<p>From a parent's perspective, freshmen year my D spent most of her social time on campus but did go to clubs a few times, and as atmosphere says the virginia highlands, midtown, tocohills areas. She seemed to have enough friends with cars or split a taxi a number of ways so it was not too bad and her spending money is whatever she earns in the summer so she is careful on how she spends it. She found that Atlanta offered a nice break or change of pace if she felt like getting away. She also went to a pro bball game when one of her friends' dance teams performed, went to some formals off campus, etc. After a year she was very glad she chose ATL v. some of the more remote LACs she was deciding between.</p>
<p>As for classes, it does seem the GERs require some planning, that said, she found her passion b/c of an intro class she took to fulfill her GER. My sense is if you study and seek the plentiful help available (if you reach a bump inthe road), you will do well. Profs were extremely available and helpful in both large intro and smaller classes. The writing center and TAs also very helpful.Size of her classes ranged from large intros to smaller 16ish. She was able to get all the classes she wanted in the bidding system, although I think had to wait until sophomore year for her language b/c she could not get into the time slot she wanted. I found that system mystifying but there were plenty of FAME leaders, RAs, etc. to help her through that and by the end of the year, kids seem to have it down.</p>