Prospective Student's Questions about ANU (1 Viewer)

[XcarvengerX]

Hi students of ANU,
I am considering going to ANU next year, but I have many questions about ANU. I know it would be a lot more fun to find out myself, but I have to make sure that ANU is better than other universities in NSW, like USyd and UNSW so I don’t waste money to move out. I hope that this topic will help Year 12 students to consider ANU for their tertiary studies so we depend on students who have studied in ANU to provide us with reliable information. Thank you in advance.

So here is some of my information and situation:
I am an international student who will sit HSC this year in Australia. I have been in the country for a bit more than 3 years. My first 3 preferences is at ANU with courses like Actuarial Studies, Finance and Science, so please tell me anything I need to expect from these courses. I am living on budget and need some money flow and maybe short term loans if unexpected circumstances arise.

NOTE: I miss the ANU open day because it is too far away and I was on trial weeks at that time.

I am also attempting to answer these questions in the following posts. As a prospective student, I got my answers by reading those thousands pages of ANU publications, word-of-mouth and the stickified topics here. Please tell me if there is anything wrong (I misread something) or if there are anything more I need to know.

General Questions:
1. List 10 reasons (or less) why you choose ANU over other universities.
2. Does the library have an extensive range of books?
3. How nice is the technology? (including computer room and internet quota + any fees for printing, photocopying and excess internet usage)
4. How are the administration and lecturers?
5. Do you like your faculty? Why/Why not?
6. The workload… is it too much?
7. Out of these 7 accommodation colleges/halls for undergraduate, rank them in order of your preferences and give reasons. Bruce Hall, Burgmann College, Burton and Garran Hall, Fenner Hall, John XXIII College, Ursula Hall and UniLodge @ ANU
8. Is it easy to find part-time job in Canberra? How long do you work and how much do you get paid per hour?
9. How is the support provided for international students and students in financial needs?
10. Any significant fees I need to take notes other than accommodation (+food) and textbooks?
11. How competitive is your course?
12. How is the community?
13. What is the difference between combined degree and double degree?
14. Anything else future students need to know?
15. What don’t you like about ANU? (Things need to be improved.)

Courses related Questions: (Actuarial, Finance, Science)
1. Does ANU kick people out if they don’t achieve particular standards? What is the standard?
2. I read somewhere that “tute” participation is included in total assessment mark (10%). Is it true?
3. Do they take into account the fact that I do ESL, when selecting candidates for these courses?
4. How is the flexibility of your timetable and course selection?
5. How do you rate the competency of your lecturers?
6. If I take combined degree B Actuarial Studies/B Science, can I do honours for both or just one or not possible at all?
7. What do you think about the job opportunities for these degrees?
8. Any other information?

Thank you.

EDIT: I have some more questions:
1. I realise I need two referees to be able to accommodate in Colleges, such as Johns XXIII and Burgmann. Do I have to know my referees personally? Or does this mean that colleges will not accept international students because we don’t know anyone?
2. If this is possible, can someone be my referee? I need two referees because I want to go into Johns. Thank you.
3. How much does it cost for a standard laptop in ACT (2GHz or more, 80GB SATA, 512MB DDR, DVD burner, 3-4 hours battery, 15 inch and other student standard laptop’s specification (no need for fancy graphic or sound cards though)? I think it would cost around $1000 in NSW (not self-built and from reputable company).

 

[XcarvengerX]

If you want to know where I got my answers from, please read my above post again – I have told you. Of course the answers may not be reliable; therefore I need help to straighten my misconception whenever it occurs in my answers below. Thank you for reading.

General Questions Answers:
1. Reasons I choose ANU:
+ Consistently become one of the best Australian universities in most categories, in particular research
+ Cheaper living expenses than NSW
+ Opportunity to live in colleges/halls independently
+ Good reputation and recognised as one of the best universities in the world
+ Qualified lecturers
+ Academically proven
+ Probably nice community
… that’s what I can think of now and I think it is more than enough reasons for me to choose ANU.

