<p>I'll just put my two cents in... I'm from sydney and applying to USyd for next year as well as US unis.... I personally prefer the other main Uni (UNSW) but thats just because I've grown up there. USyd in itself is really pretty and has a great history, its got some of the really gothic classical architecture, especially their main building and the med building. Look out for the gargoyles...</p>
<p>1) It's pretty easy to find off campus housing... there are tons of apartments around the uni where tons of students stay. There is also on campus housing, actually there is a female only college <em>which is what we call on campus housing</em> which is quite nice, my friends have stayed there. I'm pretty sure they include meals... check out this site: On</a> campus accommodation - Accommodation Service - The University of Sydney</p>
<p>2) Transportation? Sydney transportation is a dream, as much as us sydneysiders like to complain, I've had experience with other transport systems and whilst it is no Paris Metro its pretty darn good. You might have to wait a bit but buses, train, ferries and if all else fails taxis can get you pretty much anyways. Being a 17 year old with no lisence, you learn to depend on public transport. </p>
<p>3) Definetly get a cell, its really hard to make arrangements without them, it can be like "I'll meet you at Gloria Jeans on Pitt Street" (Starbucks like coffee shop chain on a major shopping street) but which Gloria Jeans... Where on Pitt Street? You get my drift? However for international calls, like arjungamer123 suggested get a calling card or Skype, you can get them pretty cheap too, I mean I pay like 5cents per 10 seconds or something or even less I can't remember to call the states... but get a prepaid phone for her... I think you have that in the states... pay as you go... you can get like a nice little nokia for AUD$79 I just saw and they have caps and free calls on the network, just get her to price out the deals when she gets here... the people in the store should be happy to help.</p>
<p>4) as arjungamer123 said, the city can be expensive, like in all cities, but if you know the right places you can get away on a budget, plus USyd is RIGHT by Newtown where you can get the BEST thai food for very little amounts of money, if she likes that kind of stuff, and she's pretty close to chinatown, which has cheap chinese food, I mean it all depends on your taste, you can spend a lot or you can spend a little, you just have to know where to go. Also Uni Students get a discount card for all food retailers on campus, so she will be able to get discounted meals at all campus eateries. Movies.... about $10 for students... bars... well alcohol is expensive... not that I think you would be worrying about that, but there are free concerts and entertainment all the time. Believe me, uni students here aim to get as much free stuff as they possibly can. Also the student union at the uni offers tons of discounted entertainment and concerts and stuff, they are really active. </p>
<p>5) Academically, its one of the best Unis in australia, obviously nothing on par with HPY but thats to be expected.... but yeah its pretty decent... a lot of kids choose to go there, so it must be. </p>
<p>If you have any more questions feel free to PM me, I live around the area and hang out alot in the city/broadway/newtown (areas around the Uni) and I have friends who go there if you have any specific questions.</p>
<p>Dont have any school at the moment, so tons of free time on my hands :)</p>