I would be willing to bet that that your instrument fee is mandatory. If you want to buy material on top of your kit, you more then welcome. I highly doubt you will be able to save any money buying your stuff without the school. I think if you could find all the material at a cheaper cost it wouldn't be worth the effort. Your school gets stuff in bulk, you will be buying single items along with shipping costs. Good luck. Your instrument costs are chump change compared to the 30K + you are paying on loans (not including living expences)