I am a first-year Wharton MBA student. I spent 3 months looking for a place to live. I used VeryApt and had a 'short-list' of 34 different properties. I then began to streamline them based on cost, reviews, proximity to school and Center City, quality of management etc.

I ultimately ended up with RiverWest and it's been one of my best decisions since coming to Wharton. My apartment was freshly renovated before I moved it. The realtor (LeeAnn Chen of Berkshire Hathaway) was super helpful. Rent was all-inclusive of utilities. The landlord is very responsive and all requests were handled within 24 hours, most-times even between 2-3 hours.

I understand the plight and uncertainty that surrounds getting housing but trust me, you will not regret choosing RW. Yes, there are fancier apartments like 2116 Chestnut (right across the street) but then they end up paying up to $6000 extra (I calculated) for a similar sized apartment. RW is also close to transportation options. The Philly buses stop right in front of the building and the trolley is less than a block away.

Now, I'll try to be balanced. There are downsides to RiverWest. The laundry room is downstairs and costs $1.50 per wash and $1.50 per load for the dryer as well. This, although inexpensive, can be inconvenient. Next, the building's heating system is kind of old and as such, you might hear some noise during the winter months.

Still, this is overall one of the best places you can live - especially if you're on a budget. I heard this same comment from Wharton alumni who graduated before me and from my colleagues who are living in more expensive places. I'll be staying here in my second year as well.

Although the location is great, the building is old, has a problem with cockroaches and suffers from thin walls. Strongly recommend avoiding this place; pay the extra $200-$400/month to live somewhere newer.

People who live here have no ifs and buts about where they live. It's comfortable living for a lowish price. The building is old but everyone who works here is incredibly nice and it feels more like a family than a building complex. A lot of like-minded Wharton students (looking for cheap places without much fanciness) live here and have held multiple parties with no noise complaints. It's definitely not 2116 but then we don't pay $2300 for a studio :-)

I have really enjoyed my time in Riverwest- the apartment is a good value, brightly lit, and safe. The building itself is a little older and not as recently updated, especially in the hallways, but the amenities are good and the price is hard to beat!

It's cheap, it's in a great location, the desk staff is amazing, the gym is solid, there are grocery stores within a two-minute walk, we never have trouble getting problems with the unit sorted out, etc. I really can't think of a single complaint. 10/10.

I enjoy living there and the location is amazing! There are some unfriendly front desk staff and they just let about anyone into the building without checking their IDs or what they are there for. My packages have been lost at the front desk. I think that they need a better system for all of those packages.

This is a perfect location for people who want to be close to both Center City and University City. The front lobby has 24 hour security and a common area with TV, couch, and dining table that can be used for larger gatherings. Amenities are pretty basic and could use some updating. The apartment itself is also pretty basic, but has the essentials. Good amount of closet space and large windows let in a lot of sunlight.

Conveniently located at the intersection of 21st St and Chestnut St, just across the bridge from Penn campus. You get to enjoy the best of being close to both University City and Center City. Rittenhouse Square is just a quick walk away. Trader Joe's is 2 blocks away and lots of restaurants are close by. Also has a basic gym in the building and 24 hours security desk.

Good location, ok prices. Building could use some updating and renovations. Very pet friendly place, including dogs. 24 hour front desk security. Has a small gym in building with basic equipment. Also has in-building parking available for an extra fee.

Really liked the community amenities for the building such as the reading area in the common room, small gym, and the fact that there are bars and restaurants right at the front door. With 24-7 security guard, I feel pretty safe living in the building.