I just renewed my lease for EW and have had a great experience so far--second floor apartment, so no flooding issues unlike some ;) I like being so close to shops and the bus stops--very convenient for grad students or anyone else who needs to frequently travel to campus. Not exactly a thrilling interior (and, yes, the hallways do frequently reek), but I've never felt unsafe, the staff is friendly and responsive (including maintenance), the atmosphere is QUIET (I sometimes wonder if the other residents are alive), and what's better than being able to wander across the street to Walgreens, book store, etc.? Snow removal in parking lot could be better, and the buzzers seem permanently broken...