Sample Budgets
The information in this section is intended to help quantify and organize the costs of attendance (discussed on the Program Costs page) for a one-week Rare Book School course. In creating your own budget, you may find the following sample budgets helpful. These budgets offer rough, though reasonable, estimates of transportation, housing, meals, and miscellaneous costs for a week at RBS—both in Charlottesville (where the school is based) and away (Washington, DC , New York City, Baltimore). Please note that much of this information can vary, depending upon the course location and time of year or booking. For more detailed explanations of each item, see descriptions that follow.
This page was last updated 1 December 2009.
Charlottesville
| Item | Description | Cost |
| Tuition | One-week course Course Materials |
$995 Varies |
| Housing | 6 nights (Sunday through Friday, inclusive) | Low: ~$240 (~$40/night) Medium: ~$480 (~$80/night) High:~$780+ (~$130/night) |
| Transportation | Air +Airport Cab Train +Cab Car +Parking Bus (to/from DC) |
Varies ~$70 ($35 ea. way) Varies ~$20 ($10 ea. way) Varies ~$15/week (for students staying in the dorms) ~$50 |
| Meals | Lunches (6) Dinners (5) Snacks RBS reception guest |
$48 ($8/meal) $75 ($15/meal) ~$35 $12 |
| Miscellaneous | Monticello Ashlawn (house) Ashlawn (opera) Blackfriars Playhouse UVa gym fitness pass |
$20 + transportation $10 + transportation $35 + transportation ~$10 to $38 + transportation ~$20 (good for 1 week) |
Cost Details
Housing
Low-end rates for housing come through Conference Services, which offers rooms on the Lawn or in Brown College. Mid-priced options include the Budget Inn or the Red Roof Inn. High-end rates include the Courtyard Marriott or the Hampton Inn & Suites. RBS reserves blocks of rooms at special rates from Sunday through Sunday at the Hampton Inn, Red Roof Inn, and the Courtyard Marriott. Mention “Rare Book School at UVa” when you make your reservation to obtain the discounted rate. Note that hotel rates are normally higher during the weekend. If you are making a reservation outside the usual Sunday-Sunday reservation time frame (e.g. if you are arriving early on Friday or Saturday night, or are staying later), be sure to factor the increased cost into your budget. If you are staying in a hotel, ask to speak to the group sales manager about extending the RBS rate for the extra night(s).
Note that for housing through Conference Services (the Lawn, Brown College), you must reserve your room at least 30 days in advance. If you apply and are admitted to an RBS course within the 30 day period, Conference Services will charge you a $50 late fee to reserve your room. To avoid this fee, you can reserve a room at a local hotel, though bear in mind the per night rate is usually much higher. If housing is still available in the dorms, it is usually cheaper to pay the late fee.
Transportation
Airfare
Most airlines hold advance summer sales sometime in the spring. If you already know you will be attending RBS during the summer, pay careful attention for good deals, and your airfare could be considerably cheaper. Be sure to factor in the cost of a cab to and from the airport (~$70). To avoid the cab fare to and from the airport, consider taking the train. See immediately below (under Train) for more advice about taking a cab.
Train
Amtrak’s ticketing system offers the lowest fares to the earliest buyers. If you decide to travel by rail, buy your ticket well in advance in order to obtain the best price. Also note that Amtrak offers a wide range of discounts (e.g. AAA, military, student, senior).
The Charlottesville Amtrak station is located about a quarter of a mile from the Central Grounds (=Main Campus) of the University. Usually this is a pleasant walk, but it can become grueling, depending on the weather and the number of bags you have brought with you. If you are staying in a local hotel other than the Courtyard Marriott, Red Roof Inn, or Hampton Inn, which are all located nearby, see if your hotel provides a shuttle or call a taxi. Cab fare is usually less than $10 and is worth it, especially if you are staying in the dormitories, which are another quarter of a mile away from the Central Grounds. If you are taking a taxi to check-in at the dormitories, ask your driver to wait while you pick up your keys and then drive you to your dormitory. Conference Services check-in is located at Kent Dorm on Bonnycastle Drive.
Car
If you are driving to Charlottesville, be sure to account for the cost of parking. A one-week parking pass for students staying in the dormitories is available through UVa Conference Services for $15/week. Most hotels provide parking; otherwise, contact Conference Services at (434) 924-4479 and ask about commuter parking.
