<p>I was an undergrad but I’ve since graduated. I’m still living in Ithaca, though, and I don’t own a car, so I have some experience with what you’ll be dealing with.
the TCAT route 15 runs once per hour throughout the week. [TCAT</a> - Route 15](<a href=“http://tcat.nextinsight.com/routes.php?mrnid=415]TCAT”>http://tcat.nextinsight.com/routes.php?mrnid=415)
that goes to Tops, Wegmans, and WalMart, each of which would be fine for grocery purposes. you would want to be sure you’re not late, but at least it runs reliably on time. you have one hour at the grocery store until the next bus comes to pick you up, so you can shop at a leisurely pace. I use this route (or Route 30 to go up to a different Tops) at least once a week, and I have never once missed them or had any problems.</p>