2. Definitely. Plus we have access to National Library.

3. Probably not as nice as universities in NSW. NSW Universities (UTS, UNSW, USyd) have unlimited internet quota, ultra-fast connection, 24 hours internet access, many computer rooms and 200-300 standard pages to print each semester.
ANU provides:
- 40 MB web traffic quota (exclude intranet, Library databases and a number of educational sites)
- Plus 10 MB daily, capped at 80 MB
- Personal Hard Disk Space: 250 MB
+ Many softwares
+ Ultra fast connection
+ 400 standard pages print quota each semester
+ Many computer rooms (some opens 24 hours)

Information:
http://infocommons.anu.edu.au/pages/Home

4. Administration is too bureaucratic and inflexible – too much hassles.
Lecturers are nice and can be approached easily if the class is not too big.

5. I think people have some issues with Faculty of Economics and Commerce and Faculty of Law.
However some people said that ANU Faculty of Economics and Commerce is on top.
Most people regard Faculty of Science and Faculty of Asian Studies as the best in Australia.

6. Yes, especially if you do combined degree.

7. Answer in the following post.

8. Quite easy if you really want to find one. It gives probably $12-$13 an hour for 20-hours a week part-time.

9. Not sure. I think it is all right due to ANU extensive exchange programs, but I was told that the administration is too annoying.

10. Going to City Centre or party. My mobile costs $30 for every 2 months so it is not a problem for me.

11. It must be very competitive because many academically gifted students from around the country and the world come to ANU to study. Probably not that competitive in undergraduate courses.

12. I would say the community should be great, welcoming and no discrimination because there are many different backgrounds and nationalities of students who study at ANU.

13. I think it is the same.

14. Probably the extensive network of bike roads in ACT. I will still catch buses anyway because I can’t ride a bike. I need to know how much I need to pay to travel to City Centre.

15. - The administrative part
- Too far away
- Need some improvement in technology
- More focus on vocational (and work placements/apprentices I guess)
- Lower fees (just kidding, it is quite low already but there is always room for improvement)
- Improve some faculties, in particular Economic and Business.


Course Related Questions Answers:
1. I think so. I think the standard is Credit or above, in particular for Actuarial Studies. For others, pass is sufficient.
2. Maybe.
3. I hope not. I think it is University of Canberra (not ANU) that take ESL into account when selecting candidates.
4. Actuarial and Finance are not flexible at all, but Science is flexible I hope so. The timetable is full if you do combined degree.
5. Should be good.
6. From the handbook, I think it is not possible to take any honours unless I do combined degree B Actuarial Studies/B Finance in which case I can choose honour in Actuarial Studies or Finance. However I still think that it should be possible – I just misread some of the information.
7. I don’t know yet.
8. Nothing yet.

 

[XcarvengerX]

7. ANU Accommodation
I only give my reasoning on my 4 preference halls/colleges. Of course I still can change my preferences, right?
NOTE: The fees listed here are the 2007 fees.

1. John XXIII College
+ Cheapest fully catered college
+ Variety of delicious food including hot food
+ Small and great community (317 rooms)
+ Have a good reputation
+ Internet charge is only 2 cents per MB
+ Nice rooms and have bookshelf and pinboard
+ Sport success and many social events
+ On Campus
+ Based on Gospels
- Maybe not so quiet
- Not much international students
- Computer room only has 20 computers
- Room is inspected frequently (per term, but cleaned once a week)

Start-up cost:
2 week rent bond: $239 * 2 = $478 (need to be confirmed)
Registration fee: $130
Refundable deposit: $300
Residents committees: $130
Phone and internet connection: $285
Insurance and maintenance levy: $110
TOTAL: $1433

TOTAL IN A YEAR OF STUDY (40 weeks contract + start up – deposit): $10215

2. Burton and Garran Hall
+ Cheap start up cost
+ More focus on international students
+ On Campus
+ Many social events
+ Quiet and excellent library
+ Room has a wardrobe, drawers and bookshelves
- Room is inspected occasionally (on a quarterly based)
- Self-catered, overall cost will be more expensive for me
- Internet charge is 7 cents per MB
- Maybe a bit too big (516 rooms)

Start-up cost:
2 week rent bond: $144.50 * 2 = $289 (confirmed)
Registration fee: $185
Refundable deposit: $500
Residents committees: $100
Phone and internet connection: $0
Personal accident insurance: $11
TOTAL: $1085

TOTAL IN A YEAR OF STUDY (40 weeks contract + start up – deposit): $6076

NOTES:
$4139 cheaper than Johns, but:
Food: $50 * 40 weeks = $2000 (standard food I cook – quite ok, but not that yummy)
Time used up: 7 hours * 40 weeks = 280 hours
280 hours can be used for study or work. If work $12 per hour, 200 hours extra will give $2400.
Overall cost will be $6076 + $2000 + $2400 = $10476. $261 more expensive than Johns.
Possible higher paid job, better food and involved community are the reasons why I choose Johns over B&G.

