EAIE on the road: The Class Conference, Lisbon
Our 'EAIE on the road' series continues with a look back at The Class Conference in Lisbon, which took place on 05–06 November. Europe's largest annual conference focused on student housing and the future of student living. Representing us at the conference was our Knowledge Development Coordinator, Cecilia Albè. The event was hosted at LX Factory, a very special venue. Previously a mid-19th-century textiles factory, today the space is a creative hub filled with everything from start-ups to restaurants. The two-day event brought together leaders from real estate, higher education, urban planning and policy-making to explore how bold ideas and cross-border collaboration can redefine the future of student living and learning.
Exploring student accommodation in Lisbon
The first day of the conference was spent visiting different student accommodation sites around Lisbon. We discovered how the design of shared spaces can help create a sense of belonging, community and connection. The second day, hosted at the venue, saw a wide range of panel discussions, roundtables and tailored networking hubs on student living strategies. Each were designed to spark conversations about shaping the future of student living. One particularly exciting session, 'Demand: Reinforcing Europe as the leading study destination,' featured some familiar voices from the sector.
Experts Johanna Rasplus (Campus France), Kumi Tempels (Nuffic), Lucia Guglielmi (Studyportals), Andreia Godinho Lopes (Portugal Erasmus + National Agency) and Josephine Phinith (ICEF) analysed Europe’s student growth projections and internationalisation targets in the face of a growing struggle with housing availability.
It was insightful to hear colleagues from national agencies and other key organisations emphasise the need for a balanced approach between the private and public sector when talking about international student accommodation.
Housing as a prerequisite for success
The conference highlighted accommodation as a cornerstone of the international student experience, with a profound impact on mental and physical wellbeing, drop-out rates in credit mobility, as well as on university admission and retention rates. It is a topic that sits at the very heart of successful internationalisation.
Given the extent to which young people, and students in particular, are being affected by the ongoing housing crisis, the timing for these types of discussions could not be more relevant. The European Commission is currently preparing the European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP), expected by the end of the year. The EAHP represents a critical opportunity to address the dual crises of affordability and quality head-on. However, its development is not without debate. Several organisations have raised concerns regarding the plan's fairness, using a joint statement to propose alternative solutions and share best practices from across Europe.
I found that the call from IHE organisations, for the EU Commission to adopt a more forward-looking and inclusive approach, is both timely and essential.
Inspired by the insights gained at The Class Conference, we couldn't help but look back on the 2025 edition of Spring Forum, spotlighting the topic of International student accommodation. Our member-only magazine examined housing as a fundamental prerequisite for effective study abroad experiences and student well-being. To sum up, we truly enjoyed our time in Lisbon! We were treated to warm weather, good insights and new connections over the course of two days. We're grateful to wrap up the year with these wonderful memories.
The Class Conference
The Class Conference
The Class Conference
The Class Conference
