If you’re at university now, chances are it’s your first time living away from home, possibly in a self-catering situation. While choosing your own meals can be liberating and fun, it can also prove to be expensive. However, there are a few shopping tips to follow that can help save you a bit of dosh so you can eat and still have some money left over for your social life.

One of the key shopping tips is to get organised. You don’t have to plan out every single meal, but plan a bit and make a shopping list before you head off to the store. Having a list will keep you on track and ensure that you don’t have to go running to the corner shop and spending even more on those bits that you forgot. It will also help you make sure that you’re buying for different meals rather than sorting out all of your dinners but leaving you with nothing for breakfast. Sharing meals with friends or housemates is also a great way to cut costs (and share the work of cooking), so include them in making a plan so you can make something together.

Whether you’re cooking with friends or not, consider making big batches of food and freezing some. Not only is this more cost effective, you’ll really thank yourself when you’re neck deep in coursework and have a meal ready to go.

Another shopping tip is to consider whether you really need name brand products. Sometimes the name brand tastes a lot better, and for something you really love may be worth the extra money. However, often there’s a supermarket brand that is essentially the same thing for a fraction of the price. This is especially true if it’s just one ingredient in a dish. So consider carefully which items you want to splurge on.

Don’t be seduced by deals. Items on sale are great to pick up if you really need them. If the same item is something you use regularly and won’t go off, consider stocking up a bit. But if it’s something you’re not that fussed about, it’s just more money out of your pocket.

And perhaps most importantly, do not go to the supermarket when you’re hungry. This is a sure way to buy lots of snacks and extra food bits that you don’t need because everything will look so damn good. Have a quick snack or even a big glass of water before you go. You’ll make healthier and cheaper decisions, meaning you can still go out for a fun evening with your friends.