BROLLIES, sleeping bags and tents were out in force today as students braved wind and rain to bag the best rental properties.

Up to 60 have been queuing outside property agent Finders Keepers’ St Clements offices since early Sunday morning.

And hundreds more are expected to join them, once a list of 150 available houses and flats in Oxford is released at 9am tomorrow.

Among those queuing were Oxford Brookes marketing and business student Ben Spickernell and Harry Blakey, who studies history and politics.

The 21-year-olds, who are hoping to rent a five-bedroom house in East Oxford, have been taking it in turns to wait in line with three other housemates.

Mr Blakey said: “This is our second year of queuing, so we knew what to expect this time but it's busier than it was last year.”

Finders Keepers director Simon Tyrrell said the firm has received 800 email enquiries during the past week.

Jericho and East Oxford are the most popular places, including the ‘golden triangle’ between Iffley Road, Cowley Road and Divinity Road.

Mr Tyrrell said: “We tell students they do not need to panic, as there are plenty of properties to go around.

“But it’s like Wimbledon – people will queue for hours to get what they want.