Falmouth University students have voiced their concerns about accommodation this year as the beginning of the new term approaches fast.

The new university term is set to get underway next month and there are still many students still without a place to live - with some considering camping or living in a van for this term.

The issues in Cornwall's private rented sector are having a big impact, the UK holiday boom, houses being used for holiday rentals, and Air B&B's means there are fewer rooms available.

Speaking to BBC Radio Cornwall, Matt Moore from the midlands is due to start at Falmouth University this September but has been struggling to find somewhere to live.

He said:

"All I know is that I am on a waiting list somewhere and if some room pops up then I might get somewhere. At this stage, I am prepared to go camping for a week and hope there is a plug socket."

Falmouth University offers first years a guaranteed roof over their heads with university-owned halls/catered accommodation. Matt chose not to take it up and wanted to live more independently.

He now thinks he might have been better off taking up the offer.

The university says:

"Despite the challenges, it is the peak of the problem during what is a very unusual year."

Second year student Sophie James told BBC Radio Cornwall that she is lucky to get her accommodation for this year as she sorted back in December.

She said:

"Last night I did do a bit of digging to see how bad the situation was. This time last year, everyone had found a house and there were over 100 properties in the area empty because they didn't need to be filled.

"Right now, as of last night, in Penryn, Falmouth, Truro, and Redruth there were a total of 30 rooms available to rent which is insane.

"There are hundreds of students that need rooms, so clearly it is not going to work."

She added that the situation is "severe" with hundreds of applicants for houses on listing sites.

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