When searching for an apartment the first thing you want to look at is your budget. What can you spend? Whether you are searching on your own or with a few roommates, it’s typically good to come up with a budget that works for you, your parents or roommates.
Even if you're working you might not make enough to get an apartment on your own, so you would need a guarantor. In my experience buildings have obviously wanted someone with good credit and a person that makes 100x the rent. But this rate can vary. The next thing you want to look at are low fee or no fee apartment buildings.
Also, you want to be prepared. This is NYC so apartments go fast and you don’t want to miss out on that one apartment you love that just so happens to fit your budget. Most owners or leasing offices want a lot of paperwork and the first month’s rent plus security upfront. Since apartments go fast they want all of this up front.
Best of luck in finding your perfect, affordable NYC apartment.