Hey there--i know this thread has been a bit "dead" for a while, but as a former international student, i thought i should give my two cents: (i was in melbourne)

Living costs: i lived very comfortably on $1,200 a month (rent, utilities, the works) but i did not live on my own so i shared utilities, rent, etc. Depends how you want to live and where.

International student cover (medibank): under 400$ for the year. You have to get it as part of your visa condition and trust me its worth it. Most i ever paid for a doctors visit was $4, free emergency care once too.

Finding a job: plenty of jobs out there in cafe's, restaurants, shops--you just have to do your research and even walk into places and ask, resume ready. Remember you are only allowed to work 20 hours a week AFTER you have gotten your work permit and tax file number from immi WHICH IS NOT given to you when you get your visa. You have to pay for it too. You can claim your tax back when you leave the country using your file number.

Housing: do your research before you go and remember--christmas time, june and july is the busiest time for housing because that is when all the other students are doing the same. Don't be afraid to get out of the city, especially mebourne. Just go on a website like google maps and check how close your address is to a train station and the city centre, and your uni of course. Don't fall for housing scams--get an apartment yourself through an estate agent, simple.

Stuff for your apartment/house: places like Ikea, big W, but also remeber to check out the salvation army and brotherhood of St Lawrence in melbourne. Second hand but you can get some good desks, coffee tables etc while you wait to have the money to live better. Besides, you're a student! Look around your house before you leave home--make a list of what you need. Look out for sales either online or in newspapers.

Public Transport: melbourne is fantastic for this and easy. It's pretty cheap--heres a tip, if you are riding the city loop before class and wont get out for another 4+ hours, ask for a "city saver" at the counter. It's $2.80, good for one trip but its cheaper than getting a daily or a wasted 2 hour ticket.

Food: awesome. enough said. Look out for pub meals and places that do a parma and a pot for under 10$. The Albion in melbourne is worth checking out.

Coffee: students rejoice, its good, and its cheap.

Nightlife/going out/social scene: awesome in melbourne, i really liked going to Fitzroy.

Sports: its australia--dont worry, seriously, youll get what you want.

Last bit of advice--mingle with the other cultures. Dont be one of those international students that seeks out your own and no one else. You are going to be in australia for a few years, so live like an aussie for a while and enjoy it.