A farming college is calling on local landlords to help with a significant shortfall in student housing.
Bicton College, Devon, has seen a record of 1,600 students enrol for courses and many are based in temporary accommodation.
Some are even living in ‘Bunkabins’ until landlords can offer better housing.
Esther Edwards, student services manager, said: "If you have a property or rooms that you would like to let out to the Bicton students we can match up the most appropriate student for you."
The college has just 230 residential spaces – which were filled some time ago. The hunt is now on to find permanent accommodation for the remaining students. They are targeting a number of local areas including East Budleigh, Exmouth and Sidmouth.
If you are a student in search of help or a landlord that can assist, contact Mazine Bentley, the student services co-ordinator directly on 01395 562320 or email Bentley@bicton.ac.uk.
Freshers living in hotel
Meanwhile, students in Edinburgh are experiencing a similar problem with 21 freshers based in Travelodge hotels. Term has already started and the Edinburgh University has failed to find them permanent accommodation.
The university has purchased more than 1000 bed spaces in privately run student halls.
Despite this, they have been unable to meet the demand and find appropriate space for all first year students. To make the situation even worse for the university, the Travelodges are rumoured to be billing more than £1,000 per day for putting up the students.
James McAsh, president of Edinburgh University Students’ Association, said: “I’m personally outraged at the situation. The university should prioritise students over its corporate interests.”
No complaints
Last September, around 60 first-year students were housed at Queen Margaret University Halls – a 90 minute round trip for classes.
Earlier this year, new rector Peter McColl was “shocked” to find that accommodation was being used for visiting guests when students could not find a permanent home.
“Although 21 students are still in the Travelodge and we genuinely do expect the numbers to drop in the next two weeks and the decrease in numbers to continue. We haven’t received any complaints from students,” said a university spokesman.
