If the cost of tuition, residence and food are all taken care of how much money would a student need for books and any other pocket expenses for the year?

I suppose it really depends on how much you spend on 'pocket expenses'.

For books you'll probably dish out $800-$1000 dollars in first year, assuming your have a full course load.

Also depends what you're taking. In my first year of engineering, I made the mistake of buying almost every "required" textbook which ran me about $900 and ended up being a huge waste of money. Might be different for you, but I found that the course notes + internet were more than enough of a learning resource, and I never really found the time/motivation to do readings.

Just budget a lot for alcohol, condoms and plan B, and you'll make it through first year just fine.

Originally Posted by bcars

Just budget a lot for alcohol, condoms and plan B, and you'll make it through first year just fine.

True. Gaining a basic understanding of how to use a condom is probably more efficient, though.

Sometimes you don't need any textbooks. I didn't buy a single textbook this term.

Originally Posted by bcars

Just budget a lot for alcohol, condoms and plan B, and you'll make it through first year just fine.

FREE AT CAMPUS CLINIC

you're welcome.

I spent approx $1000 in books and personal spending for the year has been around $1000

and, depends if you're the type who will lock himself away when he comes, and not go and explore enough to find people selling textbooks for dirt cheap. I bought a vast majority of those "required" books, used, and dished out $350 total. then I kept a receipt and received part of that back! YAY! Thanks adventurer-in-me.

Originally Posted by lawleypop

FREE AT CAMPUS CLINIC

you're welcome.

Wait what? Plan B is free at campus clinic? Or is that for condoms?

Originally Posted by PHLN

Wait what? Plan B is free at campus clinic? Or is that for condoms?

Nope, not free. $15 though, or half price.

http://www.mcmaster.ca/health/policies.html

Originally Posted by PHLN

Nope, not free. $15 though, or half price.

http://www.mcmaster.ca/health/policies.html

It is ridiculously expensive to bail on the psychiatrists.

Originally Posted by alh24

It is ridiculously expensive to bail on the psychiatrists.

No show without notice mean they get no work for that hour... Still gotta pay them for not working!

Originally Posted by PHLN

Well duh!

It was a comment... not a criticism.

Originally Posted by alh24

It was a comment... not a criticism.

Err. Don't need to get defensive. I was just explaining why in case you didn't know.