Shaping student life at RSU: an interview with Luīze Monta Remese

Photo: Courtesy of Luīze Monta Remese

As a medical student and leader of one of the most active student organisations in Latvia, she demonstrates how strong willpower and a clear vision can lead to great achievements. In this interview, Luīze discusses her responsibilities and priorities, outlines the SP’s biggest challenges and future, and shares the strategies that help her maintain balance amid the demands of her intense daily routine.

What are the key responsibilities you have as the newly elected Chair of the Board of the RSU Student Union?

An important challenge is to introduce the new board members to how the Student Union works and what it does.

It is crucial to build a cohesive team, as we work closely together throughout the year, which requires not only professional skills but also strong interpersonal relationships.

This year, I also plan to focus on innovation by introducing new projects that are both relevant and beneficial to students. 

What are the primary responsibilities of the Student Union?

Currently, preparations for the RSU International Student Conference (ISC 2025) are in full swing, with over 400 abstracts already submitted. We have introduced new events, such as Sesijas atelpa (Exam Breather). This event is designed to help students unwind after an intense period of studying. This year, our External Affairs branch is working on implementing a unified medical exam, which will be similar to the existing legal qualification exam. Additionally, we plan to improve the application system for B courses, which impacts most RSU students.

Group photo of the Student Union

How does the Student Union represent students’ interests? Are your views considered when the University makes decisions and drafts regulations?

At the University level, our representation works effectively, and our opinions are generally taken into account. Student representatives are actively involved in various university structures, including the Senate and faculty councils. The only exception is the RSU Council, which currently lacks student representatives. This is an area we aim to address, potentially by introducing student representatives, at least as observers.

Overall, we serve as a strong example to other higher education institutions for how to effectively cooperate with both management and academic staff.

How did you choose your future profession?

I am currently in my third year of medical studies. I initially studied economics at Āgenskalns State Gymnasium, but in the eleventh grade I developed an interest in medicine. It was not easy, as biology and chemistry were not my strongest subjects. However, I set myself a challenge and through intensive study and perseverance was able to get into RSU! Now, I am confident that medicine is the right path for me. It is a profession that not only brings me true satisfaction but also continually challenges me to achieve more.

Luīze Monta Remese together with her peers

What are your hobbies? How do you spend your free time?

My biggest passion is cooking. I have liked cooking since I was a child, and it helps me unwind. I enjoy reading books, as they allow me to experience many different lives.

My friends and I often discuss higher education in Latvia, which may sound unusual, but it is one of my favourite things to do.

You mentioned that you frequently discuss higher education in Latvia. How would you assess the ongoing process of consolidating Latvian higher education institutions and the preservation of their autonomy?

The process of consolidating higher education institutions has been somewhat rushed and at times not carefully considered. It is important that universities work together and understand each other, rather than being forced to merge.

At RSU, we also face the challenge that our social science subjects are sometimes overlooked, as the university has historically been recognised primarily as a centre for medical education. In terms of autonomy, it is important for higher education institutions to maintain their independence. Any reforms should be thoroughly explained and well planned in order to avoid conflicts and misunderstandings.