Winter in Shanghai

My colleagues - both Chinese and the Foreign teachers ( who have been here for longer than me) are warning me to brace for winter in Shanghai. Here's what the

Wikipedia entry does not tell  you about Shanghai winters:

Extremely damp- lots of rain.........

NO central  heating anywhere- even the 5-star hotels

The "Air conditioners" turn into "heaters"

Matt (2nd year in China) slept under 2 duvets and a rug last winter. This is the guy who flew to Beijing last weekend to run a half marathon for a children's charity. He's no wuss.

Victoria warns me to purchase a "batttery", by which I assume she means a portable heater(?)

Sunshine told me to burn lots more candles than I usually do- it might help...........oh goddess, help me........I HATE being cold