Coffee, detergent, fresh fruit, toilet paper. Everything has become more expensive at a rapid pace. We pay considerably more for our food and energy costs than a year ago. As a result, people have to pay more and more attention to the little things. But will that work? Today in our series Duurder Leven 27-year-old Malu van den Berg from Eindhoven: “A large pot of peanut butter for almost 8 euros, that is really too much for me.”
Malu lives in Eindhoven and is a fourth-year ICT student at Fontys Hogescholen.
Are there things you leave behind in the supermarket?
“Groceries, I pay close attention to that. It’s unbelievable how expensive everything has become. As a student I usually went for convenience and then I chose something ready-made, but now I cook myself because it’s cheaper. always look at the offers. Recently I was in the store with a large jar of peanut butter in my hands, which cost almost eight euros. That is really too much for me, I will put it back.”
“I still smoke, although it’s a rib out of my body. I just can’t help it. You pay around eight or nine euros for a pack of cigarettes these days. Do I smoke a lot?” Laughing: “Well, enough.”
Cooking together with housemates, in order to keep costs low?
“I cook for myself, because I don’t live in a student house. I have my own apartment in a residential tower in Eindhoven. Those homes are specially built for people who can’t really afford it. The rent isn’t rising, I’m very lucky with that “I now pay 655 euros per month and then rent allowance is deducted. Then you actually end up with the price of a room. And now I have my own kitchen, bathroom and a balcony with a beautiful view of the city.” “
What about the energy bill?
“The contract with the energy supplier is variable and is arranged through the housing association. I have no influence on that, so shopping is not an option, unfortunately. I often don’t turn on the heating, hoping to save a bit. put on a thick sweater and always have a few blankets within reach.”
What is it like to study in these expensive times?
“To be honest, it’s quite stressful. You’re stuck with your loan for your studies, tuition fees, books. And if you want to live on your own, you can hardly avoid knocking on the door of a bank or your parents. I I spend at least a thousand euros a month on rent, gas, water and electricity, food and my telephone subscription. I don’t have a car, I walk everywhere.”
Do you have a side job?
“I have always worked as a website designer, which fits in nicely with my studies. Those were good earnings. I received 18.50 euros per hour. Soon I will be traveling for my minor, a secondary subject during my education. That job So I have now canceled. When I graduate, I expect to find a job in ICT.”
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