Mandarins? Toothpaste? Sushi? These are only some of the things students have been “forgetting” to scan at self-checkouts, thanks to some tricks up their sleeves.
Gone are the days of students occasionally slipping an unpaid banana into their supermarket bags. Nowadays, they have full-fledged strategies to help them get past check-out without spending a fortune on fresh sushi. 🍣
VICE Netherlands asked students in the Netherlands who steal more than €200 worth of products via self-checkouts per month about their motives and how they feel about it.
Higher prices, higher chances to steal
Let’s face it, money is hard to get by when you’re in university, so it wasn’t surprising that these students began stealing for financial reasons. 💰
Tammie* (23), who steals about €400 per month, tells VICE Netherlands she didn’t know how to get by anymore. “High rent, school fees, insurance and inflation. I didn’t dare ask my mother for money, she also has to make ends meet.”
Luuk* (20) steals about €300 per month and launched his self-scan stealing habits on a whim when faced with overpriced sushi.
“When the sushi turned out to be €17, I decided to steal it. It was so easy that I started doing it more and more.”
However, he kept doing it because he isn’t necessarily stealing from anyone: “But honestly, at such a large chain, I don’t care much about stealing expensive products. […] I am quite an anti-capitalist. Those big companies are already making tons of money.”
Um, what about random checks?
The students have different strategies when it comes to those random checks you get when paying via self-scan.
Sacha* (23), who steals around €220 monthly, tells VICE Netherlands about a little trick up her sleeve. First, scan only half of your groceries. “When you are checked, show two debit cards and say that you pay for the groceries separately.”
For Luuk (20), stealing is accompanied by many exciting moments: “My bike key is already in my back pocket and I have my bank card so I can leave as quickly as possible. If I do get a check, I walk back into the store as if I forgot a product. Then I try again.”
Now, we don’t want to give you any ideas, especially since supermarket staff may not always believe these strategies. 🤫
The snowball effect
The students all described that it gives them a little kick, or a sort of adrenaline boost, which makes it quite addicting to continue stealing via self-scan.
While Sacha (23) is the only diagnosed kleptomaniac out of the three, the other two also enjoy doing it for the kicks.
Luuk (20) says: “It’s quite addictive. To me, stealing feels like a combination of fear and love. I feel better than the rest when I walk out of the store with a bag full of groceries without a problem.”
*Tammie, Luuk and Sacha are fictitious names. The real names of the interviewees are known to the VICE Netherlands editors.
Have you ever stolen anything via self-scan? How do you feel about what these students are doing? Tell us in the comments below!
Next year onwards, from Thursday, May 25, gone are the days where you have to catch multiple trains to get to Berlin from Amsterdam.
The European Sleeper night train confirms a route from Brussels to Berlin with stops in Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam. All aboard! 🚆
The route
The European Sleeper announced its plan in 2021, initially including Prague and Dresden, which has now been delayed until 2024.
The first journey with the European Sleeper will take place on May 25 and is expected to also stop in Amersfoort and Deventer in the Netherlands, Antwerp in Belgium, and Hanover in Germany.
Can’t make it? Good news! There will also be a regular timetable of three trains per week, on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, writes Treinreiziger.nl.
While the regular NS train between Amsterdam and Berlin is incredibly long (due to a large number of stops along the way), this new night train offers another option.
“The train becomes a serious alternative to the plane. You leave Amsterdam at half past ten and arrive in Berlin just before seven in the morning,” reports Chris Engelsman, founding member of the European Sleeper to Het Parool, “That way you can also save a hotel stay.”
The timetable
While the first journey takes place on May 25, ticket sales will be available for purchase through the company’s website on February 20.
Zo, hatsekidee, 25 mei gaat startup European Sleeper (@EuropeanSlpr) beginnen met hun eerste nachttrein, van Brussel en Amsterdam naar Berlijn (en later door naar Praag). 🥳 26 mei is de eerste rit vanuit NL, tickets te koop vanaf 26 februari. https://t.co/Jtdi9sgYTy
Translation: So, it’s happening! On 25 of May, startup European Sleeper will begin its first journey from Brussels and Amsterdam to Berlin (and later on Prague). 26 of May goes the first train out NL, tickets are for purchase from 26 February.