Meals
During the RBS week, a light breakfast and two coffee/tea breaks are provided each day. In total, for a seven-day stay (Sunday through Saturday), plan for six lunches and six dinners. Note that there will be a wine and cheese reception on Sunday evening when you arrive, but participants will then make dinner plans on their own. This is a change from previous years. Note, too, that many classes go out with their teacher to a restaurant for Friday lunch. During the rest of the week, most students find lunch near The Corner, about a five-minute walk from Alderman Library. This long string of restaurants, pubs, and cafés offers a wide selection of reasonably priced food. Dinners on or near the Downtown Mall tend to be more expensive. Budget estimates are around $8 for lunches and $15 for dinners. Finally, factor in incidental food costs and the occasional (or possibly daily) trip to Starbucks or the excellent local Para Coffee, both locted on the Corner.
Miscellaneous
Tourism
Charlottesville offers much to see and do in the vicinity. If you arrive early or choose to stay a few extra days, keep in mind the following events (and their prices). For Shakespeare aficionados, the Blackfriars Playhouse — the world's only re-creation of Shakespeare's original indoor theatre — is located in Staunton, Virginia (a 45-minute drive from Charlottesville). The Playhouse offers plays throughout the summer, with tickets priced from $10 to $38. The Ashlawn-Highland Opera Festival (located at James Monroe’s home down the road from Monticello) occurs each summer, with tickets around $35. And, not to be forgotten: a one-day, adult ticket to Monticello during the summer is $20.
Gym/Fitness
A fitness pass to UVa facilities runs around $20.
Washington, DC
RBS does not offer discounted hotel rooms, nor provide dormitory housing, for courses in Washington, DC. Note that housing and meal costs are generally higher (sometimes considerably so) than those in Charlottesville. As a small consolation, transportation costs to/from DC (and other RBS locations in metropolitan areas) tend to be less expensive, given the greater number of flight, train, and bus schedules. Many attendees also find it convenient to use the opportunity to stay with friends or relatives.
| Item | Description | Cost |
| Tuition | One-week course Course materials |
$995 Varies |
| Housing | 6 nights (Sunday through Friday, inclusive) | Low: ~$660 ($110/night) Medium: ~$1320 ($220/night) High: ~$2700+ ($450/night) |
| Transportation | Air +IAD Shuttle Train Car +Parking Metro Commute |
Varies $18 Varies Varies ~$90 ($15/day) ~$30 ($6/day) |
| Meals | Breakfast (6) Lunch (6) Dinner (5) Snacks RBS dinner guest |
~$36 ($6/day) ~$72 ($12/day) ~$75 ($15/day) ~$35 ~$15 |
| Miscellaneous | Museums Folger National Opera |
$0 Varies Varies |
Cost Details
Housing
The Hotel Harrington offers rates around $110/night. You may be able to find a hostel or guest house for cheaper. Mid-priced hotels are in the $220/night range (from a search of hotels.com). Upper-priced hotels include the Intercontinental and the Marriott. Be sure to inquire about discounts for military, government, AAA, and AARP members. Rates will be higher for weekend nights.
Transportation
Airfare
Vigilance shall be duly rewarded in your search for airfare to/from DC; many airlines hold sales in the late summer for their fall tickets, and you should have little trouble finding reasonably-priced airfare to the Washington/Dulles (IAD) or Reagan National (DCA) airports.
If you are flying into Dulles, be sure to include the cost of transportation to/from your hotel or the nearest metro station. The Washington Flyer will take you from Dulles to the West Falls Church metro station for $10 one way or $18 roundtrip.
Reagan National is connected to the DC metro’s Blue and Yellow lines.
Train
Washington’s Union Station (WAS) serves as a major train hub along the Eastern seaboard and to points beyond. Amtrak regularly runs discount fares from Washington to Philadelphia (PHL), New York (NYP), Boston (BOS) and other cities in the Northeast. Amtrak’s ticketing system offers the lowest fares to the earliest buyers. If you decide to travel by rail, buy your ticket well in advance in order to obtain the best price. Also note that Amtrak offers a wide range of discounts (AAA, military, student, senior).
