FACED with a looming housing crisis and soaring rent charges one Oxford student came up with a novel solution to the problem…living on a boat.

Josh Warren, who is a third year student at Oxford University studying astrophysics decided this year that he would give up life in halls or shared accommodation for the gentle waves of the River Thames.

Speaking to Oxford Mail he said that the cost of renting was too high so buying a boat seemed like the most sensible option.

He said: “It’s something I always wanted to do and it was a good time to do it, and also the cost even in student accommodation is very high so I just sensed a good opportunity.

“I don’t know of any other students who have done this. My sister used to live on a boat.

“That boat sank which scares me a little bit. I was always aware of that kind of danger."

The 24-year-old said while it was not all plain sailing, there were many positives.

He said: “The upsides of living on a boat are being outside all the time. The amount of wildlife there, I see otters on the Thames and just being a part of that, having the outdoor space, is amazing.

“There is also a really good community which I like being a part of.

“The downside is it is pretty isolated and there is a bit of vulnerability to it. You are aware that you going home and it might have gone by the time you get back. Also boats do sink.

“I am doing a lot of work to the boat at the moment but I will probably move on after my studies.

“My partner is not so keen about living on a boat so when we get married we will move off probably and it is a hard place for children.”

Explaining the name behind the boat ‘Mrs Armitage’, he said it was something of a family tradition from his childhood at North West Devon, and was borne out of the Quentin Blake stories about Mrs Armitage.

Talking of the boating community he said that there had been increase in boaters recently and said: “I think it’s becoming more popular.

“It is certainly getting harder to find a place to moor and there are big issues particularly in Oxford around the growth of the boating community.

Students probably not so much, it can be a little bit isolating because you are our on your own rather than living in the college.”

Jonathan Daines, from lettingaproperty.com said: “Rental prices in Oxford are very steep and Josh has made a smart move by investing in a property on water which he can use and enjoy.

“Although the rental market is healthy in Oxford and we are seeing more landlords come on to our books each month, Josh’s story is very unique.”