Student Local Resources

Below is a list of national banks in Griffin. Each bank logo is a link to that bank’s location finder, where you can find hours, ATM locations, and phone numbers.

Southern Crescent Technical College

Southern Crescent Technical College offers free English as a Second Language classes designed to assist students who have a primary language other than English. The classes provide assistance with speaking, writing, and understanding the English language with a focus on conversational English Classes are offered in Fayette, Henry, & Spalding counties.

• Spalding County – 770-229-3176
• Henry County – 770-914-4422
• Fayette County – 770-229-3370

UGA Intensive English Program

The UGA IEP offers engaging, supportive, and rigorous English courses to help speakers of English as a foreign language to improve their language proficiency, gain cultural knowledge and understanding, and obtain practical communication skills for a variety of social and professional situations.

Church Offered ESL Classes

Periodically Crestview Baptist Church offers free English as a second language classes. You should watch for emails from Griffin UGA Academic and Student Affairs for opportunities to take advantage of these classes.

Get Involved in Student Organizations

Improve your English through student interaction in one of the following student organizations.

Store Name	Address	Phone Number	Hours
Walmart	1569 N Expressway Griffin, GA 30223	770-229-5040	Open 6 am to 11 pm Everyday
Kroger	1524 GA-16 Griffin, GA 30223	770-229-7427	Open 6 am to 11 pm Everyday
Aldi	1418 GA-16 Griffin, GA 30223	855-955-2534	Open 9 am to 8 pm Everyday
Food Depot	1201 W Taylor Street Griffin, GA 30223 816 S Hill Street Griffin, GA 30224	770-233-8805	Open 7 am to 10 pm Everyday

General Information

• Tipping is at least 20% of your pretax bill when eating out.
• Servers are paid less than minimum wage. Your tip is part of their salary, so tipping is very important.
• Tipping is not necessary at fast food restaurants or places without a wait staff.
• Typically you can have free soda/soft drinks refills.
• Be prepared to provide valid identification to purchase alcoholic beverages (the legal age is 21).
• You may substitute side items, but you may be charged a small fee.
• You can always leave out items (pickles, mayo, onions, cheese, etc.).
• If you have nay questions, ask your server.

American and Southern Food

Breakfast

Cereal and milk, pancakes or waffles, grits, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, muffins or doughnuts, eggs, bacon, toast, etc.

Lunch and Dinner

BBQ, Fried Chicken, cheeseburgers, pizza, French fries, fried okra, corn on the cob or creamed corn, sweet potatoes, black eyed peas.

Just a Note

• American food is typically higher in fat and sugar.
• There are a lot of fried foods in the south.
• Don’t overload on American foods too soon – you may get a stomach ache.
• Vegan / vegetarian options may be difficult to find, but don’t be afraid to ask servers or employees for help.
• Vegetables can be cooked in chicken or beef stock – always ask to make sure restaurants vegetables are vegetarian.
• Many restaurants add a gratuity (tip) automatically if you dine in with a group of a certain size (typically 8 or more). This is only for sit down restaurants, not for fast food establishments.
• You can often split checks (pay the bill in separate pieces) Not all places are able to do this, though ask before ordering.

The state of Georgia has some provisions for International residents to drive with a valid driver’s license from other countries. Please see the DDS website for more details.

It is important to know that you must renew your car registration (car tag decal) every year. You must also renew your driver’s license periodically. Please notice when your license expires. The expiration date can be found at the top right of your driver’s license.

Requirements for a Georgia Driver’s License

1. You must be at least 18 years old.
2. You must pass the knowledge Exam.
3. Your must pass the Road Skills Test.
4. You must pass the Vision Exam (bring your glasses or contacts!)
5. You must present the following documents:
   • Unexpired passport with valid U.S. visa—see the DDS website for mor details
   • Three of the following:
     • Utility bill issued within the last sixty (60) days with your current address
     • Bank statement issued within the last sixty (60) days wit your current address
     • Current rental lease or receipts for rent payments within the last sixty days
     • Employer verification such as
       • Paycheck or stub
       • Letter from employer on company letterhead with applicant’s full name & address
       • W-2 for current or preceding calendar year
   • To learn more about the knowledge exam, please review the Georgia Driver’s Manual on the DDS
     website.
   • There is a fee for the standard, non-commercial (class C) driver’s license in Georgia. Please visit the Georgia Department of Driver Services website for most up to date fees.

Georgia Department of Driver Services

1313 Arthur K Bolton Pkwy
Griffin, GA 30223
678-413-8400
Open Tuesday—Friday 8AM to 6PM

Internet Service Providers

Xfinity: 866-349-3272
AT&T: 844-376-8067
T-Mobile Home Internet: 855-919-4208

Postal Services

Griffin GA ZIP Codes

A zip code is a 5-digit code that identifies a specific geographical mail delivery area and is a required part of an address when
mailing items.

• North Griffin area code—30223
• South Griffin area code—30224

Cell Phone Stores

UGA Griffin Students have two options for permanent housing. The Gordon State College residence hall in Barnesville GA or an off campus apartment. At times there may be some short term temporary availability in the visitor house on campus.

Gordon State College Residence Halls

Gordon State College is located in Barnesville Georgia approximately 20 miles or 24 minutes from the UGA Griffin Campus. Gordon will accommodate tenants who wish to stay during holidays for additional rent. All utilities and parking are included. Please visit the Gordon State Non Student Housing website for additional information.

Off Campus Housing—Griffin Apartments

Most students look for housing many months in advance. The majority of leases are year-long and do not have subleasing agreements. If you sign a 12-month lease, your are required to pay for those 12 months. Leases are legally binding documents. Take special note of when you have to notify your landlord that your will not be renewing your lease. Be sure to check Zillow.com or Apartments.com for more rental options.

Below are some Athens campus departments that are available to help you. Below the table, there is a link to the Griffin Campus departments that are available to help you.

Department	Phone Number
Admissions, Graduate – Athens Campus	706-542-1739
Bookstore – Athens Campus	706-542-3171
Bursar’s Office – Athens Campus	706-542-2965
Financial Aid – Athens Campus	706-542-6147
International Student Life Office – Athens Campus	706-542-5867
Registrar – Athens Campus	706-542-4040
Student Accounts – Athens Campus	706-542-2965

Griffin does not have a mass transit system, however, Griffin does have a public transport program which operates under a demand response model. The Three Rivers Regional Commission Rural Public Transportation Program services Butts, Carroll, Lamar, Meriwether, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties. It requires residents to call 24 hours in advance for transportation reservations. The bus picks up residents from their location and drops them off at their requested destination. TRRC charges a $2.00 one way cash fare within Butts, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, and Upson counties. To schedule a ride please call one of the following numbers 24 to 48 hours in advance.

(855) 407-7433, or (844) 778-7826, or (678) 588-9456

The Griffin Social Security Administration Office
1548 Flynt Street
Griffin, GA 30223

• Schedule an Appointment at the Griffin SSA Office – Call 866-964-1005 during business hours and schedule your appointment. The Griffin Office representative will be able to set you up with an appointment. You will save a lot of time by scheduling an appointment instead of simply walking in unannounced.
• Don’t be late! – The Griffin, Georgia Social Security Office has limited resources so please be punctual when you set an appointment. We urge all our visitors to attempt to take care of their needs online and over the phone if at all possible.
• Bring All Relevant Documentation – You can find what documents are needed for each scenario online. If you are still unsure, please call your Griffin office and confirm what documentation is required. You will save yourself a lot of time by being prepared. The following documents are typically required: social security card, birth certificate, residency documentation, income documentation, proof of citizenship or eligible noncitizen status.