Students braved sub-zero temperatures and queued throughout he night to land the home of their choice.

Outside Finders Keepers Student Letting Office in St Clements, Oxford, students were given a copy of ‘The List’ and allowed to select up to three properties to view.

Finders Keepers associate director Simon Tyrell said: “We were staggered to see the level of interest and the students were much more selective about where they want to live.

“The high debts they incur during their time at university make them savvy consumers who are looking for value for money, quality and good service, just like everyone else.”

Oxford Brookes students Sara Bentley and Lucy Guy, pictured above, were delighted to book a viewing for one of their shortlisted properties in the most popular area around St Clements.

They were so impressed that they immediately reserved the accommodation for the next academic year.

The Finders Keepers letting team is expecting to break all previous records with the number of lets.

Alec Bayford, property supervisor, said “It’s absolutely manic but everyone has been pretty good humoured. We are letting properties at the rate of about 20 a day."

About 97 per cent of properties are let between January and March, giving landlords the peace of mind that agreements are signed at least four to five months before the tenancy starts.