Housing

There are several schools of thought on how to arrange accommodations while away for a semester abroad. 

Residence: It seems to me that most often, students try and secure a spot in residence. It's just easy and trustworthy to do it that way. UniSA doesn't have a residence.

Sublet: You can arrange to take over a sublet agreement. The issue is that when trying to arrange this from far away, its difficult to know where things are, who to trust, what neighborhoods are safe, is it a scam? If you're going with several other people you know, you can find a space together and capitalize on cheaper rents by sharing accommodations.I'm not. In fact, I'm the only person from Ryerson's Faculty of Communication and Design going to the University of South Australia. To say I'm going on my own- I really really am. So getting a place with people I already know, is really not an option.

Arrive and Arrange: Many people will arrive and stay at a hostel for the first few nights while trying to secure a place once they get there. For me, I would just prefer to know that I have something set up before I get there. Besides, I really need something that is furnished and equipped. I'm only there for about 5 months and I don't want to start buying pots and pans and dishes and linens etc.

University Sanctioned Private Student Housing: This is probably one of the most reliable options and also the most expensive options. I guess you pay for peace of mind. There are several options in this regard each a bit different. UniSA also has about 5 different campuses. I was hoping to find something within walking distance of my main campus as public transit in Adelaide is apparently quite expensive. So I have secured a spot for myself in one of these places called the Urbanest. You can check it out here if you're interested.

I have a premium lease in a 4 bedroom unit with a layout like this.  I'll be in one of the rooms with a single bed but this particular building has rooms with your own bathroom which I admit will be nice. I picked this building for a number of reasons. The Kitchen is actually a kitchen and not a kitchenette for one. And I was able to get a premium lease which means that my rent includes all my utilities, internet, linens, pots and pans and kitchen utensils, a microwave, toaster and a TV. So I'm paying to avoid the hassle basically. I wonder where I'll store my suitcases? Here are a few more photos off the website:

Kitchen

Private Ensuite Bathroom

Bedroom

As you can see its much like Residence only privately run. Hopefully it works out well!

Regardless, I'm happy to have things figured out and secured before I arrive. Its more my style :)

Intro

Hi Everyone,

Here's attempt 2 at creating a travel blog. I had one for my backpacking trip in Europe the summer of 2010 which you can check out here. This time I am traveling to Adelaide Australia for a semester abroad at the University of South Australia. Even though it is my 2nd semester of my third year, the school year in OZ is offset from ours so I will be taking classes in 1st semester of third year in the Interior Architecture program.

I'm about 6 weeks away from my departure. In terms of things to do I have already organized the following:

- apply for UniSA
- accept offer of admission
- arrange Overseas Student Health Coverage
- apply and receive Working Holiday Visa (covers up to 4 months of schooling)
- secure accommodations- Urbanest

The big thing I have yet to figure out is $. Any ideas? Wire transfer? Setting up an account there? which bank?

What about phones? Any advice of getting a cell phone in Adelaide?

The other thing I have to figure out is enrolling for classes. I can't quite tell if I'm enrolled or not. I know I applied for about 8 classes when I applied for the school (like Ryerson's course intentions). They then sent me a list of 4 which I assumed I was in (3 from my list and 1 other). However when I go onto their student center portal, it does not show me any classes. Not to worry though, I can figure that out during the 2 weeks of orientation that begin Feb 13th prior to classes which commence Feb 27th.

The other thing that I'm tossing around in my head is additional travel plans. Where should I go? For how long? When and with whom? I know I want to get to Sydney for sure and with that trip either Melbourne, Brisbane or both. I know there are smaller trips around Adelaide that I will be sure to do for sure, specifically Kangaroo Island which I've heard is a must see. I have a friend who wants to go to China so we are trying to work that out. What else? Should I try and fit in some of New Zealand? What about South East Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia region?) or the South Pacific Islands (Fiji, Samoa?) and of course I have a dear dear friend who's living in Bangladesh- is it possible/feasible to make it there?

On that note- does anyone know the tricks and secrets to lost cost travel in this part of the world? I'd love any advice I can get as I approach the beginning of this new adventure.

I love all your thoughts, feedback, and ideas!