“Broke College Student” isn’t just a stereotype. Learning to navigate the world on your own can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to do it on your own dime. Here are a few ways you can pad your savings account for those “just in case” moments, like an illness... or a surprise tour of your favorite band.

1. Carpool.

Gas is expensive, and so are parking spots on any campus. You’re saving money, you’re saving the planet. What could go wrong? Just don’t fight over the aux cord.

2. Learn to cook.

Eating in doesn’t always have to mean instant ramen. Grab some cookbooks, or turn to meal planning websites like Pinterest for thousands of free recipes. There are tons of tutorials online to help you learn cooking skills even your mom would be impressed by. This can help you cook a refreshing, worthy meal for half the cost.

3. Limit your drinks to one night a week.

Partying all weekend may be fun, but it’s not fun for your wallet. Drinks can be expensive, so limiting how many you buy and only going out one night a week, or every other week, can start to add up quick.

4. Plan before you shop.

Stores stock all the drinks and candy right beside the checkout line to entice people to spend more last minute— and surprise, it works! Try making a list of what you need beforehand and sticking to it to avoid any last minute unnecessary purchases.

5. Price Matching. .

Many stores offer price comparison deals. This means if you can find it cheaper at another store (and bring in proof of this) they’ll match the price. A few dollars here and there can add up, making it well worth the research done beforehand.

6. Always Check for Student Discounts.

Many corporate and chain stores can’t offer this, but some Mom-and-pop places offer a discount with your student id, sometimes up to 10 or 15 percent. It’s always worth asking.

7. Check Out Consignment Shops.

Sure, buying second-hand isn’t very glamorous, but no one will ever know. And if they do, they’ll be more impressed when they find out you got that 80 dollar dress for 15 bucks.

8. Take Those Extra Hours.

This seems pretty simple, but sometimes it can be so hard to say no when your boss asks, “Wanna go home early?” Meet your friends a few hours later and bring in that extra cash.

9. Buy in Bulk

For non-perishables, this can reduce the cost so much! It may be more at the time, but if you calculate the price per unit, buying 6 rolls of paper towels is always cheaper than getting them one at a time. You’ll use them eventually, anyways.

10. Turn the lights off when you leave.

Shaving a few dollars off your power bill every month will feel like an easy victory once you get in the habit of flipping off the lights as you leave.