Before you told us about the location of the school, I would say yo giv the dorm a miss, as of the three and a half famous universities in Shanghai, none of them have a decent dorm, even after the recent renovations. CEIBS should have newer accommodation. From my personal experience, to live on campus to be with your contemporaries does offer a valuable experience. As an alternative, there are a few service apartments near by may worth investigation.

To live in Pudong is no problems at all, as the transportation system in Shanghai is good, and for those late nights in town, taxi is not expensive by our standards. On the other hand, if you decide to live in the city (Shanghai proper - I HATE the term PUXI!) you may encounter the Shanghai rush hour while you try to get to your class on time, that is to be avoided at all costs.

Enjoy your time in Shanghai, I am sure you will.

Going to a business school in China! How time have changed!