WHILE most students opt for a shared flat or the halls of residence, 20-year-old Anne Walker chose more unconventional accommodation when she went away to university.

The countryside management student from West Witton, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, currently lives in a canal boat called Meadowsweet while studying at Harper Adams University, in Shropshire.

"It was a spur of the moment thing really,” said Miss Walker. “My family own the boat for holidays and we decided that I could use it instead of renting a house during university.

"It's great because when I start my placement year with Natural England, I can just move the boat there instead of searching for accommodation."

The student admits that running the boat can be hard work and is not for the faint-hearted.

"It can be challenging. The boat requires maintenance and repairs, and it's key to think ahead when it comes to using power as it's not instant. "But it's a different experience and why shouldn't you push the boundaries a little bit?

“Half the other students I speak to say 'oh wow' when they findout about the boat and the other half think I'm a nutter.”

Meadowsweet is kitted out with a mini Aga and gas stove as well as everything Miss Walker needs for day-to-day living.

Despite being on the boat away from campus, she said she was rarely lonely as her friends enjoyed visiting and she had plenty of assignments and work to complete for university.

"One of the best things about the boat is the wildlife including kingfishers, ducks, swans, birds - I'm close to it all.

"There's also the freedom of being able to travel, it's easy to explore local areas via the canal system."

Like most students, Miss Walker likes the occasional party and admits she has held a few on board the boat admits to holding a few boat.

“For safety reasons, it's a case of locking the doors and keeping everyone inside,” she said.

Miss Walker, whose hobbies include walking, woodland management and conservation, is preparing for her placement year at Fenn's Whixall and Bettisfield Mosses near Whitchurch, in Shropshire.

Fortunately, Whitchurch is on the canal network and the former Wensleydale School pupil is taking her boat with her to live on.