There is a fee to take the class (about $100 or something like that). Equipment is covered in that fee, so you don't need to buy anything of your own. If you end up going to the RMC Invitational tournament, which occurs during the beginner's class (next weekend, actually; we take a LOT of beginners), you'll need to buy a glove, but that's it. Most people start getting some of their own equipment eventually.
I'm in third year chem.
I'm usually out to help with the beginner class (Monday nights, 8-10pm). We split the class up and do a rotation between footwork, bladework, theory, and games. There will be lots of varsity members at each station to help out! Head Coach Dave runs the bladework portion and the senior assistant coach teaches theory.