Union Station is conveniently tied into the DC metro system on the Red line.
Car
Parking at the Hotel Harrington runs $15/day, added onto the hotel bill. Check with your hotel about parking rates.
Metro
The DC area has a comprehensive metrorail system, with the Smithsonian stop a two-minute walk from the Freer/Sackler Gallery. Metro fares are distance-based as well as time sensitive (higher fares during the morning and evening commutes). If you are using the metro to commute back and forth from class everyday, budget around $6/day for fares. If you know the name of the nearest metro station to your hotel/residence, you can calculate the regular fare from Smithsonian by clicking here.
Meals
A mid-morning and mid-afternoon coffee/tea is served each class day. Sunday evening dinner is provided by Rare Book School at a DC restaurant (the charge for guests will be determined once we see the bill). You should budget the cost of breakfast (if your hotel does not provide it), lunch, and dinner for the duration of your stay in Washington, DC. Areas around the National Mall for lunch can be pricey after drink and tax are included. Consider budgeting $5 for breakfast, $12 for lunch and $15 to $20 for dinner.
Miscellaneous
Tourism
Washington, DC, has stellar free museums, and located at the Freer/Sackler Gallery on the National Mall, you are geographically positioned to take advantage of them. Unfortunately, most of the museums close around 5:00 pm, just as you are exiting class. If you are intrepid and a speedy eater (consider packing your lunch), you can visit the Smithsonian Castle or dash across the National Mall into the National Gallery of Art during your lunch break. Beware, though—distances along the National Mall are greater than they appear. If you plan to stay in town after the course finishes, you need only budget for meals, snacks, and transportation, as so many of the museums and monuments are free of charge.
Theater/Opera
The Folger Shakespeare Library (located a few blocks away from the Capitol South or Union Station metro stops) offers occasional evening programs (plays, seminars, musical performances). Check the Folger website for details and pricing.
Consider also attending a performance at the Washington National Opera.
New York City
RBS does not offer discounted hotel rooms, nor provide dormitory housing, for courses in New York City. Note that housing and meal costs are generally higher (sometimes considerably so) than those in Charlottesville. As a small consolation, transportation costs to/from New York City (and other RBS locations in metropolitan areas) tend to be less expensive, given the greater number of flight, train, and bus schedules. Many attendees also find it convenient to use the opportunity to stay with friends or relatives.
| Item | Description | Cost |
| Tuition | One-week course Course materials |
$995 Varies |
| Housing | 6 nights (Sunday through Friday, inclusive) | Bare Bones: ~$300 ($50/night) Low: ~$780 ($130/night) Medium: ~$1500 ($250/night) High: ~$4500+ ($750/night) |
| Transportation | Air +EWR shuttle Train Car +Parking 7-day metro pass |
Varies $25 Varies Varies ~$200 $27 |
| Meals | Breakfast (6) Lunch (6) Dinner (5) Snacks |
~$36 ($6/day) ~$72 ($12/day) ~$90 ($18/day) ~$40 |
| Miscellaneous | Museum of Modern Art Metropolitan Museum of Art Metropolitan Opera Theater Symphony Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Empire State Building Book buying |
$20 $20 (suggested donation) Varies Varies Varies $12 $12 $20 Varies |
Cost Details
Housing
If you are on a tight budget, this might be a good time to stay with a friend — or a friend of a friend. If you are willing to brave a hostel, you may be able to find inexpensive rates (~$50/night) for the duration of your stay. Remember the adage, however: you get what you pay for. A standard hotel room will run around $130/night, with prices increasing based on quality and location.
Note that hotel rates are higher on the weekends.
Transportation
Airfare
Three major airports service New York City and the surrounding area—John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), La Guardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty International (EWR). All of the major airlines and many smaller airlines provide numerous flights into and out of NYC.
If you are flying through Newark, factor in the cost of transportation into the city. The Newark Liberty Airport Express (buses every 15 minutes to NYC) costs $15 one-way or $25 roundtrip. Subway/bus fares to/from JFK and La Guardia are minimal.
Train
New York Penn Station — the busiest train station in America — is well integrated into the NYC public transportation system.
Car
Parking your car for a week in NYC will cost around $200 (possibly more), unless your hotel provides free (or discounted) parking.
