Hey Matt,
For what the HR people from EK have told me, you are entitled to stay at the provided accomodation for the lenght of your employment. However, after a certain period of time (I believe is 3 years of continuos employment) you can take the money they alocate for this purpose and find housing on your own. Again, this is optional.
About the starting routes, they told me all new hires are trainned to operate B777 and A330. So wherever they are flying those two types of aircraft is where you will end up flying. There is no restricion as far as long or short haul flights. You will be basically filling in flights until your seniority allows you request specific flights and "buddies".
Again, this is just what they told me as we asked them exactly the same questions during our OD in Santa Cruz.
Fly Rules
