Sustainable energy consumption in student housing remains a pressing issue in Ghana, where electricity demand is high, and inefficiencies persist despite progress in electrification. This study examines the socio-ecological determinants that influence students’ energy consumption, focusing on the interaction between social, economic, and environmental determinants. Using the Socio-Ecological Systems (SES) framework, the research assesses how these determinants impact sustainability in student housing. A structured survey was conducted across multiple Ghanaian universities, using a stratified sampling method to ensure a representative dataset. The findings reveal that student population and economic constraints largely influence energy sustainability, with wealthier students consuming more electricity due to their ownership of multiple appliances than socio-ecological determinants such as student unions, peer networks, unsupervised students’ activities, ethnic heterogeneity, and residential mobility. Additionally, environmental sustainability is affected by determinants such as poor indoor air quality and inefficient lighting, which further contribute to energy inefficiencies in student residences. To address these challenges, the study recommends implementing structured energy policies, increasing student awareness of conservation practices, and integrating renewable energy solutions into student housing. These measures can enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs for universities, and support national sustainability efforts.