Hey,
I'm finishing an MA at Fordham and thought I would throw in two cents about housing. First, the student housing option. I've lived in the Arthur 2 graduate house for the past two years. Like anything, there are advantages and disadvantages. First, the good stuff. It is furnished, utilities are paid for and the rooms are relatively large. The location on Arthur Ave is safe and surrounded by great restaurants. Each apartment has 5 rooms, so you will have 4 roommates. This can either be good or bad. Some apartments really bond and have a great time. In fact, it can bring about a great community in what can be an otherwise isolating experience. Conversely, it has really blown up in the face of other apartments and increased their stress. Also, it is expensive. You may be able to find a single bedroom for less. Also, it is right next to the main undergraduate bars, so it can get very loud. Like I said, I am really glad that I lived there but other people look at me like I am crazy.
In regards to other housing options, there are plenty of apartments in the Bronx. Most people live south of campus in the avenues near Arthur ave. Apartments really vary in price and quality. Other students live north along the metro north. A monthly pass up to Bronxville is $55. Finally, a number of students live east, the #12 bus runs up that way right by Fordham.
Obviously, the big question in the Bronx is safety. The honest answer is that at 3AM no place is really safe. The biggest thing is to be smart and aware of your surroundings. That being said, every now and then someone gets mugged a 1 in the afternoon on Arthur ave. But, most people don't have a problem.
As far as where to look, Fordham will put up some links. Craigslist is always good. Finally, if you just google "fordham student housing" and a number of brokers come up who specifically market to students.
One final note, if you are interested in the student housing, get on reslife and bother them till they get you want you need. There are only 44 spots. Reslife at Fordham is really really really bad so you really have to stay on them if you want them to do anything.
Let me know if you have any other questions about Fordham. I will keep checking here, also feel free to PM me.