The cost of living in Amsterdam, how much to take?!

[blackcherry]

Ok I'm going to be starting working for a hostel in Amsterdam in return I get free board so I dont need to pay for accommodation. At the very least I will be staying there for a month. The plan was to go in August, but there might not be space available for workers at this time, so I think I'm gonna bite the bullet and go in the next few weeks. The only problem being is that I dont have much savings.

What I'm wanting to do is just live on a budget while I'm there and do things the cheap way, buy food in the supermarkets, walk most places (as I've heard Amsterdam is quite small) and have the odd night out. I'm not gonna be going shopping, or in the cafes every second day. The plan is to be kinda sensible with money.

Has anyone done anything similar before? I spoke to the woman at the hostel and she said I would just need some money for food and beers and that was it ... so nothing to worry about, right? I was hoping I could maybe make £300 stretch to a month and possibly get a job while I'm there, if not I'll come home early. There is the possibility of them employing me but I think they want to get to know me first. Anyway I just really want some reassurance that I can do this on such a strict budget. Your feedback would put my mind at rest either way.

Cheers in advance!

[marc873]

Man, if you spend over 2 weeks in that hostel, they will make you an offer if theres something available... As for your budget, ALBERT HEIJN !!!!!!!!!!!!!! You should live out of this place and know where they ALL are... They not only sell cheap groceries, but cheap prepared meals to go in the micro, packaged sandwiches..... CHEAP!!!!!!!!!!!! But,,,,,, room temp beer..... Trust me on this one, it has everything... Your budget depending on beer and pot expenses should be less than 20 Euro a day. But like I said consumption adds up