allocate

I'm also about to do one of these things and the school is paying up front for everything. Honestly, just ask — it's not rude. Sometimes the school will pay up front, and sometimes they'll reimburse you. I have pretty extensive experience as interviewee and interviewer in situations where people are transported to, and given housing for, interviews. It's not really a decision that's made lightly even for billion dollar corporations. Most likely someone's made a decision that as long as you're not a terrible fit, you'll get an offer. Good luck.