The rapid expansion of student enrollment in Nigerian tertiary institutions has not been matched with adequate development of residential infrastructure, resulting in several environmental challenges within university hostels. This study examined the environmental challenges encountered by hostel students in Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt. The study was motivated by increasing concerns about overcrowding, deteriorating sanitation conditions, and the general inadequacy of hostel facilities, which negatively affect students’ health, comfort, and academic performance. The continuous growth in student population without corresponding expansion of hostel accommodation has intensified pressure on available facilities, leading to congested living spaces and the overuse of sanitation systems. Consequently, many students experience poor waste management, inadequate water supply, insufficient ventilation, and deteriorating environmental hygiene within the hostels. These conditions undermine the original purpose of university hostels as safe and conducive environments that promote learning and social development. The study highlights the need for improved hostel management, infrastructural development, and effective sanitation practices to enhance the quality of the residential environment for students. Addressing these challenges is essential for improving students’ well-being, academic productivity, and overall university experience.