http://groups.google.ca/groups?q=uw.cssa&hl=en&lr=&sa=N&tab=wg
google uw.cssa newsgroup
you can find something for rent
but better you know some friends to help you.
laptop is useful
and cellphone is tri band,
you can bring one and use the prepaid plan,
much cheap than normal plan(as if u don't phone all day