If your student is looking at West Shore Apartments, you're in the right place. We know you have questions — about safety, about what's included, about what happens if something breaks, and about whether your student's deposit is actually protected. We've been answering these questions for Cornell families since 1967. Here are the answers.
Grandparents (left) with Proud parents Bob & Linda Terry (right) with Karla Terry, One of our six Ithaca high graduates & four Cornell graduates, and now a core member of the west shore apartments business.
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You call us directly — the family. Not a call center, not a maintenance hotline, not a rotating staff member. Our number is on the lease, on this website, and we answer it. We have been doing this since 1967 and our reputation depends on showing up when it matters.
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Yes. We do a documented photo walkthrough at both move-in and move-out — with your student present, in real time. Every tenant receives a copy. Charges at move-out are based only on documented damage beyond normal wear and tear. We publish our move-out standards so there are no surprises.
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Heat, hot water, internet, trash and recycling pickup, and parking (at most properties) are all included in your monthly rent. Your student pays one number every month. Check the specific listing for your unit to confirm exactly what's included.
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Our Collegetown and Ithaca properties are walking distance to Cornell — typically 5 to 15 minutes on foot. Our 921 Taughannock Boulevard property is on Cayuga Lake and is a short drive or bus ride, which many grad students and upperclassmen prefer for the quiet and the views.
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Absolutely. We encourage it. You can schedule a tour for any available unit — in person or by video call if you're out of town. We're happy to walk you through the unit, answer your questions, and make sure you feel comfortable before anything is signed.
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Call us. We're small enough to actually deal with it. We've managed student housing for over 60 years and we've seen everything. We don't ignore problems — we help solve them.
Our move-out standards — no surprises
We charge for damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear — small scuffs, minor nail holes, carpet worn from regular use — is expected and we don't charge for it. Here's what we do charge for, so you know going in:
Broken fixtures, doors, or windows
Stains on carpet or upholstery beyond normal use
Furniture or appliances moved, damaged, or removed
Cleaning not performed
Unreported damage discovered at move-out walkthrough
We document everything at move-in and move-out with photos. We complete a statement of condition as part of the check-in and check-out process and with your son or daughter is present for both. In addition, we provide guidance/tips for the month leading up to check-in and check-out.
Making Ithaca Home
WSA co-founders Bob and Linda Terry raised their six children in Ithaca, all of whom graduated from Ithaca High School, with four going on to earn degrees from Cornell University. For us, Ithaca is truly home.
For over 60 years, we've had the privilege of helping hundreds of tenants Make Ithaca Home.
We understand that sending your child off to college is a big step—it’s both exciting and challenging as they spread their wings, gain independence, and take their first steps into adulthood.
When that time comes, we know you want a few trustworthy people in your corner. We're honored to fill that role for many of our tenants.
We are always here to answer your questions, and we encourage your son or daughter to reach out with any questions they might have, too. Whether it’s about apartments or any other topic, we’re here as a resource.
Our goal is to provide quality apartments with the amenities students need, at rents that both students and parents can afford. We also offer guidance, tools, and tips to support the rental process and apartment living, helping students navigate the transition to independent living in a safe and supportive environment. We treat each tenant as an individual to help them Make Ithaca Home—whether it’s for a semester, a year or two, or a lifetime.