Thinking back to my sad collection of food freshman year, I’m kind of surprised that I didn’t die of malnutrition halfway through the semester. I existed on a diet of Chips Ahoy and Cup Noodle ramen (my comforter is still stained from that oil). By the time I came home for Thanksgiving I was begging my mother for some fresh vegetables and help with how I was supposed to feed myself.

I returned to school armed with a refreshed immune system and some solid tips straight from the expert herself- thanks, Mom!

Here are some food tips every college kid should know.

1. Ramen is not a food group. Ramen is delicious, and easy, and filling; but it also has enough sodium in it to kill a horse. Try looking for a low-sodium option or, better yet, buy some noodles and cook them yourself with a couple simple seasonings. It’s a little extra work, but your body will thank you.
2. Peanut butter is your new best friend. It’s healthy and versatile. I put it on everything from Oreos to apples to crackers.
3. Eggs are your second new best friend. Eggs can work for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and every time in between. There’s also a million and one things you can do with them- with a little creativity, you’d be surprised at how many ways you can cook eggs.
4. If there’s one thing you should have in your pantry at all times, it’s pasta. Pasta is quick and easy, and one of the easiest things to spice up with whatever’s on hand.
5. Get some basic recipes that you can use for a go-to in a pinch. There’s nothing worse than coming home after a long day and having to think about what you’re going to make yourself to eat. Having some dishes you are confident about whipping up can be a lifesaver.
6. Know your appliances. This may take some trial and error, but it pays off. It’s important to know whether your oven will take 40 minutes rather than the usual 20 to cook a piece of chicken.
7. Every time you grocery shop, make a list, and stick to it. Budget is often the most important thing as a college student, and groceries tend to be a sneaky added expense. Having a strict list is a good way to monitor your spending.
8. Stick to what you know you’ll eat. There’s no sense in buying that crazy looking pre-prepared stuffed mushroom kit if you aren’t sure you even like mushrooms.
9. If you’re living on campus, sneak some food home with you. I always snagged some muffins for my breakfast the next day or took an extra cookie on my way out. It’s a good way to get small, one-off food items every now and then.

Leaving home and learning to feed yourself is a massive challenge most college kids tend not to think about. It’s harder than it would seem to keep yourself on a regular eating schedule- and it becomes a whole new ballgame once you start having to cook for yourself. But, as with anything, practice makes perfect, even if you have to burn a few pans and set off a fire alarm or two to get there.