The researchers of this brief observed that few environments have the potential to shape the outcomes of college students as much as residence halls. As a result, residence halls have the capacity to foster a strong sense of community as well as other important outcomes such as college satisfaction and academic achievement. However, given the high costs of building new residence halls, additional research about effective design can help better inform future campus planning and decision-making. This study, therefore explores a potential paradox in which the suite- and apartment-style buildings that college students often desire might lead to reductions in their sense of community, college satisfaction, academic achievement, and intent to persist.