But most of all you'll write. Colonies draw both emerging writers and writers at later stages of their careers, writers who have published books and need some time to give a project a push. Many colonies accept not only writers but painters, photographers, composers, and sculptors, and the opportunity to interact with artists from other media is one of the great benefits of the colony experience. Most colonies occupy somewhere in between. The Vermont Studio Center, for example, had simple accommodations in a small town but an inspired dining hall with three excellent meals a day.
Most colonies tend toward the monk-ascetic model of environment.
Most colonies demand an example of your work before offering a residency, though exceptions exist. Most colonies do offer fellowships, grants, work-study programs, and other opportunities to reduce the expense. So unless you won't make the rent, leave the freelance behind. Yes, but not in an aggressive way. One of the stark differences between writer's colonies and writer's conferences is that colonies don't bill themselves as networking opportunities.