noun
Refers to a student who lives in a private rented room (下宿), typically while attending school. Contrasts with 通学生 (commuting student).
Antonyms: 通学生
彼は大学の近くで下宿生として暮らしている。
He lives as a boarding student near the university.
下宿生は通学生より家賃がかかる。
Boarding students pay more rent than commuting students.
下宿 is the lodging itself or the act of boarding; 下宿生 is the person who boards.
Compound of 下宿 (boarding, lodging) and 生 (student). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word transparently describes a student who boards.