This case study examines the problems faced by traditional-age students moving to a community to attend a community college without residence halls, and explores why these students have less academic success and greater attrition than similar students living in their home community. After a review of literature, the paper describes a qualitative study of a single site in the northeastern United States, where students and employees were interviewed in order to understand what obstacles existed, and if the college provided any support services for this population. Additional analysis was done on student attrition rates and grades. Results showed that the obstacles most likely to inhibit student persistence were loneliness (especially in the first semester), budgeting issues, housing problems, security concerns, and the inability to commit to the local college or community. While community colleges are not bound to provide specific services to this population, they should have an interest in the retention and subsequent success of these students. The document discusses how pervasive these problems are, their effects on students and colleges, and suggests services that might be provided to increase retention of this population. Appended are the Student Living in Collegetown Booklet, transcripts of student and employee interviews, and 1995-1997 retention figures. Contains 98 references. (AS)