University of Strasbourg closed: the few open libraries taken by storm

Mélina Facchin 06h09, January 06, 2023

A studious and cozy atmosphere takes hold of the Strasbourg BNU this Thursday evening.

However, dozens of students are immersed in their revisions as the exam period begins.

A place stormed like the three other student libraries, currently open in this city which nevertheless has twenty.

And due to the postponement of the start of the school year to January 9, the University of Strasbourg is exceptionally closed this week in order to save energy.

Electricity and gas bills are expected to double in 2023, rising from 10 to 20 million euros.

Students must therefore adapt. 

"People line up to get into the library"

This Thursday, the 700 tables available at the BNU were almost all occupied.

"When we arrive at 9 a.m., people are queuing to enter the library, it's not usual and it's very difficult to find a place," says Sofiane, a medical student.

Tom, in nursing school, confirms: "I live quite far, 30 minutes from here and I have to get up earlier. On Monday, I came at 10 a.m. and there was already no more room , so I had to leave," he sighs.

The Strasbourg BNU is stormed this Thursday

And for those who arrive even later, the mission is almost impossible: "We had to sit in the cafeteria", smiles Manon, a student in a school of engineering and architecture.

"Suddenly, there are people who come to the coffee machine, it's more difficult to concentrate," she adds.

“We are 100% full at the establishment”

It is traditional that at this time of year, when exams are approaching, students massively frequent these libraries.

Nevertheless, the current situation is exceptional, assures Florence Amsbeck, deputy director of the BNU.

Thanks to an application, she can follow the crowds of the library live. 

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“There, for example, we can see that we are 100% full at the establishment,” she confirms, looking at her phone.

"And right now, it's every day," she says.

"Even in the rest areas, there are students working on the armchairs, the armchairs, and even on the floor. We far exceed our reception capacity".

The students hope for a return to normal from Monday January 9, the day of the reopening of the University of Strasbourg, which will again be exceptionally closed for a week in February, again for these same energy reasons.