3. Ursula Hall
+ Quiet
+ Small and great community (206 rooms)
+ Single-sex bathrooms
+ On Campus
+ Fully catered
+ Room has cupboard and pinboard
+ No inspection
- Have a weird reputation
- Not much social events
- Not much international students
- A bit lack in socialising with other colleges/halls
- Internet charge is 7 cents per MB

Start-up cost:
2 week rent bond: $252.50 * 2 = $505 (confirmed)
Registration fee: $185
Refundable deposit: $500
Residents committees: $165
Phone and internet connection: $0
Personal accident insurance: $11
TOTAL: $1366

TOTAL IN A YEAR OF STUDY (40 weeks contract + start up – deposit): $10461

4. Fenner Hall
+ Cheapest of all
+ Quiet
+ Many international students
+ Have a lot of facilities and well-organised events
+ No inspection
- Not on Campus (2.5km north east of Campus)
- Self-catered
- A bit lack in socialising with other colleges/halls
- Internet charge is 7 cents per MB
- Maybe a bit too big (472 rooms – two towers – 18 floors)

Start-up cost:
2 week rent bond: $141.50 * 2 = $283 (need to be confirmed)
Registration fee: $185
Refundable deposit: $500
Residents committees: $145
Phone and internet connection: $0
Personal accident insurance: $11
TOTAL: $1124

TOTAL IN A YEAR OF STUDY (40 weeks contract + start up – deposit): $6001
See NOTES on B&G section.

5. Bruce Hall (I am actually considering this too)
+ Involved and great community
+ On Campus
- Quite expensive
- Internet charge is 7 cents per MB
6. Burgmann College
- Far too expensive
7. UniLodge @ ANU
+ NEW

Information:
http://accom.anu.edu.au/

 

[Venusian]

2. Does the library have an extensive range of books?
dont all universities?

3. How nice is the technology? (including computer room and internet quota + any fees for printing, photocopying and excess internet usage)
fairly standard, relatively fast, 400 pg quota (ive never had to pay)

4. How are the administration and lecturers?
good and bad 6 of one and half dozen of the other

5. Do you like your faculty? Why/Why not?
how?

6. The workload… is it too much?
depends on subject selections

7. Out of these 7 accommodation colleges/halls for undergraduate, rank them in order of your preferences and give reasons. Bruce Hall, Burgmann College, Burton and Garran Hall, Fenner Hall, John XXIII College, Ursula Hall and UniLodge @ ANU
if youre and internat it probably doesnt matter - most internats ive met dont interact with the rest of the college/hall so it probably doesnt make a difference
btw - johns food isnt all it cracks up to be and theres roughly 30% (maybe 40?) internats since the uni made johns give up its only 25% internat rule

8. Is it easy to find part-time job in Canberra? How long do you work and how much do you get paid per hour?
Depends on what youre looking for and experience - some people get $13/hr, i get almost double that

9. How is the support provided for international students and students in financial needs?
internats are a protected species by the uni, the administration fall overthemselves to make sure you guys keep paying

10. Any significant fees I need to take notes other than accommodation (+food) and textbooks?
no

11. How competitive is your course?
to get into? -not very - anu has set entry requirements for most courses

12. How is the community?
as in college community - its not bad

13. What is the difference between combined degree and double degree?
err probably not

14. Anything else future students need to know?
no

15. What don’t you like about ANU? (Things need to be improved.)
nothing its a good uni, with a good rep - and the college of econ and comm needs to put less focus on helping internats and more focus on domestic students

Courses related Questions: (Actuarial, Finance, Science)
1. Does ANU kick people out if they don’t achieve particular standards? What is the standard?
yes - if you fail more than 50% of classes in two semesters

2. I read somewhere that “tute” participation is included in total assessment mark (10%). Is it true?
varies subject to subject

3. Do they take into account the fact that I do ESL, when selecting candidates for these courses?
if you suck at english they have bridging courses

