Approached with the challenge of creating dense student housing just south of San Diego State University, amidst single-family homes, our strategy for this development focused on community outreach. Understanding local concerns about aesthetics, traffic, and noise allowed us to align the project with both SDSU's needs and those of the neighborhood. M@ College features 327 beds in one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom apartments, fulfilling the university’s density requirements while integrating seamlessly with its surroundings. Public outreach revealed a preference for a modern architectural style, prompting us to adjust the design and scale. We removed units from the upper floors and oriented the taller side toward campus to enhance sunlight in the shared courtyard. To reduce traffic, we included bike parking and car-share access, encouraging walking. The steep slope posed a challenge, which we addressed with a stepped podium design that minimized construction costs. We enhanced the building’s appeal by using projections and pop-outs in the façade, making it inviting for pedestrians. Inside, we emphasized communal spaces, focusing on a main kitchen and living area connected to the courtyard. This layout buffers noise from the neighborhood, with study and gaming spaces nearby and reservable study rooms on each floor. With its reduced scale and contemporary California aesthetic, M@ College fits seamlessly into the community, fostering meaningful connections between students and residents while enriching campus life at San Diego State University.