<p>I'm an American student applying to university in Australia. I want to start in February (that's when the first semester starts, right?!) and am getting ready to start applying for International Studies. I'm mostly interested in University of Melbourne and University of Sydney. I'm leaning towards University of Sydney. Are these solid schools? Also, what about housing? From what I've read online it looks like dorms aren't offer, but there were some on-campus residential colleges and apartments. Would staying in residential college be similar to a dorm? I've been reading a lot online but it's so confusing! Any advice would be really appreciated!</p>
<p>Yep first semester starts towards the end of February. They’re both solid universities and Melbourne and Sydney are definitely the best cities in Australia in terms of culture, student life etc. I’d also look at University of New South Wales and Monash University. The residential colleges I’ve seen at USyd are very similar to dorms but I’m not sure how many are available for internationals. There’s also off campus housing but I’d think it’s very limited because the ‘college’ aspect isn’t that big in Sydney. Check out Australia National University in Canberra. The city itself is a bit of a hole but it has heaps of students staying on campus and the uni life is meant to be awesome. Also it’s got a good International Studies reputation. Hope this helps</p>
<p>I have a question, might be a bit not related to this post, but do Australian Universities give financial aid to undergrad International Applicants?</p>
<p>I don’t think so, as fees for us domestic students are supported by the government and managed through VTAC. They are all awarded based on your ATAR and practically ever school-leaver is on a CSP (Commenwealth-Supported Place). I think international students have to pay the full thing. But if I recall my sister’s fees correctly (she is domestic), an undergraduate full-time load at Melbourne is much, much cheaper than any American university I want to apply to; especially if it is science.</p>
<p>hey sarah. melbourne uni and sydney uni are both really good universities. I’m currently at Melbourne Uni and I absolutely love the city (though perhaps I’m biased!!). As far as the residential colleges go, if you can afford it, definitely apply!! Most college kids have a great time, and live there for there first year or two of university. Apparently it is like a dorm, but with a community type feel, i.e. they host parties every week, balls, booze cruises(parties on a boat), and compete against each other in sports. Otherwise, most students either live at home (most people don’t “go away” to college) or live in a rental house with some mates. Parkville, North Melbourne and Fitzroy are full of students. Other suburbs such as clifton hill, brunswick, richmond, prahran, windsor and balaclava would also be worth looking into. As far as funding goes, I don’t think there is much available for international students. Another Uni you could try is RMIT(city campus). They have a B.Arts(International Studies) course.</p>