I joined it because I wanted to move away from home and to NSW. The local options were also not offering the course of choice at the time. I like the atmosphere of the UoN, it is very laidback and since it is smaller than the major universities - it has more intimately sized classes. However, I love the professionalism and quality that comes when attending a university such as USYD. The overall social experience is much better at UoN but the education drew me to USYD.
Course Curriculum
The course syllabus at UoN is why I transferred to USYD. I found out that the particular degree I was completing WA unaccredited, so I changed to USYD, where their curriculum is much more encompassing of the qualities an accredited graduate would be expected to have (i.e. the PEP program).
Exams
I applied to the University Admissions Centre website to the universities I wanted and was not required to do anything else. Not for my course.
Placement
I have not had the opportunity to check this out yet, however, I have heard that the employment rate is excellent.
Events
I can not really comment on this as we have been online.
Fees
I am not sure how much the student contribution is as I am using the HECs program.
Scholarship
At my previous university - The University of Newcastle - I was awarded the FEBE High Achiever Undergraduate Scholarship ($4,000) and the FEBE Relocation Scholarship ($8,000). I did not have to apply for either of them, they were both just granted to me. However, although there was an application process for the relocation scholarship, it was granted to me because, as I was starting university young, they wanted to avoid having any liability in terms of my safety, they flagged my accommodation application and rather awarded me the scholarship to be able to afford rent.
Faculty
I suspect that some of the staff I have dealt with that are on tenure - may need to be reviewed as they may have lost their touch. One other particular staff has very poor communication skills for the position they are in. Other than that I think that the staff are excellent and try to reply as quickly as possible. My favorite lecturer so far has been Sue Inn Chng from INFO3315, the way she organizes her classes is quite different from most and she conveys the content really well, whilst still keeping it concise.
Hostel
No - I am renting a studio off-campus with a kitchenette, and bathroom, there is also a shared kitchen and laundry and a parking garage. It cost approximately $300 a week (water incl.) But that is very cheap for the options I came across in Sydney if you are not wanting to share a bedroom. You can always check out flatmates.com for rooms in sharehouses for a cheaper option - it is a great option especially when new to the area as it helps you establish some friends and not feel as lonely. This is what I did while I was in my first two years and it is very fun. In New my share house only cost me $170 a week and I had a massive double bedroom with a desk, and double the size of a normal closet, all utilities were included but I had to share the bathroom and kitchen. When looking at similar arrangements in Sydney, they were averaging $300 to $320 a week - sometimes without even including utilities.