4. How is the flexibility of your timetable and course selection?
timetables arent flexible for lectures - you go when they are on, for tutes they run a few depending on class size and you pick - course selection depends on degree

5. How do you rate the competency of your lecturers?
varies - ive had awesomely inspiring to down right so pittiful

6. If I take combined degree B Actuarial Studies/B Science, can I do honours for both or just one or not possible at all?
yes you could do honors in both (dont know why you would though)

7. What do you think about the job opportunities for these degrees?
do you intend on staying in australia is the first question (for actuarial then yes as long as you do well in it) for science it depends on what science

8. Any other information?

EDIT: I have some more questions:
1. I realise I need two referees to be able to accommodate in Colleges, such as Johns XXIII and Burgmann. Do I have to know my referees personally? Or does this mean that colleges will not accept international students because we don’t know anyone?
put some one from home, although didnt you say you go to school here - so cant you put down a teacher? btw johns really doesnt care about referees for internats, they dont even have to do a phone interview in most cases

2. If this is possible, can someone be my referee? I need two referees because I want to go into Johns. Thank you.
certainly not without having ever met you - thats the point of a referee that person has to tell the master of college that youre a nice person or what not, they need to be able to describe your personality - you must personally know that person to be their referee - sure you have a friend in real life you could ask!

3. How much does it cost for a standard laptop in ACT (2GHz or more, 80GB SATA, 512MB DDR, DVD burner, 3-4 hours battery, 15 inch and other student standard laptop’s specification (no need for fancy graphic or sound cards though)? I think it would cost around $1000 in NSW (not self-built and from reputable company).
DUDE the ACT is practically part of NSW its only 3hrs from Sydney not on the moon! - id say it cost exactly what it costs in sydney!

Notes on Halls/colleges
i can only speak for johns
- food is not awesome
- the 20 computers in the lab is plenty - most people dont use em as they have their own
-they dont do "room inspections" and the cleaners dont care - regardless,the fact they clean rooms weekly is awesome it means if someone keeps ridiculous amounts of food in their room it wont attract rats or bugs ! (as i understand may occasionally happen at bng )

unilodge
-will cater for internat market - way too expensive for most domestic students and the first question on the application form is passport number and visa type!

 

[Venusian]

the real answers!

2. Does the library have an extensive range of books?
dont all universities?

3. How nice is the technology? (including computer room and internet quota + any fees for printing, photocopying and excess internet usage)
fairly standard, relatively fast, 400 pg quota (ive never had to pay)

4. How are the administration and lecturers?
good and bad 6 of one and half dozen of the other

5. Do you like your faculty? Why/Why not?
how?

6. The workload… is it too much?
depends on subject selections

7. Out of these 7 accommodation colleges/halls for undergraduate, rank them in order of your preferences and give reasons. Bruce Hall, Burgmann College, Burton and Garran Hall, Fenner Hall, John XXIII College, Ursula Hall and UniLodge @ ANU
if youre and internat it probably doesnt matter - most internats ive met dont interact with the rest of the college/hall so it probably doesnt make a difference
btw - johns food isnt all it cracks up to be and theres roughly 30% (maybe 40?) internats since the uni made johns give up its only 25% internat rule

8. Is it easy to find part-time job in Canberra? How long do you work and how much do you get paid per hour?
Depends on what youre looking for and experience - some people get $13/hr, i get almost double that

9. How is the support provided for international students and students in financial needs?
internats are a protected species by the uni, the administration fall overthemselves to make sure you guys keep paying

10. Any significant fees I need to take notes other than accommodation (+food) and textbooks?
no

11. How competitive is your course?
to get into? -not very - anu has set entry requirements for most courses

12. How is the community?
as in college community - its not bad

13. What is the difference between combined degree and double degree?
err probably not

14. Anything else future students need to know?
no

15. What don’t you like about ANU? (Things need to be improved.)
nothing its a good uni, with a good rep - and the college of econ and comm needs to put less focus on helping internats and more focus on domestic students

Courses related Questions: (Actuarial, Finance, Science)
1. Does ANU kick people out if they don’t achieve particular standards? What is the standard?
yes - if you fail more than 50% of classes in two semesters

2. I read somewhere that “tute” participation is included in total assessment mark (10%). Is it true?
varies subject to subject

3. Do they take into account the fact that I do ESL, when selecting candidates for these courses?
if you suck at english they have bridging courses

