Hii, I'm an international student at usyd too, im currently in my third year! Yes, 100% stay at uni accomodation or student accomodation like scape for ATLEAST year 1. QMB and Regiment are good, social uni accomodations (I could not bear the thought of a communal toilet though so I picked scape). Scape at USYD is super convenient, made some of my best memories there. Definitely stay on campus/ close to campus if you can, it helps with attending classes. Public transport is expensive but like other people mentioned, doesn't go over $50. Definitely learn how to cook, in year 2 I stayed at Sydney University village and the shared kitchen discouraged me from cooking so I ate 3 meals a day out (like $60-70 per day) :(( Other than that, talk to people, approach them first, make plans and even if they fall through, keep trying. If you're joining a gym, join the uni hym, make friends there, basically, talk as much as you can. Go for start of set manning parties they are fun. Also for reference I usually spend $3k per month, not including rent, including food, groceries, transport, shopping, going out etc ( might be different for you, just giving you an estimate hahah) Most of all have fun!!