When Rent Became Too Expensive, This College Student Started Living on Trains Full-Time

(Photo: Felix Mayr/Privat)

Leonie Müller, 23, is a college student in Cologne, Germany . . . sometimes. She goes to college in Cologne, but doesn't live there. When her apartment rent reached $450 per month, she found a way to save money. She bought a $380 train pass that lets her ride as many trains on Germany's fast and effecient rail service as she wants for an entire month.

So when Müller is done for the day at college, she gets on a train. The destination isn't really important--just as long as she's back in Cologne by the morning. The Washington Post reports:

Now, Müller washes her hair in the train bathroom and writes her college papers while traveling at a speed of up to 190 mph. She says that she enjoys the liberty she has experienced since she gave up her apartment. "I really feel at home on trains and can visit so many more friends and cities. It's like being on vacation all the time," Müller said. […]

"I read, I write, I look out of the window and I meet nice people all the time. There's always something to do on trains," Müller told German TV station SWR in an interview. Since risking the move, Müller's life fits into a small backpack in which she carries clothes, her tablet computer, college documents and a sanitary bag. 

-via Marginal Revolution


Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

So, she's giving up privacy to save $70 a month? It would be save more money to just get a roommate. But if she's actually sleeping at other people's homes, this plan is a scheme to subsidize her pastime of riding trains.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
"she tries to sleep at the apartments of relatives or friends. Often, she is accommodated by her boyfriend, her mother or grandmother."

If that's "living on trains full-time", I know people that live at Starbucks full-time, others who live at a sports bar full-time, and more who live at their office full time, etc.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"When Rent Became Too Expensive, This College Student Started Living on Trains Full-Time"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More