When to start?

You should start looking 4-6 weeks before you plan to move in. Brokers usually charge 15% of the year but we are negotiable. If a broker won't negotiate the fee, get a new one.

nycreagent is seriously undervaluing their service for an nyu student at the height of the summer season in the village. you're in the wrong business.

why would you say "brokers usually charge 15% but are negotiable? why state the fee if in the next sentence you say "but we're negotiable"? you might be, many others are not. what about a co-broke?

Many apartments in the vacinity of NYU are rented to students. There is always turnover.
Are you here in the city already?
You need a roomate or roomates depending on your budget. You have to secure this pronto unless you are living alone which might be costly. You will need at least 1-6 weeks depending on you. You might get lucky you might not. You might have expectation that need alteration. Budget is the critical factor. The bigger the better. I don't know where your from so expection is a big issue. You could ez end up in Williamsburg of LIC depending on what you have to spend. Last minute will be a huge mistake. Expect to pay some extra rent (june/july/august). Apartment open at the end of the school year and then begin to fill. Early bird gets the worm. If your going to do it yourself w/o a broker you have to give yourself enough time to do the hunt.
More info would be helpful.

If you start Aug 1 you're gonna need a lot of luck.

NYUbound,

Look on craigslist (CL) use all resources to find a pad. Best to you in your new endeavors!

I think you are already paying for this kind of assistance as part of your tuition. So start with NYU's own resources, for example: http://www.nyu.edu/housing/offcampus/guide/

If the University can't help you, you can always try brokers, nybits, Craigslist, etc. At the very least, the Off-Campus Housing Office will steer you clear of the most notorious scams. NYU has a strong reputational interest in protecting new students from con artists.

you should use this guy, jim hones--great attitude, really looks out for the tenants he places, and a very nice, humble guy

widebottom, the op would be so lucky. premium service and products usually come with a higher price tag. the guy who is whoring himeself out because he's desperate for a deal is the one you have to look out for. Plus I've got inventory they won't see unless they pay so...;