Transitioning to Atlanta & Seminary Life

The admissions staff looks forward to helping you in your transition to Atlanta. Once you are accepted to the program, you will receive a registration packet full of forms. One of those forms is an “Intent to enroll and transition form” you will mail back to us. This form includes your preferences for housing and jobs. Upon receipt of this form, our office can begin helping you make the transition to Atlanta. We hope you will call (888) 471-9922 or e-mail us at anytime during your transitioning process.

The Atlanta Campus of Mercer University is a vibrant campus with just over 2000 students from seven different schools. The advantage of being part of a major university is the wealth of resources available to theology students. On the student services Website you will find information about campus housing, campus health care, recreation, career, and counseling services. 

Download and view a map of the Atlanta campus

Where should I live?

There is great on-campus housing though it is limited. Most McAfee students live off-campus in the many apartments within walking distance or a few miles. The advantage of living on campus is, of course, convenience and simplicity. The advantage of living off campus is the variety of amenities and prices. The commute in Atlanta is hectic during rush hour, so we recommend students live as close to campus as possible. Rent varies from apartment to apartment depending on age of the building and amenities. Every apartment complex runs “specials” which can include waived application fees to a free months rent. You may also be able to split a referral fee with a current student who already lives at that complex. Please let the admissions office know when you will be in town looking at apartments; we’d love to help.

What about roommates?

The admissions office keeps a running list of current and entering students looking for housing. Once we receive your transition form, you should start to receive regular emails with names and contact information of incoming and current students who meet your request. These emails will also include various other opportunities from time to time like basement apartments and parsonage type situations.

What about Jobs?

A great thing about Atlanta is there is no shortage of employment opportunities. McAfee students work in all different kinds of jobs from coffee shops and retail to churches and non-profit organizations. The Office of Admissions maintains a list of part time ministry positions to which students may apply as they feel led.

Finding ministry employment is not difficult but it may take a while to find something that is just right for you.   Most new students come prepared with funds to cover expenses for several months.     We will be sending a list of part time ministry related positions in the transition email that is sent from April through August for summer and fall incoming students or November and December for spring incoming students.   July and August are usually the months when we have the most listings.  As new positions come to us, we will send them on to you by the transition email.  Many of these employers are comfortable for you to contact them directly or we will always be glad to send your resume at your request.  We often have churches waiting until orientation time to list positions so that they can interview with several new students at the same time. 

Some ministry positions don’t pay enough to cover all your expenses.  Students also look for work on campus or secular positions in the community.  To work on campus you must qualify through FAFSA and you can find that information on our website under financial aid information .  For help with secular positions in the community, you may contact Career Services.  Their site is www.mercer-professional.org.  Betsy Johnson, the director can be reached at Johnson_em@mercer.edu or 678.547.6023.  These services will be available to you after you have been admitted.

If you would like to send us a copy of your resume as an email attachment, please do so at your earliest convenience.  Let me mention a few things that you may already have in your resume but if not please consider these ideas.    

Be sure to have McAfee at the top of the educational section as local employers would want to know when you are starting your program at McAfee and the anticipated completion date.  If you don’t have references listed please consider adding those.  Search committees for ministry positions often like to have the names and contact information of references readily available.  That is not usually true for business and other areas.  Please be sure to ask permission from references before putting them on your resume, check to be sure their contact information is correct and be sure they have an updated copy of your resume. 

What about churches?

Another great thing about Atlanta is the wonderful diversity of Christian Churches. Being part of a local church is crucial throughout seminary. Each year we invite representatives from area churches to the New Student Orientation Luncheon. This is an excellent opportunity to be introduced to some great church communities in Atlanta. You will also receive a list of churches current students are in your orientation packet.

What is the cost of living like?

Atlanta has a booming economy, so compared with some other regions, you notice that on average, some things like rent and car insurance are a little more expensive. Don’t panic! This also means the average wage earned in Atlanta metro is higher as well. For example, the average teacher’s salary in Mississippi is $38,200, in Georgia it is $46,400.

What about things like finding a good mechanic or hair salon?

At New Student Orientation you will receive an “Atlanta Essentials” guide with recommendations from other theology students for things like where to get a hair cut, getting your car worked on and how to eat cheap.

What is there to do in Atlanta?

Are you kidding? Actually, finding something to do can be a little overwhelming. From restaurants, shopping malls, sporting events, live performances, museums, etc. Atlanta is a melting pot for activity.  It is also an hour drive or so from several lakes, hiking and camping areas. There are also several great parks which host free concerts throughout the year.

Check out the Atlanta Travel Guide for attractions, events, restaurants and more.