Falmouth University could force students out of accommodation earlier than they expected, straining the town's rental housing market, as it seeks to make way for its new first-year intake.

Students going into their second and third years who took up places in the Maritime Studios building on the understanding they could stay for the course of their studies have now been told they will need to leave at the end of this academic year, leaving over 100 suddenly looking for alternative accommodation.

The university did not directly inform the current occupants that it will be taking over 137 of the 144 rooms at the site behind Falmouth Docks, and it was only recently confirmed to them by the students' union, FXU.

A petition has been launched by residents of the block, who claim that it provides an important option for students who need their own space, including for mental health reasons, and also say the university has left them with little time to find alternative arrangements.

The petition, written by Maria Gloria Harvey, calls the university decision "unacceptable," and states: "The mental health of students who’ve chosen Maritime for that reason will be impacted and their performance at university affected. The university’s late decision on this makes things even worse as most will be thrown in to live with strangers. I’ve spoken to Student Support and they will be happy to back this up if necessary.

"Second and third years are struggling to find accommodation in general, with the university taking more new students each year than Falmouth has room for. It shouldn’t be happening in the first place – let alone with places like Maritime that are specific and the only option for many people."

It asks that at the very least, current tenants are allowed to stay for the next year.

Oliver Lane, Head of Communications at FX Plus, said: "137 of the 144 rooms in Maritime Studios have been secured by Falmouth University to assist with accommodation for first year students who benefit from being placed in large clusters near to campus. We continue to work closely with local housing agents to help first and second year students find suitable accommodation, alongside “Student Pad” which is our online resource helping students to find local properties."

The petition, which has gained over 600 signatures, can be viewed at change.org/p/falmouth-university-falmouth-university-do-not-reserve-maritime-studios-for-first-years-only