PROTESTERS at Oxford Brookes University are tonight preparing for their second night under canvas.

About 25 students, calling themselves Occupy Brookes, put up tents and banners at the university's Gipsy Lane campus yesterday to protest against tuition fee rises and the university's fee waiver and bursary package.

It is understood only eight camped at the site last night but about 13 are expected to stay there tonight.

Ivana Popov, 21, an English and anthropology student, was among them.

She said: “It really looks as if we are going to stay here indefinitely and just wait for the numbers to grow.

“It's really chilled, a few people are doing their essays in the tents because everyone's got loads of work at the moment, and some are sitting around chatting.”

Miss Popov said she planned to go to East Oxford open mic night Catweazle tonight to invite others to join the protest.

The university toilets were left open for protesters to use, and the canteen provided free sandwiches and hot drinks for those taking part.

Between 30 and 40 people have been involved so far.

The occupation has got the backing of the Green party, with two of the city council candidates coming to support the campers.

It also attracted the attention of the university's pro vice-chancellor of student experience, John Raftery, who said on twitter: “#Brookes students making their voices heard.

“They prefer bursaries to fee waivers. If you support, then tweet to #occupybrookes”