hey bigguyry,
Glad to hear that information helped out. It seems like the word is getting out, and that has definitely made the applicants this year more competitive.
Yes, it is VERY expensive to live in Sydney. It's nearly apples and oranges between Edmonton and Sydney. You can expect to pay between $200 and $300 a week for a place near campus. It will be quite difficult to find a place before you arrive here, so I would suggest you arrive a few weeks earlier. There is also the issue of dealing with realtors in Sydney. They can be a real hassle.
For now, just worry about getting in your loans, banking, visa, etc. Also try to look for a good air ticket. The cheapest I've found was a return flight for $1280. Book early, the prices get really high ($2000 +) closer to when school starts. Don't worry so much about housing. Not a bad idea to look through some listings online. But your real search will begin when you arrive here. Most importantly, enjoy the next few months with family and friends. Once school gets going here..you will definitely miss home!
I'll be back in Edmonton in the summer (that is..dec and jan..haha..get used to the new seasons
. You can contact me then and we can certainly meet up (I've been craving a double double with a cream of broccoli soup and a chocolate dip donut!).
Also for those who are starting next year, ask about what equipment you will need. It will most likely be similar to ours, and in that case you can save A LOT of money by purchasing things in Canada/US. (But keep this on the down-low..the faculty might not like it..
Contact me later for more details.
And remember..the waitlist does move..so keep your hopes up everyone!!
)