Sir – Why are letting agents and the university in such a panic about HMOs (houses in multiple occupation) There are plenty of HMOs already in existence — sadly too many HMOs are not available to anyone but students. When the new Radcliffe buildings are occupied, the university must retain the buildings of the old departments and convert them to student accommodation. That will release a lot of HMOs for young professionals/asylum seekers to rent. Another thing that would help students with housing is if the universities stopped selling off student accommodation — like Cotuit Hall, near Oxford Brookes.

Oxford University has fewer student units in 2012 than in 2005. Why? Where have the students all gone? Time for a bit of logical thinking — not economic opportunism.

 

Sarah Wild Oxford