So, I managed to find some sort of failed science expedition near my starting shelter. The closest lab was just out of town, so I decided to make it my home. I made a few trips to collect the loot left over by the scientists (a teleporter, portal generator and a few blocks of hydrogen included).
I managed to defend my little camp on the ground floor from two or three waves of zombies, taking some serious damage which I barely managed to heal.
On my preliminary exploration of the lab, I discovered a science chamber with at least one Utility CBM along with several other items, and more stairs leading down. I found a computing book and settled in for the day to read up on my 1337 h@xing. The next day, I grabbed my backpack, messenger bag and machete and headed down there to have a look around. Apparently, some giant ants liked the look of the place too. It only took three of the suckers to eat me alive thanks to the massive skill debuff from all my body encumbrance.
My only issue with the game (after a few weeks of playing) is the fact that zombies swarm me wherever I am and regardless of what I'm doing. I could be running nude through the forest and three boomers and a brute will suddenly materialize in front of me and smash my skull in. That actually happened to me once, too. The mental image was not pleasant.