Something that you only realize once you’ve started college is just how broke you can get. When I was in high school, I only had to buy my own clothes (and the snacks my mom refused to get me). When I complained about having to buy myself socks, I definitely wasn’t thinking about the time when I’d have to buy the essentials I took for granted. Like laundry detergent. Who buys their own laundry detergent?

Adults, apparently. Which meant that I, a six-year-old who somehow manages to hide my true age inside an 18-year-old body, had to learn several months ago how to pay attention to things like when I was running low on toothpaste, shampoo, and Oreos. When I didn’t have access to a car, I had to check the shuttle schedule, figure out when I had time to use it to get to the store, and make note of when it would be back to pick me up.

So much responsibility.

But all this responsibility meant I was spending more money than I was used to. It took me a little while to figure out that I had to start finding ways to save money or else say goodbye to my bank account, but here are five shortcuts I’ve learned for spending a minimal amount of money in college.

1. Avoid brand names.

Yes, real Oreos taste better than knock-offs. That is the one exception I make to this rule. But, generally speaking, you can get store-brand instant oatmeal for up to four bucks cheaper than the brands you recognize from commercials — and there’s really no difference in taste.

2. Sales are your best friend.

That shirt IS super cute. But it’s also $20 over your budget, and trust me, you don’t need it as much as you think you do. Plus, if you wait a week or two, it’ll go on sale, or you’ll see it somewhere else for a lot less money. The number-one rule for college shopping is no impulse buying. If you see something you like, be patient. The price will almost always go down if you wait a little while.

3. Thrift stores are your other best friend.

Saver’s, Goodwill, little consignment places around town — these are all completely valid places to shop. They’re definitely hit-or-miss, but when you find a great deal on a great piece of clothing, wearing it is the best feeling ever.

4. Coupons, coupons, coupons!

I know your great aunt is coupon obsessed and has bags full of little paper slips lying all around her kitchen. You don’t have to be your great aunt, but you can totally take a quick look at the back of your grocery receipt and see if there are any coupons you can use. You might get a discount on that laundry detergent!

5. Take the cheap way out.

Getting coffee off campus with friends is really great. So is playing laser tag. Sometimes, these things are exactly what you need after a long week of tests, papers, and studying. But before you drop $15 on that movie ticket, think about how you could do the same thing for less money. Go to the theater in the morning instead of the evening. Brew your own coffee and put it in a cute mug rather than spending $5 on some specialty drink that honestly doesn’t taste much different.

Don’t be embarrassed to admit that you don’t have the funds for something. Everyone else is in the same boat. Own that college poverty, study up, and have some inexpensive fun every now and then!