KU Leuven’s American College re-opens as student residence
The former seminary building at KU Leuven, known as the American College, has been transformed into student rooms
Priority to theology students
The American College (pictured) opened on Naamsestraat in 1857, founded by bishops from the US as the first American seminary in Europe. For 150 years, Catholic priests were trained in the college from Belgium and from North America.
The seminary was closed in 2011, and KU Leuven sought alternatives for the building. The renovated premises consists of 141 student rooms and 17 studios. This year, 171 students are living in the building.
To honour the tradition of the American College, KU Leuven gave residence priority to students from the Saint Damien Community, which is open to all North American students studying in the faculties of theology, philosophy or canon law.
There is also room reserved for students from the Mater Dei Community, intended for international students of the priesthood and philosophy and theology students. Members of the University Parish also receive priority.
Photo by Rob Stevens / KU Leuven
University of Leuven
staff members in 2013
students in 2014-2015 academic year
million euros in annual research budget
- KU Leuven
- KU Leuven Association
- Study in Flanders