Ticket prices will vary between 49€ per seat, 79€ for a couchette, and 109€ for a sleeping place.
The night train is expected to run three times a week but Engelsman hopes to make it daily the following year.
Who is planning to be one of the first passengers on this night train? Tell us in the comments below!
The Dutch are a worldwide famous nation, but let’s be honest here. Not for their food.
Every year, Tasteatles ranks the best cuisines from around the world, suggesting the signature dishes that you have to try while visiting.
And where has Dutch cuisine landed this nation in the food world ranking? A pleasantly surprising 32nd place.
Listen, we have other skills
The Netherlands is one of the smallest countries in Europe, still, almost everyone around the world knows of it. People from different continents immediately start to list their fun facts on tulips, weed and wooden shoes.
But when it comes to food, people have no idea what Dutch cuisine looks like, and that’s for a reason.
Visiting the Netherlands is not the best gastronomical journey that you can think of — that being said, there are some foods that have helped us land in the top 50.
Desserts and snacks
While other countries are in the ring with complex dishes that describe their culture and identity, the Dutchies are taking it easy when it comes to their recipes.
Let’s have stroopwafel for lunch! Image: Depositphotos
We all love to have a good dessert or some snack, but we try to eat them around our main courses. But the people of the Netherlands have a different way of thinking. They prefer to finesse the lekker stuff.
During the late hours of Christmas night, a train halted at a stop near Tienray, a Limburgish village, where two concerned passengers found the body of the train driver.
At around 1:45 AM, a deer was hit by the driver’s train. After stopping the train to inspect the scene, the driver returned to his cockpit but didn’t start the train again, reports AD.
Curious about their extended stop, two passengers decided to check up on the train driver in his cabin, where they found his body.
They called the emergency services and attended to his body with CPR, however, it was unfortunately too late to save him.
Natural causes
A spokeswoman for transport company, Arriva, explained that the driver likely died of natural causes.
They also extended their condolences to the driver’s family, saying, “we wish the relatives, family, friends and colleagues a lot of strength.
While the police have not yet made an official confirmation of the cause of death, they agree that the driver likely died of natural causes.
The Dutch Ministry for Education is calling for universities to stop actively recruiting international students — and the universities have something to say about it.
While there’s a lot of support for the measure from within the House of Representatives, Dutch universities and universities of applied sciences have expressed their… concerns, writes Trouw.
Universities like international students
Following the announcement by the organisation, Universities of the Netherlands, that all recruitment activities are now on hold until February, many institutions are responding to the new policy with the opposite of the Dutch government’s reaction — criticism.
Universities in the border regions of the Netherlands are especially worried. They fear they will no longer be able to live up to their ‘international profile.’
Another concern comes down to money: due to higher tuition fees, foreign (non-EU) students are highly profitable for Dutch universities — and this is a source of income they are reluctant to let go of. 💸
However, the Dutch Ministry of Education is well aware of this, which is why it will make an exception by allowing ‘limited and targeted recruitment’ for courses in which there is a labour shortage. 🧑🎓
To obey or nee?
While universities are complying with the government’s request and freezing the active recruitment of internationals, for now, universities of applied sciences remain undecided.
Instead, the Vereniging Hogescholen (Association of Universities of Applied Sciences) would like to continue discussions about the internationalisation policy in the coming months.
What do you think about the universities’ reactions? Let us know in the comments!
So, you’ve found yourself in Tilburg this winter, a city just chock-full of things to do. In fact, spending winter in Tilburg can be a festive, whimsical time — and a welcome escape from the stress of the rest of the year! ⛄
From ice skating, wonderful winter shops (to get all that pepernoten for your family and friends!), and even some Christmas-themed karaoke, Tilburg has so much to offer.
