University of Georgia

Coming to UGA

Find information about the University of Georgia, what you need to live and thrive in Athens or Tifton, and what you need to do on arrival.

About UGA

The University of Georgia, a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities, is the state’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. Its motto, “to teach, to serve, and to inquire into the nature of things,” reflects the University’s integral and unique role in the conservation and enhancement of the state’s and nation’s intellectual, cultural, and environmental heritage. Read more.

New Postdoc Checklists

Once you have accepted a position as a postdoctoral research scholar, there are a number of steps you can take to make your arrival at UGA easier. The checklists below will ease your transition.

Prior to Arrival

  • Contact your faculty sponsor regarding your start date, facilities, etc.
  • Send Confirmation of PhD Completion to faculty sponsor; if formal degree certification is not yet available, Office of Postdoctoral Affairs accepts a signed letter from PhD mentor that all requirements have been satisfied.
  • New employees are encouraged to complete new employee forms, required training, and enroll in benefits online prior to arrival.

On Arrival in Athens

On Arrival at UGA

Check in with department/faculty sponsor to complete any other needed items and paperwork (UGA MyID, UGACard, parking, etc.).  Your department can assist you with getting your UGA MyID. This will be used for developing your UGA email account, along with keeping track of your paystubs, W2 information, etc.

Athens

Athens Campus

  1. Nestled amongst the rolling hills of northeast Georgia, Athens is a vibrant college town of more than 110,000 residents. Incorporated in 1806, the city is actually younger than the University of Georgia, which was chartered in 1785. Over the years, Athens has become a cultural hotspot, a mecca for music and the arts. It has become commonplace to see Athens ranked in any variety of polls, ranging from Best College Towns and Arts Destinations to Cheap Summer Trips and Best Places for Retirement. Read more.

Living in Athens

Athens, Georgia, is the ultimate college town. Read more.

Athens offers a wide array of community services, resources, arts and culture. Read a comprehensive Athens-Clarke County Guide to community information, resources and services, arts and culture.

Map of Athens

View the map below to locate supermarkets, natural foods and specialty markets, farmers markets, local banks, hospitals, libraries, driver services, major stores, cinemas, and local parks and recreational areas.

View Athens, Georgia.

Tifton

Tifton Campus

  1. International postdocs (those coming to UGA on a non-immigrant or temporary work visa) are required to check in with the International Student Scholar and Immigration Services Office on campus upon arrival on campus. You can access the Immigration Services website for further information regarding visa requirements, arrival information, U.S. driver’s license and U.S. Social Security applications.

    TIP: See Survival Guide for International Postdocs from the National Postdocs Association for practical information drawn from experiences of current and former postdocs who have traveled to the U.S. to do their postdoctoral training.

Living in Tifton

Tifton, known as the “Friendly City”, is a community located in South Georgia that truly exemplifies southern hospitality. Read more.

Map of Tifton

View the map below to locate supermarkets, local banks, hospital, libraries, driver services, major stores, cinemas, and local parks and recreational areas.

View Tifton, Georgia in a larger map

International Postdocs

Information for International Postdocs

  1. International postdocs (those coming to UGA on a non-immigrant or temporary work visa) are required to check in with the International Student Scholar and Immigration Services Office on campus upon arrival on campus. You can access the Immigration Services website for further information regarding visa requirements, arrival information, U.S. driver’s license and U.S. Social Security applications.

    TIP: See Survival Guide for International Postdocs from the National Postdocs Association for practical information drawn from experiences of current and former postdocs who have traveled to the U.S. to do their postdoctoral training.

Practical

Common Mistakes Not to Make

  1. Don’t forget to sign up for benefits before the deadline. If you don’t understand how to enroll in benefits, contact Employee Benefits or call 706-542-2222 to schedule an appointment with a benefits counselor.
  2. Understand the plans. Before you sign up for benefits, read about and carefully compare the different health plans available to you. Premium rates, covered services, copayments, pharmacy coverage, how you pay for coverage, physicians you can use, out-of-state coverage and requirements for referrals (direct access to specialists) – all differ among the plans. The information is complex; study it carefully.
  3. Avoid medical crises. No matter which plan you select, you first need to establish your primary care physician – the physician who will coordinate your care and see you for most conditions. Transfer your medical records to that office, especially if you have chronic conditions. Each plan will provide a list of primary care physicians from which you can select.
  4. Avoid sticker shock. Before you make any big purchases like a home/car, find out what will be taken out of your paycheck each month now that you are no longer a student.
  5. Don’t assume. Make sure you understand if and how your employer can assist you during the moving process. Don’t assume you will be provided assistance with housing, transportation, moving costs – until you have actually asked.
  6. International Postdocs need to contact International Student, Scholar, and Immigration Services in the Office of International Education before and after arrival. Get to know the people there and ask questions about what you need to do (and more importantly, by when) in order for things to go smoothly.

Severe Weather and Emergency Preparedness

Tornadoes are rare in Athens and Tifton but can occur.