Hi there! Incoming freshman seeking answers from upperclassmen (or anyone really). I was wondering if the $33,220 (consisting of all the tuition, housing, books, transportation, and other supplies) are what we actually pay or if students only pay for tuition and housing?
What exactly is transportation fees?
Are books really $1,000+?
What are the other supply costs?
Are those three items mentioned above optional to pay or required by UCI?
I know tuition is a static fee, and housing depends on where they place you (praying for CV or Arroyo), but what about the other 3? I just wanted to know if my aid could cover everything or see how much I have to take out in loans. Thank you in advance! 
You will be billed quarterly for tuition/fees/health insurance (unless waived) and housing costs unless you opt to do a payment plan which spreads payments out over the school year.
You will have book expenses each quarter and the amount will depend upon the classes you take. You can rent books, buy used books and/or may have to buy new books depending upon what is required for each class. Expenses/quarter will vary but $1000 is just an extreme estimate. Both my son’s spent no more than a total of $500 total for 3 quarters.
Transportation is dependent upon how far you live and how you plan to travel home so it can vary from student to student. Supply costs may be for labs, art supplies etc… Again all 3 of the these expenses can vary greatly and they are not a set amount.
You also need to add in personal expenses for necessary items: Toothpaste, Shampoo etc… And also some extra spending money.
The expenses listed are just a guideline. How much you spend will depend upon you other than the fixed amounts for tuition/housing.
Financial aid will be applied first to tuition and housing. Additional money left over then can be applied to the discretionary expenses.
Your response was very helpful, thank you! I’m planning on taking some loans out, but once you accept a certain amount, you are required to pay it back along with the accumulated interest, correct? Am I allowed to take out $2k and then change the loans amount to only $1k?