It may not be the easiest in the winter (though I will be bicycling all year to get around) I think getting a hardtail mountain bike would be a great commuter that you could use for mountain biking as well. If we are both in town at the same time I can help out with any bike-finding / fixing skills I have. I think a good idea would be to have roommates because most of the time you can just get a ride and go grocery shopping, skiing, climbing, etc together.
I'm hoping to get a house if possible the first year. I'm hearing back about possibly starting as a lab tech April 1st so I may be able to give everybody some better information about the town. If I can start in April I will be heading to Dartmouth!