I don't use any of the paints, etc... from the Art Department. Mainly because they date back to the 1970's. And because they are student quality, which is really difficult to use well. However the digital art and printmaking supplies are very good. Too bad I have no need for them.
My BOW cost me $110 for the special watercolour canvas, $90 for the 3 Canite board and $40 for the watercolour paper. But this was paid for over the last year, so its not that bad. I didn't need to buy paints cause I had them already.
Everyone else in my Class are doing some sort of digital aspect and they sent them to COFA to get them printed. I think the most expensive prints were $240, COFA gave them some pretty decent deals. One guy got $80 off his prints.
In a way its good that not many people do painting in my school. It means I can borrow equipment without anyone noticing.