Studying in the USA - Where to start?!..

Hey Guys, I'm new here!
I have a question or two about studying in the US
I plan on going to EI Makeup Academy in Los Angeles in the very near future, It's a school that accepts international students and can issue the I-20(i think thats what its called) and all that fun stuff.
I'm under the impression that a student visa is not nessecary for a canadian to study in the US, but you just need proof of everything at the Port Of Entry. Am I correct?
What am i allowed and not allowed to do as far as getting an apartment, buying a car ectectect?
I'm not sure if being a canadian makes me an international student at the school, if it does then i have no questions BUT IF IT DOESNT the course is only twice a week for a year and I'd like to get a job. am i allowed to do this?
If any of you could offer any information for me i'd be extremley greatful. My questions are the last thing the grumpy ladies at the international affairs office want to deal with.
Thanks so much

You will need a student visa to study in the US, and you will be a foreign student. Here's the page from the USCIS website about student visas

I think it depends on what type of visa you get (there are different classes I think) for what you will be allowed to do once you get here. You may only be allowed to work on campus, like in the book store or whatever. I don't think you can get a state driver's license, but your license from Canada will be good as long as it is valid so keep it up to date.

I'm not terribly familiar with student visas, so search thru the info at USCIS and keep asking questions.

You will be considered an international student, especially in Cali. I only believe some schools in the States offer discounted tuition, etc to Canadians (Wayne State in Michigan is one of them), but most consider you to be an international student.

Good luck!