University students are at a life stage marked by increasing independence from parental households, yet limited and unstable income makes them one of the most housing-vulnerable groups among young adults. This study uses nationwide data from the Youth Life Survey to examine housing and living conditions of university students and to analyze differences by region and housing type, comparing dormitory residents with those living off campus. The results show that off-campus students report relatively high satisfaction with public transportation access but lower satisfaction with overall residential environment factors, including safety, availability of green spaces, and relationships with neighbors. Notably, off-campus students participate more frequently in leisure activities and dining out than dormitory residents, suggesting a stronger potential to contribute to local engagement and vitality in regional areas. These findings indicate that student housing policy should extend beyond ensuring basic residential stability and align with broader goals for sustainable local community development. With more systematic data on student housing conditions, youth housing policy for university students can move beyond welfare-oriented intervention and serve as a strategic tool for sustainable urban development in regional cities.