The article examines a paradox of university life: against the backdrop of formal improvements in aggregated mental health metrics, high risks of social isolation and vulnerability of students’ mental well-being persist. The limits of traditional, event-based support practices in student residences are critically assessed, and the need to shift the focus toward proactive, targeted formats of student support is argued. The aim of the study is a theoretical and applied analysis of the Targeted Interactions model as a structured framework for mentoring work with residents. Methodologically, the study is based on a systematized review of the relevant literature and a qualitative case study analysis grounded in the program at Nova Southeastern University. The findings demonstrate that regular individual conversations between mentors and students outperform event-based approaches: they ensure early identification of distress, strengthen the sense of belonging, and have a positive effect on retention indicators. The article concludes that the model of targeted interactions is an effective, scalable, and economically rational tool for shaping a supportive campus environment. The material is addressed to student affairs administrators, residence life staff, and higher education researchers.