I have root access - pretty easy actually. Here is what I did:
1) Install the 4.3 update from sammobile via odin - let it boot
2) reboot and install cwm via odin - you can get the latest here: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=47607315
3) reboot into recovery and install supersu using cwm - I believe the latest is here: http://download.chainfire.eu/204
Thats it! Now restoring my apps and data using Titanium backup.
Debating whether I should do this now or wait for the zip file with root inserted. Stupid exams taking my time away from 4.3 >=(