Lots of universities own residence buildings on and around campus. Students sign leases with the university directly.

Some private universities go as far as mandating undergraduates live in campus housing for up to three years.

I attended a private college. Not only did I have to live on campus for all four years, but additionally, they forced you to purchase the meal plan. I made most of my meals myself; nonetheless, I had no choice but to pay for the meal plan.

Some public universities do that as well.