'cheap' or 'expensive' is all relative...

i think people fail to get that sometimes.

people are used to looking at the 'objective' amount instead of considering it as a percentage of income or a percentage of income afer rent and power and food.

yeah, that is the amount she quoted you. if you explain your situation to her then she might be able to go one better, though. i guess you won't know unless you ask. she could have a bright idea for talking to your parents too (they don't need to know its to do with trauma it could be about personal development to do with your degree)