From experience, and I'm using Westpac (in Melbourne though) Westpac does not lose out to Commonwealth in terms of customer service and rates etc. Most of their rates matches Commonwealth's.

But I would not recommend HSBC. I'm not sure how its' like in Adelaide but there are very few branches in Melbourne, making it hard for banking transactions. Paying that little extra money for foreign money transaction fees sure beats having to travel around to look for an ATM machine..

i agree with u. i think HSBC is out of the picture, unless u plan to like stock up on cash or somethin and visit the ATM once a fortnight. lol. well my fren used westpac, he had bad experiences like his funds din clear, they took so long, they apparently transferred his money to another account.. o.o and in the end he had to even pay a penalty?? that sucks man. and recently there was this case where they transferred 1 million AUD to someone's account by accident and he left the country. dude! that sucks for a bank man.. xD

aww so many of you heading to adel this year! I asked my education agent how many new students are going to my place, and she said: 0. LOL! btw i'm on ANZ, and I totally love their services and TD rates. =D

Hi, any idea if it's open to non melb uni students? I need to exercise about 4 times a week, and am not looking forward to running outside in the winter.

hehe... where's ur place man? and what's TD?? x.x

This post has been edited by zeke'stah: Jan 10 2011, 06:06 PM

@zeke'stah Im using BB. =p

lol...i think it should be alright, my fren's uni, Adelaide U, accepts non students. u need to pay though. but it won't be as costly as fitness first.. hey! joggin in winter is the best, cuz when your lungs are conditioned to even be able to support enough oxygen in that weather, it'll actually increase your performance in the gym (weights, super sets, etc.)

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Added on January 10, 2011, 6:09 pmhahaha!! add me man!! 2212B210

This post has been edited by zeke'stah: Jan 10 2011, 06:09 PM

Hie everyone!

To those heading to Adelaide, may I know if you guys have arranged your accommodation?

Where have you all chosen and why?

i'm staying here man...

http://urbanest.com.au/en/student-accommod...e/north-terrace

it's opening in February. brand new. it's all inclusive, ur utilities, internet, air cond and card access. plus it's in the city, opposite a tram station, walkin distance to uniSA and adelaide U ( bout 10 min) and to rundle mall and all.. i took a 5 months contract, expect to make new friends and move in with 'em or i might just renew my contract.. when are u coming to adelaide?

My steps were:
1. Go to a the bank branch and say you want to open a new student account. (make sure you have your student ID ready for proof)
2. Show your passport, student ID, letter/confirmation of enrollment and your tenancy/residence agreement/contract.
3. Deposit your cheque or cash, I just changed USD to AUD to get me started for a month, and ask for a debit card.
4. Ones you get your account number, then ask for your parents to transfer the fund to your account.
5. Make sure you have enough cash to sustain you for a minimum of 1 month while waiting for fund transfer.
6. Request they send your first bank statement ASAP, you will need it if you want to sign a post-paid contract for a phone plan.
7. Your debit card should be posted to you in 5 working days.


If you're new to uni go for the orientation and enroll to some of the workshop they have.
Personally it helps me heaps to prepare for uni life especially for 1st sem.
Don't miss out and I reckon free BBQs during lunch.

Winter = good weather for a jog IMO and it also depends on your jogging trail.
Give it a go.

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Added on January 10, 2011, 7:36 pmNot bad, saw it before.
Lucky you it is far from the hospital and near by uni.
If you're a light sleeper get earplugs, I can't sleep in the city(Adelaide) because I am a light sleeper and I loved the suburbs.
If you're bored Casino is just across the street.

This post has been edited by december88: Jan 10 2011, 07:36 PM

thanks bro, but can i open an account without student ID? but i have the rest of documents, like COE and passport and all. and i didn't know i need a bank statement for a post-paid contract. o.o thanks! how long did it take u to get ur bank statement?

I think so, but if you're planning to go to uni first day then you can do your student id after you finish your online enrollment.
I go with Three and my account is debited end of the month after service is rendered so that's why I need the bank statement.
Bank statement took 7 days to arrived if you request it, you must request for it because usually/normally will take a month billing cycle.
And letter of introduction is not good. And most of my friends started with pre-paid and eventually went postpaid esp. Three, since you lived in the city Three will suit your well in terms of receptions and value for money.
And for internet landline>3G all the time. So don't rush to go into 3G internet contract, see if you can get landlines that suits your usage and price.

what do u mean by letter of introduction? hmm, i probably use my malaysian number while waiting for the post-paid. i'm using a blackberry so i checked some THREE blackberry plans. they seem good. i'm considering them. but it's a must to show the bank statement? not a COE or passport? and i'm arriving in adelaide on the 9th of feb. orientation is on the 21st. xD so it's pretty long..

I am not too sure how it goes by now.Just be aware.
Letter of Introduction from the bank is not the same as bank statement just be aware, and you have to pay for that letter of introduction which is stupid.
Bank statement and passport/COE and etc are necessary if you want post-paid.
You're arriving early to Adelaide, lucky you summers have been mild thus far here but none the less protect yourself from the sun and I see the weather forecast because I am cycling, Tour Down Under coming up soon.
A lot of event in Feb @ Adelaide, go to the Fringe.
http://tix.adelaidefringe.com.au/ticketing/home.aspx
BTW iphone 4 plan from Three is not bad.

hmm...i cant apply post-paid with just passport and COE? ah dang it....i intend to stick to my blackberry, cuz of the unlimited data service. i can tether my blackberry and use it as a modem instead. that'd be better right? are u from adelaide too?

the blackberry allows that kind of speed too right?! >< correct me if i'm wrong bro.. and i'm stayin at urbanest, i dun think i can get landline there unless i move to my own place... xD correct me if im wrong again!

Another dumb question here. While awaiting for other offers, I intend to accept this conditional offer as a backup just in case there are no more upcoming offers from other universities. A few days ago, I've submitted documents that prove eligibility for my course so that I can turn my conditional offer to unconditional. In this case, is it normal if I accept an offer before the deadline but pay after the deadline?

if I'm not mistaken you can't accept an offer without paying the deposit for tuition fees

Oh well.. in fact, the first payment cost a bomb. About $10k++ Aussie. Afraid it has exceeded the credit card limit. Thx for your advice btw. I will try to risk the payment later then. =)

Call-up. Ask for extension of Offer-date.
Give your reasons, say for a fair judgment/comparison to make academic decision.
they will most likely give you few more days.
If they dont, write in (email),
and say how you are disappointed that such case happen, beg for some sympathy.
You SHOULD get it.