Hi everyone! I am looking for a studio in New York city (Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island, Manhattan seems to be pricy, would love to live there though), having a budget of approx. 1000$ +/- (no more than 1500$ though, preferably I would like to spend less that that). I am planning to study for a year, and would really appreciate if someone could provide me with any advice and trust-worthy source (like website) where I could find a place for rent, given that I have to make a choice while being outside of the USA and would like to get away without paying some crazy fees to brokers. Oh and obviously I don't have any credit history that is required by some landlords, as far as I can understand.
A website i would suggest is
http://www.listingsproject.com. They have a weekly newsletter that goes out every wednesday with sublets, rentals, room rentals, live/work spaces, work spaces, even apartment swaps. Craigslist is often recommended, but you have to be super vigilant that you don't fall for a scam. My best advice is to find a place through airbnb (which technically is not illegal as long as someone that lives in the apartment still occupies while you are there), then look for a place from there. Who knows, the person you find though airbnb may be looking for a permanent roommate.
With your budget you should look at upper manhattan (like harlem/washington heights, on up), queens, the bronx, or brooklyn. Staten Island will be a bit of commute, presuming you want to work in the city. Astoria is the new haven because it can be a quicker commute to the city than brooklyn and is fairly cheap, although that is changing. Also, Jersey may be an option...and you'll probably have better luck finding a place in your range. Depending on where you look you could even get a 1 bedroom for that price. I also recommend you check the safety/amenities/access to transportation of neighborhoods before you commit to anything. Yes, you may find a place in your price range, but it may be riddled with crime, nothing aside from bodegas, and 20 blocks to their nearest train station....not a good situation at all.
The biggest issue you will run into is being from another country...or rather what comes (or doesn't) come along with that. I'm saying most people will want you to have a source of income (and proof of it) and of course credit as you mentioned. You will have greater luck in the outer boroughs in less desirable nabes and/or landlord owned buildings because they aren't necessarily as thorough or strict with their requirements. Also, check out nabes with high russian populations as they may be more inclined to rent to as they may understand your situation and view you as less of a risk than someone else.
I also recommend you check out city-data.com for their forums, they have a lot of useful information and a thread for people interested in moving to NYC. I must warn you to take their advice with a grain of salt, some are very condescending and will tell anyone making less than 200k not to move to there. Others may think you are a troll, they tend to be a skeptical bunch...not that I can blame them though. Well that is all I can think of now. If you like I would be happy to answer anymore questions you have.