Monday, 02 February 2026

Mensa Space: New learning and meeting place for students

A modern lounge with large windows that let in plenty of daylight. Several people are sitting on green and blue seating areas, some chatting, others playing board games. In the foreground is a green plant in a black pot. The wall on the right is decorated with large plant motifs. In the background, you can see more seating areas and a bright, open atmosphere. ©Helmut Lunghammer
©Helmut Lunghammer

The new 24/7 learning zone in the Mensa Space is officially open. Photo: University of Graz/Lunghammer

The University of Graz and ÖH Uni Graz opened the “Mensa Space” to the public at the end of January 2026: This unique project was designed in collaboration with students and offers study areas, a lounge with snack vending machines and microwaves, as well as a gaming area and kitchen. Since January 28, the 24/7 zone will be open to all members of the University of Graz.

After the mensa on Sonnenfelsplatz closed last year, the University of Graz and the ÖH Uni Graz student union joined forces to keep it open for students. The 900 m² “Mensa Space” is a flexible space for learning and exchange – friendly, modern, and suitable for everyday use. “We are creating an open space where students can study together and heat up food they have brought with them,” says Rector Peter Riedler, delighted with the project, which is unique in Austria in this form.

In the Mensa Space, students will find everything their hearts desire: the learning zone is equipped with around 130 seats and workstations for group work, as well as study cubicles. The adjacent lounge & food zone provides space to enjoy food brought from home in a pleasant atmosphere, which can be heated up in microwaves in the adjoining room. There are vending machines for snacks and cold and hot drinks. You can also get something to eat at the adjacent Café Famoos.

Wherever there is learning, there should also be fun. In a soundproofed gaming room, students can clear their heads with table tennis, darts, and table soccer. The barrier-free restrooms also have changing tables.

Collaboration with ÖH Uni Graz

The renovation began in fall 2025. The 24/7 learning zone can be accessed with a university card via a turnstile. What makes it special is that it was not planned over the heads of the students, but together with them. “Thanks to the close cooperation with the ÖH Uni Graz, a special place has been created that meets the needs of the students,” says Rector Riedler.

Mary Weitzer, chair of the ÖH Uni Graz, also emphasizes the good cooperation between the university and the ÖH: “Especially in times of rising living costs, we have created a place with the Mensa Space that offers students space for relaxation and new ideas, without any time or financial pressure.”

The renovation poses a special challenge for the University of Graz team. This is because the building, constructed between 1963 and 1967, is a listed building. But that is precisely what makes the Mensa Space so special: it ties in with the original idea of the architects of the “Werkgruppe Graz Eugen Gross” and creates an open space for students, as was planned back then. The graphic design by Graz artist Gernot Passath combines the iconic 1960s charm of the building with modern design.

Pictures from the opening: bilderpool.uni-graz.at/s/GbsNzEppsAC42Jm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgCwv7AFgVw

Related news

EU funding boosts international exchange between universities

The University of Graz is further expanding its international study opportunities through the European university alliance Arqus and is taking the lead in two key projects. In future, students will benefit from even more joint degree programmes and from simplified recognition of academic achievements through the Joint European Degree Label.

Rescue and risks: Researchers have surveyed public perceptions of AI

The use of artificial intelligence has had to be made transparent since 2 August 2026. The EU’s AI Act, which has been in force since then, also sets out how risky an application is and which security measures apply as a result. However, the assessment of risks by the legislation differs in some cases significantly from the perceptions of the Austrian public. This is the finding of a representative study carried out by data scientist Stefan Thalmann from the University of Graz and his team.

The Healing Sea: Researchers discover new approaches to treating chronic inflammation in sponges

Chronic inflammation plays a key role in many diseases, ranging from metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases to tissue damage following injuries or infections. “Normally, the body is able to resolve inflammation on its own. If this process becomes unbalanced, immune cells remain permanently active and continue to drive negative changes in the tissue,” explains Andreas Koeberle, a pharmacist at the University of Graz.

Well prepared: start your studies with the Welcome Weeks

A new academic year, new degree programmes, new students. The University of Graz is kicking off the 2026 winter semester with a modern range of courses. Several new programmes are being launched this year, including the Bachelor’s degree in Early Years Education, which combines vocational training with academic research. Three newly designed degree programmes in art history offer contemporary perspectives on artistic production – from the Old Masters to AI art. First-year students in particular can immerse themselves in university life and gather all the essential information even before the semester begins: during the Welcome Weeks starting on 1 September.