how much money to bring

You'll be able to go to Walmart every night to shop. They have grills outside the student lounge area, and if you plan it right you can eat well without spending too much… at least for dinner. The free lunch they give you wouldn't satisfy my six-year-old daughter. There's an Arby's, KFC, Rite-Aid, and Walgreens in walking distance, too.

If you plan it well, you can get by on $50-$75 per week. Use the soda machines and laundry in the drivers' area: in the office building across the yard from the students' area. Those areas are open to students, and the machines are cheaper than the ones in the dorm.

The dorm is a dorm, not a hotel. Your room will smell a little like old socks and/or stale urine. Deal with it. There are a few workers in the dorm (especially the night shift) who behave like jail guards. Deal with it. As you learn more about your contract, there will be surprises you don't like. Deal with it. I'm new to CRST, but I plan to make a career here. The worst thing about this company is the high number of students who like to b**ch constantly. Ignore them, fulfill your contract, and have a great career. All the best to you.