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
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.
day student; commuting student
Compound of 下宿 (boarding, lodging) and 生 (student). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word transparently describes a student who boards.