Just an update on some of the messages I've received. Maybe my replies will help others who are also wondering.
Q1: On funding for US citizens.
A1: I'm Canadian, so don't have much info on that but I can explain my funding situation. I'm from Alberta, which gives a combined Alta and Can student loan package of around $36000. $2500 of that is a grant for low income students ( I have zero income as I don't have a part-time job here, it's not an option for me due to the difficulty of the course). I also have a line of credit with a Canadian Bank (RBC was the best for me). There is also the possibility of a Northern Alberta funding option where you take their money ($12k or $24k) but have to work up in the north for each year that you do it. Haven't looked into it too much.
Q2: What was your GPA?/DAT score?
A2: It probably won't matter since the program has changed from BDent to DMD from next year, but FYI I think my GPA was about 3.6 ish, and DAT was avg 22, but I can't remember too well.
Q3: Texts and extra fees?
A3: I've said before that the program will be changing next year to DMD. What does that mean? We're not sure, but as I've understood it, things like studying with the Med students is gone and now the Dent faculty will be taking over. That said, this year I bought no texts. I was given a list of texts that might be helpful, but I found that the library often had multiple copies of those texts. So I just borrowed them from the library. If you do want to buy your own texts I use: Davidson's Medicine, Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease, Medical Problems in Dentistry, a human physiology text, an anatomy text. Buying these in Canada will be far cheaper, but heavy and take up valuable suitcase space. As for extra fees, you'll need an articulator $1000, some tool rental fee $300, startup tools and bits and bobs, around $500, so you're looking at $1800, which is what I paid. The DMD program may be different.
Q4 Accommodation? What is better Unilodge or Urban Nest?
A4 I've got friends in both. I've been in both. Unilodge is older and cheaper, location is closer to the university rather than the hospital. Urban Nest is closer to the hospital, newer and nicer, with lots of extras like a roof bbq, computers etc. You'll be spending roughly 2 days per week at the Syd Dent Hospital, and 3 days at the U, though this may change or flip from time to time. Urban Nest is dead close to Paddy's Market which is a great place to get cheap food, and it's really central. Unilodge is next to the mall, and also a nice location, with a short walk to classes. Unilodge rooms seem smaller and without windows, which can suck supremely. Like a prison mebbe. But it's clean (ish) though the kitchens can be pretty dirty I've heard. I like Urban nest better, but you'll pay for it.
Other options: International House: an on-campus dorm; some of the college dormitories like St. Sophia or St. Andrews; Uni Village is also ok, though I heard the rooms are pretty tiny.
I first stayed in a hotel then looked for a place on my own. I'm married so dorm life wasn't an option. Lots of shared houses in the area and I know plenty who go that route.
