what supplies are a must have for college student going into their first sculpture class that's not too costly

Answer 1

really depends what classes you have and what medium you are going to work in.
Most places have some basic tools you can check out/borrow, so you don't have to buy them right off. If your teacher tells you that you need to buy a specific tool, then that's what you should get. If your teacher gives you a long list with tools, I would advice against buying everything or even most stuff on the list. There is usually enough stuff on there you'll never need. Also I usually find out I like to use some tools, others I really don't. No point buying ones I end up never using. Also you won't like to do all techniques.
Though if there are safety supplies (goggles, gloves, respirator/dust masks) on the list, those are things you will need a lot and you don't really want to share, so that's things you'll definitely want to buy if they are on your list. The only general must have for any art student is probably a sketch book and a good supply of different hardness pencils....
But on general I'd wait until your classes start and buy things as you go along if you figure out you'll really need them. Your first sculpture classes are unlikely to ask for tools which you can't find in any hardware store, so they will be fast to get.

Answer 2

Set of pencils, Craft knife, paints, Sketch pad, apron, paintbrushes. Other materials, more specific can be bought at a later date when you know what you want to make. I would have thought other basic materials like clay, plaster and wood etc. will be provided for you to a certain extent.

Answer 3

You might want to check the syllabus for this one. Ask the professor first before buying anything.