1. Hit the ice at Tilburg’s Winter Paradise
This winter, Tilburg is really pulling out all the stops. With what, you ask? A wonderful ice skating rink, full of those gezellige lights we all love so much. 😍
The Winter Paradise will be open this Christmas from December 2 to January 8, with the rink open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM.
Hit the ice on Tilburg’s whimsical ice rink this Christmas. Image: Abuzer Van Leeuwen/Supplied
Unsteady on the ice? Grab a helpful penguin and attempt to make it a couple of steps (sorry, slides) away from the outer fencing. ⛸
⏰ When: December 2 to January 8 📍 Where: Heuvel, 5038 CP Tilburg ⌛ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 11 PM 💰 Tickets: €7 including skate hire
2. Get in a last-minute Christmas shop at De Heuvelstraat
Visit the major shopping streets in Tilburg this winter. Image: Nora Maria/Supplied
Oh no! Forgot to grab a gift for your ever-so-loving mother-in-law? You’re in luck, because De Heuvelstraat in Tilburg has just undergone a massive renovation, and is ready for all your shopping demands.
With a totally new shopping area and new restaurants, the re-opening of De Heuvelstraat is being celebrated with a festive touch. ☃
Plus, Tilburg has launched the new Emmapassage, which connects Frederikstraat to Pieter Vreedeplein, making it easier to wander, shop, and walk.
The new Emmapassage in Tilburg allows for easy migration through the shops. Image: Nora Maria/Tilburg
And, along the Emmapassage is another one of Tilburg’s epic Christmas events: the Be Your Selfie Tour, where you can find lots of beautiful places to take selfies to really level up your Instagram feed. And plus, it’s all free of charge.
Check out the Selfie Spots across the city. Image: Nora Maria/Supplied
Late to get out? You’re in luck because the shops on Dwaalgebied will be open later into the evening on both December 15 and December 22. 🌟
⏰ When: Open from November 24 📍 Where: Emmapassage, Tilburg ⌛ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM
When in Tilburg this Christmas, you must check out the TextielMuseum. Once the wool city of the Netherlands, this museum is very close to the history of Tilburg’s success as a city.
An abundance of both classic and colourful art at this exhibit at the Textilemuseum. Image: Nora Maria/Supplied
Plus, with exhibitions you can’t miss, such as the Royal Embroidery exhibit, you’re sure to be entertained as you stay out of the cold.
📍 Where: Goirkestraat 96, 5046 GN Tilburg ⌛ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 PM to 5 PM 💰 Tickets: €12.50 for adults, €4.00 for children, and free for those under the age of 13
De Pont
De Pont museum is a great pitstop on an icy winter day in Tilburg. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
A contemporary art museum based in a former spinning mill, the art collection at De Pont is sure to inspire this Winter. With a library and warm café to satisfy that hot chocolate craving, an afternoon at De Pont is a worthy way to spend your time.
Open from September 17, 2022 to January 29, 2023, this exhibit contains artwork across multiple platforms and types of media, all based on the theme of ‘Time Changes Everything’.
📍 Where: Wilhelminapark 1, 5041 EA Tilburg ⌛ Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM 💰 Tickets: €12.50 and kids under 18 go free
4. Celebrate the Christmas season at the Festival of Lights
Bask in the bright lights cast over St. Joseph’s Church in Tilburg this winter. Image: MerktTilburg/Supplied
Tilburg’s Festival of Lights will kick off on December 16 at St. Joseph’s Church!
The church will be lit up in a magical array of bright colours; the perfect winter sight to find joy in the frosty evenings.
What could be more festive than a winter wonderland? Image: Nora Maria/Supplied
Get dizzy on the vintage carousel in Tilburg this Christmas.
Located near the wonderful Winter Paradise on the Pieter Vreedeplein, the carousel will entertain the young and those of us who want a bit of festive fun.
Hop aboard, choose a trusty stead, and take a trip down memory lane to childhood. 🎠
⏰ When: December 9 to January 8 📍 Where: Pieter Vreedeplein, 5038 BW Tilburg ⌛ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 11 PM 💰 Tickets: €7
6. Check out a…living nativity?
See the animals in the living nativity in Tilburg! Image: Nora Maria/Supplied
Yes, you heard that right. What else does Tilburg have to offer?
