Accomodation at the univ, bike, and carrots

[marmakoide]

Hi everybody !

 I will work at the University of Science and Technology as a researcher, landing scheduled around March. I've a few questions related to living in Hefei. To sketch the context, I happily live in Asia since one year (Hanoi, Vietnam) with a rather local way of life, and don't speak a damn word of Chinese.
   * I know that the university provide accommodations, but before jumping on that, I would hear about it.Nothing weird about it ?
   * Is flat/house sharing an easy & common option ?
   * I see myself using a bike for my daily locomotion. I'm water-proof, sportive and Hanoi gave me a sharp sense of survival in heavy traffic, but yet : is bike a realistic option ? Are bike parking common ?
   * Is veggie friendly food hard to find ?

Alex

[Aussie Mike]

I'm sure some of the students can give you a better Idea of the campus accom.  
Student accom is pretty basic compared to Western standards but we are in China.
The main problem is lack of privacy...

Outside accommodation is fairly easy but expect to up to 2000 RMB for a 2 - 3 bedroom in a good location.
You can be lucky and get some very cheap accom. but it is cheap living.

My assistant is getting very good at finding accom. If you need help finding something, let me know.

Bike riding is no problem if you have some brains and "Give way to stupidity".  
Hefei is flat and easy to ride. Bike theft is a real problem.  Mine lasted 6 days.

Vegie food is harder to get but there is plenty about if you know how to ask for it.
Be careful, as much of the food is cooked in pig fat and the cooks don't often get the orders right.

[marmakoide]

Thank you, Mike ! I guess I won't get a too much fancy bike ^^

So, people, no strong cautions about the university accommodations ?