Universities in crisis – students freeze in Styrian lecture halls

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The energy crisis and the budget deficit are clouding the mood at the Styrian universities. In order to keep costs under control, various measures are used to save.

The joy was great when students were able to return to the country’s lecture halls and seminar rooms. But the colorful university life is overshadowed by a large budget deficit and high energy costs. First the pandemic. And now the next crisis.

The room temperature is lowered
Because they don’t have the money, the Styrian universities are now saving: “We have regulated the room temperature evenly, which saves us ten percent on energy costs,” confirms Rector Peter Riedler of the University of Graz. Between Christmas and New Year the heating is reduced to 16 degrees, and then to 19 degrees in the first week of January. “The library is an exception to this.” The Technical University of Graz follows this approach and lowers the room temperature from 21 degrees to about 19 degrees. However, many students are already freezing cold.

While the temperature controls are being turned in Graz, the Montanuniversität Leoben reports that the heating is not being throttled. “If there are areas vacant due to holidays during the holiday season, that could be considered,” said spokesman Erhard Skupa. Closing the university during this time is not planned.

Room climate essential for instruments
At the Graz University of Art, the situation is different: As an immediate measure, the KUG closes its locations in the last week of December. “This is an unusual step, because otherwise our houses are always open to students who need a place to practice,” rector Georg Schulz regrets. When it comes to heating, you don’t run on the back burner, “because room climate is essential for many instruments.” Schulz assumes that cutbacks will be inevitable, especially in the area of ​​planned projects.

If it is up to TU Graz Rector Harald Kainz, the 150 million euros announced by Minister Martin Polaschek for 2023 would help as an extra budget. According to Riedler, the year 2023 can also be financed with austerity measures in the infrastructure sector and the commitments of the Ministry of Education. What it will look like then is uncertain.

Source: Krone

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