A living nativity! Catch the recreation of the birth of Jesus with real sheep and real shepherds this Christmas. 🐏
Cuddle up with Mary and Joseph at Pieter Vreedeplein in Tilburg, and reflect on the year that has just passed.
⏰ When: December 10 to December 24 📍 Where: Pieter Vreedeplein, 5038 BW Tilburg ⌛ Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 10 AM to 11 PM 💰 Tickets: Free
7. Take part in the annual Torches for Peace
An event that has been years in the running, this year’s Fakkels voor Vrede takes place on Christmas Eve.
The annual walk-through of the city, with participants carrying lit torches, brings a warm Christmas spirit and is bound to make you feel connected before Christmas. 🕯
This past year has been rough for many people — but arguably, it’s been even rougher for these seven people who got laid off from their Dutch jobs for very … interesting reasons.
RTL Nieuws has compiled a list ranging from #MeToo cases to innocent mistakes that cost people their jobs — and we’re here for it. Buckle up, because this is about to be a wild ride. 🎢
1. The helpful bank teller
If you thought helping out a customer at work couldn’t go wrong, think again. As it turns out, it could cost you your job. That’s what happened to an ABN Amro teller at Schiphol, who had been working for the company for 18 years.
A money laundering regulation means employees are no longer allowed to exchange customers’ €500 bills. However, to help one customer anyways, the woman advised him to buy a one-dollar bill. This way,she could give him his change in smaller banknotes. 👀
The boss did not agree with the employee’s helpful methods, so she was immediately let go — and without severance pay.
2. Work harder, not smarter
Some people love working from home — others hate it. This IT employee thought he knew how to make the most of it by taking on a second full-time job after his company had gone remote due to the pandemic.
The man was almost exclusively working from home, meaning neither of his employers knew that he was secretly cheating on them. With two salaries, he could live a lavish life (if he managed to find time for it, that is).
But of course, all good things come to an end, and the man’s double life was eventually found out. He was served not only two resignation letters, but also a hefty €120,000 fine. 💸
3. Knee complaints with a side of unemployment
A Utrecht installation company was allowed to fire one of their mechanics who had claimed he was unable to work due to severe knee complaints. He was allegedly unable to walk, stand, lift and kneel. 🧎
Before you write a hateful LinkedIn post, it’s worth hearing the rest of this story.
After his boss had learned that someone had spotted the mechanic driving a car, he decided it was time to take matters into his own hands. Hollywood movie style, the employer hired detectives to follow the mechanic around for a total of three days — and their findings were … interesting. 🔍
After the man was filmed doing work around his new house and driving a car, he was sacked immediately.
4. Daylight robbery (no, literally)
At a construction company in Hoofddorp, an employee was fired for his … work ethic. The man always clocked in and out on time, but he seemed to have misunderstood the fact that he was meant to work during the hours in between. 🤷♂️
On at least nineteen days, the employee reportedly left the work premises through the emergency exit — only to sneak in later to clock out again.
But the man’s genius was put to an end after it was noticed that the emergency door had been left open. He was fired for stolen time, and his boss made him head for the exit one last time.
5. Permanent contracts? Nee!
University instructor Marijn Scholte of the faculty of social sciences at Utrecht University took the institution to court after his temporary contract expired. “Disposable teachers,” like himself and many of his colleagues, should be a thing of the past, Marijn argued. 🙅♂️
Little progress has been made at Dutch universities when it comes to reducing the number of temporary contracts issued to staff. Over half of all teaching staff still have a contract that runs out on a specific date.https://t.co/crw2KX5CF0pic.twitter.com/3E7rEUxXMT
Unfortunately, the Utrecht subdistrict court ruled against Marijn, and allowed the termination of his employment.
6. Sexual assault ‘as a joke’
After 37 years of employment, a 61-year-old carpenter was fired for “jokingly” touching the breasts of a female colleague. Neither the woman nor their employer thought it funny, and the carpenter was immediately dismissed — rightfully so.
