When preparing for college, you should consider tution, travel expenses (flying home for the holidays, etc), room and board (most universities don't include this in the tuition), a meal plan (many schools require freshmen to be on a meal plan), and paying back loans in the future.

Expenses that are not part of the college bills include personal expenses, transportation, clothing, bedding materials, dormitory appliances (fridge, microwave), books and supplies. If you don't live in an on-campus dormitory (where the college bills you for room and board), you'll also have expenses for rent and food.

Some colleges include a laptop computer, but most do not. Most colleges have a health service fee. Some will also require health insurance.