4. How is the flexibility of your timetable and course selection?
timetables arent flexible for lectures - you go when they are on, for tutes they run a few depending on class size and you pick - course selection depends on degree

5. How do you rate the competency of your lecturers?
varies - ive had awesomely inspiring to down right so pittiful

6. If I take combined degree B Actuarial Studies/B Science, can I do honours for both or just one or not possible at all?
yes you could do honors in both (dont know why you would though)

7. What do you think about the job opportunities for these degrees?
do you intend on staying in australia is the first question (for actuarial then yes as long as you do well in it) for science it depends on what science

8. Any other information?

EDIT: I have some more questions:
1. I realise I need two referees to be able to accommodate in Colleges, such as Johns XXIII and Burgmann. Do I have to know my referees personally? Or does this mean that colleges will not accept international students because we don’t know anyone?
put some one from home, although didnt you say you go to school here - so cant you put down a teacher? btw johns really doesnt care about referees for internats, they dont even have to do a phone interview in most cases

2. If this is possible, can someone be my referee? I need two referees because I want to go into Johns. Thank you.
certainly not without having ever met you - thats the point of a referee that person has to tell the master of college that youre a nice person or what not, they need to be able to describe your personality - you must personally know that person to be their referee - sure you have a friend in real life you could ask!

3. How much does it cost for a standard laptop in ACT (2GHz or more, 80GB SATA, 512MB DDR, DVD burner, 3-4 hours battery, 15 inch and other student standard laptop’s specification (no need for fancy graphic or sound cards though)? I think it would cost around $1000 in NSW (not self-built and from reputable company).
DUDE the ACT is practically part of NSW its only 3hrs from Sydney not on the moon! - id say it cost exactly what it costs in sydney!

Notes on Halls/colleges
i can only speak for johns
- food is not awesome
- the 20 computers in the lab is plenty - most people dont use em as they have their own
-they dont do "room inspections" and the cleaners dont care - regardless,the fact they clean rooms weekly is awesome it means if someone keeps ridiculous amounts of food in their room it wont attract rats or bugs ! (as i understand may occasionally happen at bng )

unilodge
-will cater for internat market - way too expensive for most domestic students and the first question on the application form is passport number and visa type!

 

[XcarvengerX]

Thanks Venusian.
Yes, I intend to stay in Australia after I finished my uni degree.

I just not quite understand the concept of referee.
So I can put teachers from my school as my referees? I thought the referee must be people who has or is currently accommodating at the college. Is it true?

One more thing, please someone help me with this question:
What will happen if something unexpected happen later that will prevent me attending ANU after I apply for accommodation but before I pay the registration fee? Do I still need to pay? (I assume that I must apply before end of October so can get into my first preference but only need to pay after my spot was confirmed on 17 January)

 

[Venusian]

its like what you'd use for a job application - someone they can ring up and ask if you are an axe murderer or puppy killer, or an nice person - someone who can varify what you wrote on your application

like what wikipedia says:
Personal references

In the labour market, a reference is a letter to a prospective employer regarding a job applicant's characteristics. Usually the person providing the reference - the referee - is a previous boss, or someone of some distinction in government, the clergy, or education, who can personally vouch for the applicant's employability.




like i said before - johns doesnt care about references if youre an internat! (cos its not likely that you'll actually get involved with college)

 

[XcarvengerX]

OK thanks. Cheers.

 

[Sarzzabelle]

1. List 10 reasons (or less) why you choose ANU over other universities.
I chose ANU coz it has the exact course that ive always wanted to do, ie B Comm/B Asian Studies (Spec); and because it is the best unversity in Australia (true fact).

2. Does the library have an extensive range of books?
Which one? We have 4 large ones and then numerous smaller ones just for each faculty.

3. How nice is the technology?
Internet quota is on a daily basis, whilst print quota on a semester basis. Both are more than reasonable!

4. How are the administration and lecturers?
Lecturers are great

5. Do you like your faculty? Why/Why not?
I like it because its an ANU faculty

6. The workload… is it too much?
Nope... at times I almost feel like I dont have enough

7. Out of these 7 accommodation colleges/halls for undergraduate, rank them in order of your preferences and give reasons. Bruce Hall, Burgmann College, Burton and Garran Hall, Fenner Hall, John XXIII College, Ursula Hall and UniLodge @ ANU

8. Is it easy to find part-time job in Canberra? How long do you work and how much do you get paid per hour?
It depends really on the sorts of jobs you are looking for, and where you are looking to work. It is not too bad though. The rate of pay generally follows the state award for that industry, and normally you can pretty much pick the amount of hours you want to work each week.