Despite losing his job, the man had one thing left, and it was his audacity. He demanded about €70,000 in severance pay, which was denied by the court.
7. Physical person? More like sexual assaulter
Lastly, and continuing in the #MeToo vein, the case of the director of a South-Holland metal company. After some employees filed a report, it came to light that the man had been forcing himself onto younger male employees for years, with sexual comments and instances of groping.
The director, who described himself as a “physical person,” was ruled by the court to be more of a sexual assaulter. He was fired from his job, but managed to escape a prison sentence with a laughable 50 hours of community service.
What do you think of these seven cases? Let us know in the comments!
The sustainable Delft Campus Station has nabbed the title of the Netherlands’ first energy-neutral train station. 💪
Just one short year after being comissioned, this future-thinking station generates more power than it consumes, reports AD.
Entirely self-sufficient
Delft Campus shattered its predicted goal of 210 MWh of power generated with a grand total of 216 MWh, proving that sustainable mobility is not only possible, but a smash hit.
In fact, in the first year alone, the station’s 810 solar panels generated enough energy to power a whopping 78 households!
Sustainable rail travel is just around the corner
Delft Campus Station’s wild success is helping pave the way for future energy-neutral stations in the Netherlands. Talk about a statement, huh? 🙌
To relieve pressure on the congested central cycle paths and parking, Delft Campus—the city’s second station—has been upgraded.
It includes improved first/last mile connections, 1,500 bike parking places and 810 solar panels; making it the country’s first energy-neutral station. pic.twitter.com/KcU45AJmLS
Plans to install similar solar panels on the roofs of stations Tilburg Reeshof, Enschede, Den Helder, and Barendrecht within the next two years have already begun.
ProRail’s director of sustainability, Reinout Wissenburg, says that the rail company intends to generate solar power at around 70 stations in the Netherlands.
What do you think of Delft Campus’ statement about innovation and sustainability? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
We’ve heard it all before —the influx of international students in the Netherlands is just too much for the lowlands to keep up with.
The Dutch Minister for Education, Robbert Dijkgraaf, has called on universities and universities of applied sciences in the Netherlands to stop actively recruiting international students, reports the NOS.
More students; less housing
The sad truth is that the Netherlands faces a major housing crisis, the majority of which affects students in the Netherlands.
Earlier this year, the pressure on universities was so great that the University of Amsterdam (UvA) had to tell international students without accommodation not to come.
UvA accepted so many international students that many first and second year students are still homeless, couch surfing or staying at hotels without anywhere permanent to stay, paying full tuition but struggling to budget for food without a kitchen
Dijkgraaf also points out that the major influx of students can “put pressure on the sustainability, affordability and quality of the Dutch higher education system.”
With an astounding 115,000 international students moved to the land of clogs and tulips for college in 2021 alone, we can imagine the pressure on tutors and professors to keep up.
A “complete stop”
As a result, Dijkgraaf has asked school boards and the Dutch government to stop actively recruiting new international students through grant and application systems.
However, it has been suggested that exceptions should be made for students studying courses in which there is a labour shortage. This includes healthcare, science and education.
Until when? We’re not sure. Perhaps in the meantime, colleges will start to address the housing issue, including homing the current over 500+ students in UvA who are officially homeless.
What do you think of the education minister’s measures? Tell us in a comment below! 👇
Editor’s Note: an earlier version of this story wrote that the government calls for a “complete stop” on accepting new international students. Instead, the government is calling for a complete stop to actively recruiting international students.
Ah, money! You never have enough of, it and everyone always wants what you have.
Meanwhile, we’re throwing 2022 out the window and rushing into 2023 at turbo-speed. With the new year comes new (likely to be failed) resolutions — and seven new changes that will impact your bottom line.
If you’re wondering what the changes are and what they mean for you and your precious geldje (money), then we’ve got something to help: a guide to the changes to your wallet in 2023. 💸
1. The minimum wage jumps up
Good news, minimum wage earners: from January 1, the government will implement an additional statutory minimum wage increase of 10.15%.
