The city is long and thin, bordered by hills to the east and a line of sandy swimming beaches to the west - both less than 20 minutes from Flinders. The central business and shopping precinct is ringed by parklands, and residential areas are well served by formal and informal sports and recreation areas.

Climate
Adelaide's good weather suits an outdoor lifestyle. The city receives about 2,500 hours of sunshine a year - about eight hours a day in summer. The climate is often described as Mediterranean, with cool to cold winters (no snow) and hot dry summers. The hottest months are January and February and the coldest is July.

The average maximum summer temperature is 29C, though each year brings one or two hot spells in excess of 35C. Most rain falls in winter, when the average maximum temperature is 16C.

Living expenses
The cost of food, housing and transport is generally lower than in Adelaide than in other major Australian cities (particularly Sydney and Melbourne) and much lower than in other western cities.

However, new students should be aware that costs in the first month or two in Adelaide will be higher because of expenses incurred settling into studies and becoming established in their accommodation. This may include paying a bond (deposit) for your accommodation as well as electricity, gas and telephone connection fees. Rental accommodation usually is unfurnished, but second-hand furniture is inexpensive.

It is estimated that once you settle in your total living expenses will be between AUD$10,000 and $11,000 a year. This is derived from the following weekly expenses per week, in Australian Dollars.

Accommodation (rental, shared) $65 - $80
Food $55
Gas and electricity $16
Public transport $12
Entertainment/Clothes $20
Phone calls, Postage $10
Unexpected Costs $12
TOTAL $195 - $205 per week (approximate)

Accommodation
Flinders Housing offers two options for living on campus and also can provide assistance for students seeking suitable accommodation elsewhere in Adelaide. Temporary accommodation information is available to assist students when they first arrive in Adelaide.

University Hall is one of the least expensive residential colleges in Australia, offering co-educational accommodation for 250 students in single study rooms. A further 114 students can live on campus in 42 two-storey townhouses. Each has three bedrooms, living areas, a kitchen and laundry, and is fully furnished.

The weekly fee includes three meals a day from Monday to Friday. Residents share common bathrooms and kitchenettes and have access to two fully-equipped computer rooms. Tutors are available to provide academic assistance.

There is a strong demand for rooms in the Hall and students are advised to apply (including a AUD$30 application fee) as soon as they have been accepted into a course

A Family Stay scheme also allows international students to board with Australian families who live close to Flinders. A weekly charge of about AUD$170 - $180 usually includes all food and bills except telephone expenses.

Plenty to see and do
Adelaide is renowned for its thriving arts scene and interest in all manner of cultural activities. The most famous event is the biennial Adelaide Festival, but this is complemented by a year-long calendar of formal and informal festivals and performances.

You'll find a world-class art gallery and museum, live theatre and movie complexes, a casino, a vibrant night club district and a major entertainment centre.

Sporting facilities include an international aquatic centre, tennis, squash and basketball courts, golf courses, an indoor ice-skating and snow skiing centre, and venues for watching South Australia's national sporting teams in action.

Catering for all cultures
Adelaide is a unique and truly multicultural city, forged by Australians from a diverse range of ethnic backgrounds.

Places of worship for most faiths are available, including mosques, synagogues, Buddhist and Bahai temples and a wide range of Christian churches.

There is diversity in the cuisine as well, with every taste catered for by the range of restaurants, bistros, outdoor cafes and other food outlets dotted throughout the city and suburbs. Adelaide's Central Market is internationally known for its lively atmosphere and high-quality produce.

Tourist attractions
Most of South Australia's tourist attractions are within easy reach of Adelaide. Even the Outback begins just a few hours north in the Flinders Ranges.

Australia's unique wildlife can be enjoyed on Kangaroo Island or in the Coorong National Park, while Yorke and Eyre peninsulas offer rugged coastlines and excellent camping and fishing opportunities.

The River Murray is popular for water sports, the State's heritage can be found in old mining towns, and there are world-class wine regions just an hour to the north and south of the city. Even closer to Flinders are the Adelaide Hills, where you'll find waterfalls, wildlife parks and plenty of opportunities for hiking or cycling.