9. How is the support provided for international students and students in financial needs?
Sorry, im not really sure about this one as it doesnt apply to me. Although, i think it is quite reasonable

10. Any significant fees I need to take notes other than accommodation (+food) and textbooks?
There are certain late fees etc however these are easily avoided so long as things such as enrolment, etc, are done on time

11. How competitive is your course?
Fairly so, but not too the point where it isnt fun anymore.

12. How is the community?
I like the ANU community. Not too big, not too small

13. What is the difference between combined degree and double degree?
I would've thought they were the same thing. Are they different are they? I thought they were just two different ways to describe essentially the same thing

14. Anything else future students need to know?
Come to ANU

15. What don’t you like about ANU? (Things need to be improved.)
I dont like how everyone pays it out coz its in canberra! ANU rocks!

Courses related Questions: (Actuarial, Finance, Science)
1. Does ANU kick people out if they don’t achieve particular standards? What is the standard?
I've never known it to happen. I mean if you failed a class repeatedly then maybe action would be taken, but not necessarily action that would see someone get kicked out.

2. I read somewhere that “tute” participation is included in total assessment mark (10%). Is it true?
In a lot of the actuarial and finance courses, tute participation does count towards assessment. The % however is not always 10%, it depends on the course. You find out all about assessment criteria during the first lecture though.

3. Do they take into account the fact that I do ESL, when selecting candidates for these courses?
No idea sorry

4. How is the flexibility of your timetable and course selection?
For you during your first year, you'll probably find they're wont be a great deal of freedom in course selection, but once you get through all your prerequesites, this settles out pretty quickly. Timetables are flexible as far as tutorials go, and lectures are to a point.

 

[timmyh]

Seeing as u put bruce 1st i assume ur living at bruce... which explains why u put Johns near the bottom. bruce ppl just dont like us because 1. we beat them senseless on the sportsfield. 2. bruce abuse.
Johns is the premier college on Daley Rd.
Johns has the rep for being best sporting college, bruce has the rep for being potheads.... nothing more to be said really

 

[neo o]

Seeing as u put bruce 1st i assume ur living at bruce... which explains why u put Johns near the bottom. bruce ppl just dont like us because 1. we beat them senseless on the sportsfield. 2. bruce abuse.
Johns is the premier college on Daley Rd.
Johns has the rep for being best sporting college, bruce has the rep for being potheads.... nothing more to be said really

Potheads because we won the arts shield? Johns is hardly the best sporting college, you get pummelled year after year in hockey, AFL, tennis etc. The only good thing that can be said about Johns is that you guys have an awesome participation rate in regards to college sport and social activities.

 

[sezy_jane]

there are some dickheads at johns that make the rest of us embarrassed. but generally everyone's really approachable - which i'm sure you'd find at most of the colleges - and yes, as neo_o mentioned we try to support and encourage each other - whether it be in sport stuff and (with a little encouragment) now NONsport related activities like the art shield competitions.

 

[timmyh]

not potheads because u won the arts shield... that was a good effort. potheads because that is the rep, if u were at the arts shield presentation night half the play thingys featured a pothead from bruce, just like they had a rich kid for burgie... its just a rep.
And if johns is that bad at sport how come we have won the sports shield for something crazy like the last 7 years....? The simple fact is that johns dominates a lot of college activities, certainly the sporting ones....
Some of the boys club give johns a bad rep but u dont really need to take it that seriously...
Its uni, we're hear not only for a piece of paper at the end of a few years study but also to have a bloody good time. Johns is the best place to have that bloody good time...

 

[Epic_Postings]

Hi guys, i was wondering if there is a gym in ANU?

If there is one (or many), how does membership work? and also where is it situated?

thanks!

 

[neo o]

Hi guys, i was wondering if there is a gym in ANU?

If there is one (or many), how does membership work? and also where is it situated?

thanks!

There's a gym on campus about a 5 minute walk away from the colleges, near Union Court. Membership is ~ $200 (though I don't know what it will be after VSU).