A friend of mine recently decided to study medicine abroad and has started working on a detailed budget. While researching the Caribbean medical school cost, she realized that tuition is only one part of the overall expense. She is now trying to estimate housing, food, transportation, books, insurance, and other academic costs as well. We discussed making a budget before applying, but she would like to hear from students who have actually experienced it. Were there any expenses that surprised you, and what costs should future students plan for early?