What if I can't afford anything? 

The biggest problem about finding a place to live in NYC is that you're usually going to have to prove that you make 40x the rent.   

Think about that.  Just to get a $2400 a month apartment, your household income has to be at least $96,000.  That's close to a 6 digit salary, and far more than most people make.  

Not surprisingly, many households are joint, shared or dual income. 

Of course, there are third party guarantor companies that can help people out who need just a little push over the hurdle.   Some will even pre-qualify you.   For most of these programs you need to make about 27x the amount of rent on an annual basis. 

There are also programs and agencies that offer housing related counseling.  When in doubt, call 311. 

That said, regardless of your situation, here are the basic rules I recommend following to increase your chance of finding a place as quickly as possible:

1. Use all resources at hand including experienced agents.  Do not limit your options(!)
2. Be flexible... yet know what you need vs. what you want
3. Educate yourself.  You may not be a professional agent, but you still need to know how the system works
4. Inquire aggressively (meaning, don't just put in one viewing request, then wait for someone to get back... keep inquiring UNTIL you get replies and even after then.)
5. "When's the soonest I can come down and view this place?" needs to be your mantra.  Do not hold off viewing any promising looking apartment.  Ethical agents put in applications on a first come/first serve basis.  Don't voluntarily put yourself in the back of the line.
6. If you find the right place and want to put in an application,  get the paperwork in immediately!
7. Have that paperwork ready BEFORE you start the hunt
8. Stay cool calm and collected.   Be prepared for disappointment, yet have a success mindset