Memorial University is offering some clarification on media reports suggesting MUN is asking students to defer their studies due to a lack of housing.

In a statement to VOCM News, Memorial says it is not broadly telling students to defer their study plans for a year.

They say every student’s situation is different, noting an international student who has not received a study permit would be advised to defer admission so they have more time to make travel arrangements and search for housing.

Memorial says it is aware that students in this province, and across the country, are having a hard time finding affordable accommodations near campus due to rising rent and fewer vacancies.

The university says it is pursing a number of ways to help students find affordable housing.

That includes allocating space at Paton College for grad students, connecting with people in the community with a room to rent, asking students in residence to consider taking a roommate, and assigning staff to help find housing for students.