Meet the Student Who Eats Cat Food to Survive Expensive Switzerland
A Chinese PhD student, calling himself ‘The Artful Cheapskate’, is making waves online. At just 29, this researcher shares radical ways to stretch his money in Switzerland, one of the priciest places to study in Europe. His most jaw-dropping method? Mixing canned cat food with beans for protein-packed meals.
His posts have drawn in over 12,000 followers, many shocked by his unusual choices. ‘I do what I must to make ends meet,’ he says. While the student’s claims can’t be fully verified, his story shines a light on growing concerns among young scholars struggling with sky-high rents and living costs.
Is He the Stingiest Student in Switzerland?
He studied medicine in China and saved a hefty 300,000 Yuan before moving to a top Swiss research institute. On his social media, he tracks every cent—shopping discount shelves, snagging free campus deals, and now pushing the limits with cat food cuisine.
Calling himself the ‘stingiest student’, he hides his real name and age. His stories are more diary than hard evidence, but his honesty about desperation strikes a nerve with others in similar shoes. No one’s confirmed his backstory, but many relate to his struggle.
Swiss Living: Sky-High Costs Crush Students
Life in Switzerland isn’t cheap. Zurich’s top universities estimate students need at least 1,800 to 2,200 Swiss francs each month just to get by—about 1,300 to 2,000 dollars. The main drains? Rent and health insurance.
International students say they face tough financial journeys, especially in big cities. Some get paid as researchers, some rely on scholarships or family, but nearly all feel the pinch. The ‘Artful Cheapskate’s’ frugality is extreme but taps into a very real problem.
The Viral Protein Hack: Cat Food with Beans
He claims his best trick is buying a 3kg bag of cat food, boasting a protein content of 32%. Mix it with beans, and he says it’s cheaper than meat or cheese—his ‘bargain protein hack’. ‘No regular food can beat this price,’ he insists.
But experts warn this is dangerous. ‘Cat food is not made for people,’ remind local nutritionists. Swiss law says pet food isn’t safe for humans. Health authorities stress, ‘Animal feed isn’t regulated for human consumption and could pose real health risks.’ Still, his advice spreads fast among desperate students.
Giving Blood for Food: His Most Extreme Save
Not satisfied with discount tricks, the student even donates blood for free snacks and drinks at the clinic. ‘It helps me save on groceries,’ he explains. In Switzerland, donors are thanked with juice or a sandwich—not cash.
Health groups urge caution, saying blood donations should be safe and rare, not used as a regular meal ticket. Doctors warn, ‘Skipping meals or donating too often is risky.’ But his methods reveal the real lengths students will go to when money’s tight.
Why Foreign Students Can’t Always Work Their Way Out
He says it’s near impossible for international students to find legal work. Swiss law does allow limited hours: after six months, up to 15 hours per week during term-time for those from outside the EU or EFTA.
Many PhD students have university jobs, but posts are scarce and research leaves little time for earning more. While Swiss rules do allow some work, it’s rarely enough. The ‘Artful Cheapskate’s’ story highlights why penny-pinching has become a way of life for many—though experts warn his riskier tricks are not the answer.