Surviving Brown - What's the real cost?

Just got accepted to Brown (yay!). But before I commit, I want to understand the real cost beyond tuition. Aside from books and dorm stuff, are there other expenses to consider? Will I need a car? Can I work part-time to offset some costs?

Congratulations on your acceptance to Brown University! It's indeed important to consider all elements of college costs.

To address your first question about owning a car, most students at Brown don't have one. The campus is walkable, and Providence is compact enough that many places are reachable on foot or by public transit. There's also a free shuttle service provided by the university. Parking can be challenging and expensive in the area, so many students opt not to have a car.

As to working part-time, many students do choose this route to help alleviate some costs. Brown offers work-study programs for eligible students as part of their financial aid packages. There are on-campus jobs available, but keep in mind balancing academics and work can be tricky so consider all factors before deciding to work.

Remember, there are other costs associated with attending college beyond tuition and room/board. You've mentioned books and supplies, but also consider personal expenses such as laundry, toiletries, snacks, and leisure activities. Furthermore, while Brown's meal plans are comprehensive, you might occasionally want to eat out or grab a coffee off-campus, which could constitute another expense.

Lastly, you may want to factor in costs for travel to and from home, especially if you live far from Rhode Island or plan on travelling home for breaks frequently.

Remember to plan for these costs and potentially budget for them. Brown University provides a detailed cost of attendance that might be helpful to refer to for a comprehensive view of costs associated with attending.