Yes, of course. First however you must understand that the COA or cost of attendance published by each college will include all of their charges. You might see a parking fee, or a health services fee, or a laundry fee, but those should all be part of your COA. The costs that most forget are carpeting for your dorm room. Or a television, toaster, pictures, basically any decorations for your dorm room. They don't tell you that you need walking around money just to get a coke. Especially during the first months of college everyone will be going out to eat, to clubs, movies etc. and it is actually important to be able to go so that you can meet people. I always encourage students to work over the summer so that they can cover these costs because most parents are struggling to come up with money for the COA and never thing about these other costs.