Henry (22) is building a trailer for his bicycle, in which he wants to live and sleep. That trailer is insulated and also gets heating. This is how he hopes to get through the winter. Henry is from Germany and studies at the Design Academy in Eindhoven. Due to the room shortage in Eindhoven, he had to sleep in a tent for six weeks last year and he never wants that again.
Friday he closed the door of his room behind him. “Unfortunately my contract has not been extended and I have not been able to find anything else.” That is why he is now working on improvised housing himself.
Behind Henry’s racing bike hangs a frame. He got the wheels off an old wheelchair. On top of the frame is a wooden plate. “It is the size of a single bed. A roof of more than one meter high will be placed on top of the frame. I want to be able to sit and sleep in this. I have to be able to move the entire trailer with my bicycle.”
On the trailer under construction are a few moving boxes, a backpack and some plants. “Those plants are dear to me, but I have to give them to a friend to take care of them, because I don’t have room for them anymore.”
“It’s not ideal, but I want my own place.”
For the next few weeks, Henry will be sleeping on the couch with acquaintances. Meanwhile, the Design Academy sophomore is finishing his follower.
“This winter I don’t want to sleep in a tent. I want something that protects better against the cold. It’s not ideal to live in, but I want my own place. When you sleep on people’s couches, you feel always a guest. It is important to me to have something of my own.”
Many international students have difficulty finding accommodation in Eindhoven. “It is becoming increasingly difficult for international students and people who do not speak Dutch very well. It’s a battle. Often it feels that you as an individual can do nothing. You are dependent on large housing associations. Or landlords. Or the help of others to find a place. I tried that and it didn’t work. I wanted to do something myself.”
At the same time, he makes a call. “I hope I can stand in the garden of friends, but if anyone has some space left where I can stand with my bicycle trailer, let me know!”