The minimum hourly wages for employees will increase to:
€12.40 for employees working 36 hours
€11.75 for employees working 38 hours
€11.16 for employees working 40 hours
As such, the monthly wage is predicted to be €1,934.40 for adults over the age of 21. Not earning minimum wage? Sounds like you should be fighting for a 10% raise. 😉
2. Rising energy prices will be capped (somewhat)
Households and small businesses will be given a price cap on gas, power, and heating costs from January 1, 2023 — hoera! 🎉
Energy prices are rising, but you aren’t on your own. Image: Depositphotos
Yes, those paying energy bills — rejoice! The price cap means that any energy consumption below a certain price will be discounted by the government.
Of course, don’t go too wild and install a hot tub — anything over those price ceilings will be charged at your energy provider’s standard rates.
3. First-bracket taxes fall, and tax credits rise
Taxation for the first bracket (with annual earnings from €0 to €35,472) sees a small drop from 37.07% to 36.93%. Alright, it’s not much — but a win is a win, right? 🏆
Meanwhile, tax credits (a reduction in the income tax that you owe the government) will rise from €2,888 in 2022 to €3,070 in 2023.
4. The child budget, child benefits, and the price of childcare all increase
The amount of money that parents and guardians receive as child benefits (kinderbijslag) is also rising. The figures, paid per quarter, for 2023 are:
€269.76 for children up to the age of 5
€327.56 for children aged 6 to 11
€385.37 for children aged 12 to 17
Raising a child in the Netherlands can be expensive, but at least the government has your back! Image: Pexels
The hourly price of childcare is also on the rise, with the current rates for 2023 set at:
€9.06 for daycare
€7.79 for after-school care
€6.80 for a childminder
The Dutch child budget (kindgebondenbudget) for children who have special needs is also set to increase in 2023, with the maximum amount parents receive for a first and second child increasing by €356 per year.
The maximum amount for a third child is increasing by €468, whilst the amount for single parents is also increasing by €356.
If it’s still all double Dutch to you, the government has a handy child budget calculator to help you calculate how much money you may be entitled to. Let op (take note): you may need to brush up on your Nederlands, as it’s all in Dutch. 🇳🇱
4. Applications for STAP budgets put on pause
Keen to upskill? The STAP budget is money you can receive from the government (up to €1000 per year!) to put towards formal training. Nice right?
Just one problem: the application period for the next round of STAP subsidies in January 2023 is being skipped, as the government announced that it requires time to implement measures against abuse.
This means that the STAP budget will be divided over five periods in 2023 instead of six, though the budget itself will remain unchanged.
The next application period will open on February 28, 2023.
5. Health insurance is going up, up, up
Health insurance is one of those necessary evils in the Netherlands and is kinda ridiculously expensive. Every year, the price of the basic health insurance package increases — and 2023 is no exception.
Meanwhile, if your workplace offers health insurance at a discount, you may see an even more significant cost increase. The “collectivity discount” that allowed workplaces to offer this is being phased out from January 1.
Basic scholarships (basisbeurs) used to be money given by the government to people who are studying — however, they’ve been put on hold for years.
These were ultra handy because, while it was technically a loan from DUO, the entire amount was forgiven if you graduated within 10 years of commencing your degree. Free money! 🤑
University students may have a very welcome surprise planned for them in 2023. Image: Depositphotos
Loving the idea? You’ll love this more: DUO recently announced that the basisbeurs will likely be reintroduced for the 2023/2024 school year.
The amounts proposed are:
€110.30 for students living at home
€274.90 for students with their own accommodation
These grants are expected to come into effect in September 2023, if both chambers agree on the decision.
7. Low-income households get an energy allowance
An energy allowance of €1,300 will be gifted to low-income households in 2023. If you’re jumping up and down saying, “Pick me!” you’ll need to take that energy to your local municipality, where you can apply for the allowance.
What do you think of the latest changes planned for 2023? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
