I got into the TAFE course I applied for today and have had an application for student housing approved. So I'll be giving my landlord notice that I'm leaving tomorrow and will be turning in my keys as soon as the 28 days notice (that's required) is up. I'll actually be moving out before then, as the course starts on the eighth of Feb, but that gives me time to make sure the place is utterly spotless.
So in all, a happy ending for me. Thanks for all your advice in the last post.