Student loans, sky-high tuition, over-priced books, and paying for housing all sum up to being a broke college student. The struggle is real, and this is what it consists of:

You’re so broke that sometimes all you have for dinner is sleep

There comes those days that you know you desperately need to go grocery shopping, but you just don’t have time. Maybe you have some cereal left and have been eating that for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Coupons and sales become your best friends

You have become an expert at knowing which items are cheaper at which places, and will never let a coupon go to waste.

Shopping for fun no longer exists

You can get online and look at all the clothes and shoes you want to buy, but the truth is that you can’t afford it. It becomes a process of adding item after item into your cart and never checking out. Ever.

Starving during class is normal

Ever hear a loud noise in class that sounds like a dinosaur was just born? Well, dinosaurs are extinct. It was just your classmate that is in his or her third class of the day and hasn’t had anything to eat since 8 a.m. except water. The usual.

You will eat anything if it’s free

Sometimes there are events on campus that you are not at all interested in, but you still attend for one reason and one reason only: they will be having free food.

Actually, you will take anything at all if it’s free

Sometimes the long lines for free items can be a hassle, but it’s free, so why not? Free shirt, free coffee, free pencils or free glitter. Anything free is worth the wait.

Paycheck days are the best days

There’s a great sense of relief once that direct deposit goes through. But don’t get too happy. The money will disappear once bills and rent are due.

Being broke during college is no joke. The struggle is real indeed. It will all be worth it though, right?