EarlyReader

I conquer. BDB is over 100 years old, outdated in many respects (not all, it still has some valuable detail), poorly organized for beginners, and completely outdated in terms of its comparative semitics (its main comparative language is Arabic!). Holladay is great because it is cheap, and offers a concise summary of HALOT that will serve your needs well 90% of the time. I would definitely buy Holladay. If you are interested in having your own copy of HALOT, the best option IMO is to invest in the digital version through Bibleworks/Accordance. Its something like $130, which is less than you will pay for one volumne hard copy, its searchable, hyperlinked, etc... Also, if you are studying Greek, you can get HALOT and BDAG together for a pittance ($230ish).

I've been studying in the U.S. as a Canadian for a couple of years now. As long as you are able to provide proof of finances its not too hard to get your visa and take advantage of some very good educational opportunities down here.

Got accepted into Yale's MAR Bible concentration. Now waiting on funding (which is apparently in the mail). Perhaps now I can enjoy the weekend sans nervousness.