UNIVERSITY students have shared their concerns on social media after being unable to find housing just weeks before the start of their course.

One student asked ‘is anyone else still homeless’, with others saying that because they came through clearing they have been unable to secure accommodation.

Bournemouth University said they have had a ‘record number of applications’ and are advising students to look for alternatives in the local area.

The educational instituaion's halls of residents have a combined total of around 3,500 rooms. 

However, the university said it could not confirm how many students were starting on courses this month.

A Bournemouth University spokesperson said: “An accommodation guarantee was in place for all students who made BU their firm choice and had booked a room before August 18, 2022, and this guarantee has been met.

“We had a record number of applications to BU this year and, for students who chose BU after this date, a number of rooms were still available.

“We are now operating a waiting list for BU accommodation and advising students outside of our accommodation guarantee to look for alternatives in the local area.

“To fully support student choice we offer advice, guidance and support on our website for finding accommodation locally.

“If students are unable to find long-term accommodation before they start their academic studies, we are offering a bursary package to support them with living and travel costs while they continue to source longer-term accommodation.

“Our accommodation team will support all students in their journey to BU and we encourage any BU students with accommodation concerns to get in touch.”

Arts University Bournemouth said they have sufficient rooms available to accommodate all first year students who want to stay in halls.

An AUB spokesperson said: “AUB offers a wide range of support for student accommodation and travel costs, and we are pleased to have sufficient rooms available within our portfolio to accommodate all first-year students who wish to reside in AUB Halls of Residence.

“For students who may prefer an alternative to our Halls, our Student Services Advisers provide information and guidance on private accommodation matters. We have an excellent working relationship with local private halls providers, being able to offer locally available accommodation via our specialist website AUBStudentpad.”