The “astronomical” costs of university accommodation has pushed one student to look for an unconventional solution.

Surrey Comet:

Lucas in his caravan 

Lucas de haro Pishoudt, 21, a computer forensics and business student, got into such debt when he was living in Kingston University halls of residence last year that he has decided to buy and live in a caravan for the duration of his course. 

Mr de haro Pishoudt, who is originally from Belgium, bought the caravan in Spain during the summer and drove his new home across Europe for the start of the new term. 

The caravan cost £2,200, but the student says he is now spending about £100 a month on living expenses- significantly less than the £600 he was paying just for rent last year.

Mr de haro Pishoudt said: “When I finished last year I could not afford to pay my final bills.

“I got into a lot of debt and I was still paying even though I had gone home for the summer.

“The caravan just seemed like the best option.

“My friends thought it was a crazy idea at first, but I have solar panels that give me electricity, a shower and water.

“It is a good space.”

Mr de haro Pishoudt says the biggest problem he faces is finding a permanent site for his home and he has made a plea to Kingston residents to find him a spot, which he says he is willing to pay up to £150 a month for. 

He said: “I get to stay somewhere for a week or so and then get moved on.

“Having to move around so much does not affect my studies as much as worrying about money did.”

Accounting and finance student Moustapha Bah, 24, echoed Mr de haro Pishoudt’s rent woes.

He said: “I pay £800 a month in rent and my parents really help out.

“I would not be able to pay my bills if my course was longer and my parents didn’t cover my rent.”

The National Union of Students is currently calling for rent controls for student accommodation and investment by institutions.

NUS welfare vice-president Shelly Asquith said: “The housing crisis is forcing students, whose incomes do not match the rising cost of living, into untenable conditions.

“Struggling to choose between paying rent, bills or travel costs each week, the growing stress and a need to work more hours is affecting study.”

A spokesman for Kingston University advised students to look at cheaper houses in New Malden or Tolworth.

Surrey Comet:

He said: “We know that where students live has a big impact on their time at university and how much they get out of their experience.

“Students have the option to choose from seven different halls of residence, catering to a wide range of needs and budgets.

“We would advise students to not only focus their property search in Kingston itself, but also consider looking in neighbouring areas with good rental options.”