How much you expand and the food you eat is tied up with what youre doing? As a student you will probably eat at the cafe and wonder why you have come all the way to China to eat sweat n sour pork? If you are working then you will probably have more fiscal leverage to choose the restaurants you like and/or purchase the groceries agreeable with you. If I can offer any tips on etiquette it would be to keep an open mind and let cultural disparities slide off your back until you understand the whys and the hows. The big two tips I wish I was told are these two little gems: 1) ALWAYS ALWAYS carry with you a packet of tissues… you never know when you will need to squat (literally); 2). Get out there and meet people, put yourself out of your comfort zone and do not be afraid to approach expats and locals alike. China can be a lonely place if you are involute. GOODLUCK!!!