If you live off campus or you don’t have a meal plan, finding sustenance can sometimes be a real challenge. You’re tired of your go-to pizza place and your average late-night lo mein order; however, you’re not looking to break the bank by meeting the delivery minimum requirement through food service apps or by taking ubers to pick up takeout, either. Regarding your final option, the grocery store, well, sometimes it feels like it might as well be on the other side of the world. And, when you do finally get yourself to go, you sometimes end up walking aimlessly down the aisles, unsure of what will leave you feeling satisfied later on.

Now I’m definitely not an expert when it comes to cooking, but rather, I am a beginner working my way towards intermediate. So, from one average Joe to another, here are the groceries that, if you can muster up the stamina to go buy them, will be well worth your time:

1. Grilled Chicken strips

All you have to do is stick them in the freezer for a rainy day.

2. Apples

They’re filling, healthy and contain natural sugars that can give you a caffeine-like boost when you need it.

3. Peanut Butter

With its protein, it’s the perfect ingredient for breakfast and/or lunch.

4. Olive Oil

Literally sauté anything in its goodness.

5. Bread

This should be a staple on all grocery lists.

6. Frozen turkey meatballs

I only thought of this grocery item this year. It’s another alternative to grilled chicken; just stick it in the freezer, and eat it plain, with pasta or even on a sandwich.

7. Pasta

As long as you can boil water, pasta guarantees pretty much anyone a solid meal. Plus, its shelf life is lengthy, meaning you can keep it around a while.

8. Kale

Yes, I know kale is all the rage anyway, but it’s a must because whether in a salad or sautéed in a pan, it is actually amazing.

9. A vegetable of your choice (other than lettuce)

So along with kale, it’s good to have a vegetable like tomatoes, cauliflower or broccoli on standby that you can cook in bulk and eat for days.

10. Parmesan or Mozzarella

These cheeses basically go with anything and everything, making any meal taste better.

11. Cereal and Milk

Acts as breakfast, a snack and, with the right cereal, dessert.