Energy crisis forces two-week closure in Strasbourg

Alsace institution first French university to shorten term to reduce costs

The University of Strasbourg has announced it will close its premises for two weeks this winter, effectively reducing term time by a week, to save on its heating bill.

The first week of the closure will happen at the beginning of January 2023, extending the traditional two-week Christmas break by a week. Most university buildings will close again during the February half-term break. During these periods, staff will be expected to work remotely “except in justified and exceptional cases”, the university said on 19 September, and “few lessons will take place, even remotely”.