Metro
The New York City subway/transportation system will take you most anywhere you wish to go. Consider a 7-day unlimited ride pass ($27) for the duration of your stay. You can view subway maps at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) website. As you choose your hotel and consider your daily transportation needs, there are also several interactive online maps of NYC you may want to consider exploring, including Google Maps now with its “Street View” feature (click on the button in the upper right map corner) which allows you to view panoramic street-level images; and Hopstop, an online route planner which provides door-to-door subway and bus instructions.
Meals
Breakfast (bagels, coffee, etc) is served every morning during the class week. Lunch and dinner will be on your own. New York City has some of the best (and priciest) restaurants in the country; depending upon your tastes and budget, the estimated dinner cost ($18) could be considerably higher. This being New York City, incidental costs are higher than in other parts of the country.
Miscellaneous
What isn’t there to do in New York City? If you rarely are in NYC, take full advantage of your pilgrimage.
Museums
New York City has an impressive collection of museums, large and small. Most notable are the Museum of Modern Art ($20) and the Metropolitan Museum of Art ($20 suggested donation).
Tourism
Major tourist sights in New York city include the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Empire State Building. The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are free to enter, though both require a $12 ferry fee. Tickets to stand on the observatory deck of the Empire State Building will cost $20.
Theater/Opera/Symphony
If you are interested in theater, opera, or the symphony, you can easily fill up your time (and empty your pocketbook) in the evenings.
Books
If you are predisposed to bouts of bibliomania, prepare your budget for the onslaught of NYC used and antiquarian booksellers.
Baltimore
| Item | Description | Cost |
| Tuition | One-week course Course materials |
$895 Varies |
| Housing | 6 nights (Sunday through Friday, inclusive) |
Low: ~$480 ($80/night) Medium: ~$1020 ($170/night) High: ~$1680+ ($280/night) |
| Transportation | Air +Ground transportation from IAD/DCA Train Car +Parking Metro pass |
Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies $16.50 (1 week) |
| Meals | Breakfast (6) Lunch (6) Dinner (5) Snacks |
~$36 ($6/day) ~$72 ($12/day) ~$75 ($15/day) ~$35 |
| Miscellaneous | American Visionary Art Museum Aquarium Evergreen Museum & Library Maryland Historical Society Peabody Library Walters Art Museum |
$14 $25 $5 $4 $0 $0 |
Cost Details
Housing
The closest full-service hotel to the Walters Art Museum is the Peabody Court Hotel. Other attractive (though expensive) possibilities within walking distance include the two jointly-owned Tremont Plaza and Tremont Park hotels. When making your reservation, ask for the Walters Art Museum rate.
Transportation
Airfare
All major airlines (including minor-leaguers Southwest and AirTran) fly into Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). Baltimore’s light rail system provides direct and inexpensive transportation from the airport to Mount Vernon Place (close to the Walters Art Museum). Note that hotel rates are higher on the weekends.
If you fly into Washington Dulles (IAD) or Reagan National (DCA), be sure to account for the cost of transportation to/from Baltimore (about an hour away).
Train
Baltimore’s Penn Station serves as one of the main stops along Amtrak’s eastern corridor route. The station is located about a mile north of Mount Vernon Place (near the Walters Art Museum) and is connected to the city’s light rail system.
Car
Most hotels provide parking; however, you may find it cheaper to park your car in one of several nearby public parking garages (e.g. the St Paul St Garage, 210 N. Saint Paul St, Baltimore, MD 21201). Consult the Walters Art Museum Directions & Parking page, or search online for other options.
Metro
The Maryland Transit Administration serves Baltimore with subway, light rail, and bus systems. The Walters Art Museum is located close to the Centre Street stop. A one-week pass for the transportation system is $16.50.
Meals
A mid-morning and mid-afternoon coffee/tea is served each class day. Sunday evening dinner is provided by Rare Book School (the charge for guests will be determined once we see the bill). You should budget the cost of breakfast (if your hotel does not provide it), lunch, and dinner for the duration of your stay in Baltimore.
Miscellaneous
Tourism
The Baltimore Harbor area offers many attractions, including the Baltimore Aquarium. The Walters Art Museum offers free admission to its permanent collection. The Maryland Historical Society houses Francis Scott Key's original manuscript of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”