College is complicated, but so is grocery shopping. Here is a guide to help make at least one of those things a little bit easier for you.

Old Nelson Food Company is the most convenient option if you are looking for quick essentials right on campus. There are locations on 34th Street under The Summit apartments and on 30th Street next to Lincoln Plaza. You can swing by for some grocery basics, grab an energy drink on your way to a study session or pick up a sandwich at the deli counter between classes. As far as groceries go, Old Nelson houses mostly the essentials (canned goods, select produce, snacks, packaged meals) and is not the most budget friendly option for a full-on shopping haul. However, it earns points for convenience.

GIANT Heirloom Market is another safe bet for accessibility and convenience if you want to grab some groceries without having to leave campus. Located on 34th and Ludlow Streets, GIANT Heirloom is a more curated version of the traditional GIANT Food Store. It has most of the essentials you may need, and you can likely check off a majority of your grocery list here. However, it is on the pricier side due to its selective inventory. GIANT also has a free loyalty program — great for the frequent visitor (and college kid on a budget) — that offers discounts and coupons.

ACME Markets is your good-old classic grocery store. Located on 40th and Walnut Streets, it’s within a reasonable walking distance from campus if you don’t have too many bags to lug back, or it’s close to 40th Street Station for a quick SEPTA ride. It houses all your basics and is great for the general day-to-day grocery haul. It offers less variety but is a solid and affordable option. ACME also has a free loyalty program that will help save some money.

Trader Joe’s is located on 22nd and Market Street. It is a bit of a hike on foot, but a short trolley ride will drop you off at 22nd Street, right across from the store. You can find your grocery essentials here, but the selection is limited to Trader Joe’s private label. Trader Joe’s houses unique, specialized items alongside your grocery basics. This is also a great spot for pre-made foods or frozen meals, perfect for the on-the-go college kid. Trader Joe’s is also known for its seasonal items if you want to pumpkin-spice up your dorm with fall treats or need some holiday cheer while anxiously awaiting winter break.

GIANT Food is on 23rd and Arch Streets, near the Trader Joe’s. GIANT is another quintessential grocery store like ACME. It’s probably just like your basic grocer from back home — large, with great variety, a polished environment and affordability. This location has a free two-hour parking garage for its customers, so if you have a car on campus, it’s a convenient and accessible option. You can also use your free GIANT loyalty membership here.

ALDI, located west of campus on 46th and Market streets, is the furthest option, but it is right across from 46th Street Station for a quick train ride. ALDI is a great spot for stocking up on essentials on a budget. It is known for its easy-to-navigate layout and bulk options (think smaller-scale Costco without the membership). This is a great spot if you go through a lot of certain items, especially non-perishables. If you have a car on campus, they have a free one-and-a-half hour parking lot for customers.

Some grocery tips for the new city shopper:

• Every store has a different selection at a different price point. Try out a few spots before settling on your staple.
• Do not trust the paper shopping bags they use at the register. Instead, bring reusable shopping bags to avoid groceries breaking through and rolling away.
• If you choose to walk to and from the store, consider using a backpack for your groceries. It’s much more comfortable than a heavy tote bag.
• Become a loyalty member at your most frequented stores. The coupons and deals can save you money in the long run.
• Don’t fly blind; make a solid grocery list before heading to the store. Knowing exactly what you need can help reduce stress and save you time and money.
• If you have roommates, communicate about groceries to avoid overbuying.