If you're interested in an apartment close to campus and have a relatively flexible budget, Columbia Plaza's not a bad place to live. My studio apartment is pretty large (bigger than the other studios I've seen near campus), and utilities / electric are included in the rent.

The rent, however, is VERY expensive. $1,986 per month right now, and that's after a $20 increase from last year's rent.

Two other problems: Cockroaches and temperature. As far as temperature is concerned... Central heating and A/C, so it's cold during the summer and hot during the winter. You have no control over this. I've purchased a small fan to keep near my bed, for those nights when the heat is overpowering.

In terms of roaches, there isn't much you can do. They're not in all of the buildings (I live in Baron, which has them, but my friends in Ambassador don't have any), and I think they live in the walls. They only come out in the fall (I lived here all of last year without seeing any, but when I returned after a summer out of state, they'd moved in), and were gone by the time I got back from winter break. I reported them to management, who were really responsive about sending out the exterminator, but he's only around once a week and before long, the roaches were back again. They also like to hang out in the trash room, so stay away from there late at night.

If you can't afford The Avenue, Columbia Plaza apartments aren't priced too terribly, given the location and the apartment size. If you don't mind a commute, though, the same amount of rent in Arlington or Alexandria will pretty much get you a palace.

The apartment itself is spacious and nice. However, the management is completely unbearable and inapproriate. The leasing manager, who runs the leasing office creates an environment of disrespect and laziness that the rest of the office follows. They did as much as they could to make me feel unwelcome. After putting a security deposit down on an apartment, I got a phone call and was harassed by management. She completely shamed me and told me that because I was signing the lease with my boyfriend I was not allowed to live in Columbia Plaza as an unmarried couple. She went on to tell me that by living with my boyfriend I would lose my status as a GW Law student and would therefore have to prove that I made a salary of $80,000 a year. When we complained she finally agreed to "turn a blind eye," however, my boyfriend would not be added to the lease until I could show them that we had gotten married. I plan on moving in the summer.

I really like living here. The studio is huge and you can find a roomate in GW Off Campus page. If you sounds from other apartments bother you, this may not be for you because you can hear steps and alley sounds. But I mean, we're young so it doesn't bother us that much.

I love my apartment. It's a great size, and we have plenty of room for entertaining. It's close proximity to campus makes it so convenient (7-10 min walk). Management has always been prompt in answering any requests. Everything is well kept, and good quality. There is a market in the apartment complex that is a life saver when you don't want to walk to Trader Joe's. CVS/Watergate is right next door and the National Mall is only a few blocks down 23rd.

My only complaints are the price, location, and neighbors. The price is high, but also a very good value for Foggy Bottom. I only say location because Foggy Bottom isn't the most lively neighborhood. There's not a lot of night life, and a lot of places close early. That being said, it's extremely close to school, there is a Trader Joe's and Whole Foods within walking distance, the metro is only a few blocks away, and it is a safe and clean neighborhood, so the night life is only a minor gripe.

As for the neighbors...there are a lot of older residents and a couple families that do not hesitate to call in a noise complaint. Our apartment is large, but it has wood floors and sound bounces around, so we get complaints every couple weeks. It's really only an issue if you want to have a large group of people over.

Overall, I would highly recommend Columbia Plaza and plan to stay there throughout law school.