One significant issue faced by students at the University of Luxembourg, the Rector noted, is the challenge of finding affordable housing. The university currently provides approximately 1,000 flats for students, a mid-range figure among international competitors. However, due to lease renewals, only about 400 student flats remain available for the approximately 800 students who have submitted housing requests. Professor Kreisel assured that every effort would be made to assist those who are unable to secure accommodation. In addition, the university has housing projects in the pipeline, spanning the Belval Campus, Esch-sur-Alzette, and Kirchberg. Professor Kreisel stressed that these projects would require time to materialise.
Despite housing constraints, the Rector maintained that the University of Luxembourg’s appeal remained strong, as it is just as difficult to find a student flat abroad. Luxembourg’s attractiveness, he explained, extends beyond housing concerns, with numerous factors drawing students to the institution. The relatively young age of the university has allowed for “an excellent student-to-faculty ratio” and the rapid development of areas of academic excellence. Professor Kreisel also highlighted the strong collaboration between the university, the state, and industry, as well as its ability to attract “excellent” staff, as indicators of the university’s undeniable success.
Addressing criticism of the university’s administrative organisation, the Rector acknowledged that it is one of the largest employers in the country, with 2,500 employees. He also noted that there is room for improvement in terms of its administrative efficiency. To this end, a new director for administration and finances has been appointed to initiate a comprehensive overhaul of the system.
The University of Luxembourg, as the sole institution of its kind in the nation, recognises its pivotal role as a strategic instrument for the country, according to its rector. In the next few years, the university has outlined ambitious plans for expansion, with a specific focus on the fields of health, digitalisation, and sustainability. Professor Kreisel stressed the importance of translating these aspirations into tangible actions.
Within the realm of health, the university aims to make significant advancements in medical and nursing education, as well as establishing international excellence in neurology. In the area of digitalisation, the university will seek to contribute to national initiatives in cybersecurity, and plans are underway to inaugurate a Centre for Digital Ethics in the coming year. In addition, a new research centre specialising in environmental systems is on the horizon, according to Professor Kreisel.
Time and again, the University of Luxembourg has been hailed as a solution for addressing the Grand Duchy’s shortages of medical professionals, nursing staff, and teachers. While the Rector refrained from describing the university as a miraculous solution, Professor Kreisel maintains that it plays a pivotal role in addressing these shortages. The university’s mission, he stressed, includes attracting talent to Luxembourg.
Professor Kreisel pointed out that among the university’s 1,000 doctoral students, only 10 to 15% are Luxembourg nationals. However, after completing their doctoral studies, a substantial 50 to 60% of these students choose to remain in the country. This, the Rector believes, underscores the university’s contribution in bringing highly specialised individuals — something the Grand Duchy greatly requires — to Luxembourg.
