'I have to postpone major purchases for two weeks'

'Sometimes I am very impulsive with my purchases. Then an obsession almost arises for something I would like to have. For example, I once bought a Nintendo Switch. The times I played on that thing can be counted on one hand, so to speak. A shame of course, because it was an expensive expense. In the end, my brother mainly plays on it. Discounts on products are completely killing for me, because I'm afraid of missing out on the discount. That's why I made an agreement with myself: 'I have to postpone major purchases for two weeks.' This way I can think carefully about whether I want the product and really need it. Do I still want it after two weeks? Only then do I persuade myself to buy it.'

Living off the savings account

'It was easy peasy to find an affordable room in Enschede. Originally I'm from Utrecht, but I lived and studied for my bachelor's degree in Eindhoven. In those cities, prices are a lot higher. In addition to my current master's, I don't have a part-time job. I have ADHD and dyslexia, which makes it very difficult to combine study and a job. I tried, but it didn't work. For example, I need much more preparation time for lectures than my fellow students. Sometimes I need more than an hour and a half to prepare myself for a new lesson. It takes a lot of energy for me to get work done in a short time.'

'From the moment I was born, my parents have offered financial support. They opened a savings account at the time and saved money for later. The amount in that account became my living allowance after my eighteenth birthday. That pot is now running out quickly. My parents still offer support in the fixed costs. For example, they pay tuition fees and health insurance. They think it is important that care is not cut back. With my basic grant of 380 euros, I can pay the rent for my room. I break even with the income and expenses every month. There is no room to set aside an amount and save. I am also only allowed to borrow money when my savings account is empty. I probably need a loan for the last year and a half of my studies. So I won't be able to avoid knocking on DUO's door soon.'

Paint, brushes and an easel

'In my situation, it's easier for me to say that sports and hobbies take precedence over a part-time job. My mental and physical health is important to me during my studies. I therefore have no guilt with my spending on hobbies. It helps me to be busy and to seek social contact. That works better than a streaming service.'

'I look for obligations in my hobby. That's why I'm taking a painting course at the UT. That costs me a hundred euros per eight lessons. Really cheap! In Utrecht, such a course costs four times as much. I have been painting since I was six years old and I can completely lose myself in it. I spend money on it every month. That hobby is therefore part of my fixed costs. Everything that comes with painting is pricey. Think of different brushes you need, the paint that runs out or an easel to work with. Fortunately, I got it as a gift for my birthday. At Action I shop cheap and surprisingly good brushes. I often like to just grab the biggest brush and see what I make of it.'

Applying for a study allowance

'If you are a student and have ADHD, you are eligible for a financial contribution from the government. This also applies to other restrictions that can cause study delay. I didn't know that at first, but someone recently alerted me to it. It is a long process, but I have now set it in motion. I would like to draw the attention of other people with disabilities to the fact that they can apply for this contribution. This makes for a financial windfall during the study.'

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