A leading university is facing questions after hundreds of students were told they were being relocated to alternative accommodation as a result of unspecified “fire safety concerns”.

Authorities at King’s College London sent out emails and letters on Monday to students living in halls of residence in the centre of the city, informing them that potential fire safety concerns had been identified which required further investigation.

No detail was given about the nature of the concerns, which relate to the Maple block of residences. However, students were told investigations were also necessary at three other blocks – Beech, Oak and Rowan – as they have the same construction as Maple block.

“To ensure this work can be carried out safely, we must move you to alternative accommodation,” said the university correspondence, which gave students until 16 January to decide whether they would like to move to alternative halls of residence or rent privately.

Students expressed anger at receiving the sudden news at the start of a new term, complaining that some had found out hours before sitting exams that they would have to move out.

King’s had faced criticism last year when it was reported that hundreds of freshers had been turned away from accommodation after the university overbooked them. A number were given accommodation in Stratford, east London, while others were relocated to hotels in London.

A King’s College London spokesperson said: “We have identified some potential fire safety concerns at Maple that need further investigation at these residences to understand the level of any risk and any remedial works. There has been no incident and we have robust existing fire safety provision in place, but in order to ensure that works can be carried out safely and efficiently we must move residents before we can start.”

Compensation and extensive help and support during the planned relocation was being offered, according to the spokesperson, who added that the university would be making use of King’s student accommodation and partners across London.

The university declined to answer questions about the nature of the fire risk, how many students were affected and the timing.

One student told the Tab, a youth news site: “I’ve just had a month and a half off when I could be looking for flats and accommodation. I’ve started a new term today with new classes, it’s very stressful.

“Some people are sitting exams, my classmates found out two hours before their exam that they have to move out.”