Dear tenant: 

You had 6 years of good living, in a house with a front garden, when many people had to do with concrete boxes. You didn't have to vacate before the landlord actually sold the house. You may not have to vacate until the new owner declares he wants to move in, which may be tricky if he lives out of town. Your experience at the student housing office may come in handy to fight it. 

Meanwhile, unless the new owner wants to redevelop right away, it may be worthwhile to get in touch and suggest he continue renting to you, as a responsible tenant who takes care of the property. If the new owner purchased the house with the plan of flipping it in a couple of years, that might buy you some extra time in your current home.  By that time, you may not want to live on that street any more.