that must be very frustrating for your friend to wait 2 months.... knowing that other people are going to the recruitment days and finding out within 1 week they did not get in.... and waiting 2 months and then finding out? Ah I would be annoyed about that! What can you do though?
As regards to the accommodation link..... there is good priced accommodation around.... I have a share house as well as some of my friends who mange houses. Rent is around $150-$200 a week sharing with 2-3 others .... if you get in I can provide some pointers on where to look and if I have anyone looking at that time.