Your problem is that "cheap place" and New York are incompatible. How much do you consider cheap? I'm moving to New York and I haven't seen an apartment for less than $1800/m. I don't think you'll even find a share for less than $1000 a month and if you do, it's going to be way out in deep brooklyn, or up in the bronx, or weird (sharing a bed with two albanian guys) or random luck.
Also, craigslist is really the only way to do it.
airbnb.com has good places to crash.
maybe consider new jersey if cost is the biggest issue.
Also, craigslist is really the only way to do it.
airbnb.com has good places to crash.
maybe consider new jersey if cost is the biggest issue.