Research shows residential students have varying perceptions of satisfaction with their residential environments. It has also been shown that levels of satisfaction may differ between students based on variables such as hall size, organization, gender, or class standing.

This study examined residence hall satisfaction levels for students living in the halls at Virginia Tech. The research question was: what are the differences in levels of satisfaction as measured by the Student Residence Environment Scales among residential students based upon hall size, hall type, and gender. The SRES was administered to approximately 1050 students, divided equally between six halls chosen to represent the variables of size, gender, and type.

There was a 53% return rate with 55% female responses and 45% male responses. The data were analyzed using the SAS system and three-way ANOVAs were run on all 17 subscales. The results supported the research question in that there were significant differences between scores on the 17 subscales based upon hall size, hall type, and gender.

Main effects and significant interactions between independent variables were found for all 17 subscales, indicating that hall size, hall type, and gender affect student satisfaction levels in the residence halls. The number of subscales and interactions do not allow for an abbreviated summary to be made; however, in general students were satisfied with the residence halls at Virginia Tech. The results of the study indicate that there are areas in which residence life personnel could make changes in policies and procedures which would increase levels of satisfaction in the residence halls.