destinations you frequent can be very helpful. In addition to the safety features listed in this guide, it is generally important to remember to be cautious, aware of your surroundings, and smart to always ensure your safety!
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