So what happens for the first semester?
I don't really understand what you mean, but the 1st semester students either go back overseas (exchange), some people get sick, some people decide on campus accom is not for them, others transfer. These people are a minority, but a few place do open up.
I think that's the one that's more important. That's when everybody gets to know each other, make friends, explore, etc. Living far from the uni would be a nightmare for the 1st semester. Especially seeing as I have no sense of direction at all lol.
Spot on, I think its part of the experience.
I don't understand why they wouldn't advertise the rooms. Don't they want to get paid? Kind of silly...
No idea, well i know eveywhere except for johns did (i found a pdf hidden on the anu website), Its about being proactive, and getting out there and telling them you want to live there (rather than them advertising). But yep i see your point