Collegetown Terrace

Responsive management, huge community, well-maintained social spaces and apartments, well-equipped gym, spacious fully-furnished apartments, good location - not the closest to campus or downtown but in the middle so it is an easy walk to both. The shuttle to campus is a big help, especially in winters (which are LONG).

The particular type of unit I rent at CTT is just a bedroom and bathroom (there's one communal kitchen for cooking, and a laundry room but you do have to pay to use the washer/dryer). I think it's worth it for the cheaper rent but your mileage may vary.

The building itself is old but well-maintained, keeps a decent ambient temperature, have not had any issues with management.

My only warning would be the noise level, particularly if you rent a unit on the stretch of the first floor near the office (in the 12-16ish range). On the days the restaurant in back is open you will get noise, particularly after hours as the restaurant staff hangs out there after the restaurant closes. You'll also be right by the elevator and the back entrance to the building and people are not especially quiet coming and going. You're also right by the laundry room and the restaurant's air filtration system. That said depending on your tolerance for noise this may not be an issue. Noise from abutting apartments is relatively low.

The apartment does have a shuttle to and from Wegman's on Sundays which is very convenient if you don't have a car; they also have a regular shuttle up to campus on weekdays.

Rooms are furnished and come with a good-sized minifridge (there's also a larger fridge/freezer in the communal kitchen for resident use).

On the whole I would say a positive experience, but don't expect any bells or whistles.

Convenient & cozy

Great location (under 15 min walk to the law school) and good amenities. Gym, on-site covered parking, and a shuttle that goes to school every 10 minutes in the morning. Definitely the priciest in Collegetown but worth it if you value convenience above all else. Buildings/hallways definitely have a college dorm feel, but the units themselves are furnished a step above dorm living.

Some units are much better than others in the complex. Make sure to secure housing early. My unit is more dorm style with a small bedroom, then shared amenities including kitchen, bathroom, shower, etc.

Good enough

Collegetown Terrace (CTT)'s strength is its location and gym facilities. It is located between collegetown and downtown, so you can walk to anywhere except for malls (Walgreen, Ithaca mall..). However, bus station is near the apartment and you can also use the shuttle. This place is good for students without cars! However, as many people mentioned, it has noise problem and the rent is quite expensive if you don't have roommates. Also, internet connection is weak.

CTT is in a great location and you are surrounded by so many of your classmates. However, there is a running joke that the apartments are a "prison cell", at least the 3b/3b. For example, the windows don't really open and are generally inaccessible (given furniture placement). You do feel boxed in. also, the 3b/3b living room isn't really accommodating to hosting parties and the kitchen is super small.

recommend living in the 2b/2b

Good location and amenities

Not the best place to live in the city, nor the cheapest (definitely). However, if you don't know the area well, management responsivity is good and will be a good choice for your first year.