STUDENTS have been housed 27 miles away from their classes due to an accommodation crisis.

Stirling University said it has been hit by a near 20 per cent increase in requests for rooms in student halls.

Around 180 students due to start the new term this month – including some in first year – were told that they did not have accommodation on the parkland-style campus.

The university has managed to find places for the majority of those affected but 70 have been offered accommodation as far away as Glasgow city centre.

By way of compensation, the university has provided the affected students with Railcards, which offer a one-third discount on travel.

A university spokesman said: “Following significantly increased demand this year, we regret we have been unable to offer University accommodation to a number of students.

“We regret, and apologise for, any inconvenience to affected students.”