traveller

Hi all! I'm an international student, who's going to be attending NYU (engineering) this fall. Unfortunately we don't have on-campus housing. How would you suggest I go about searching for housing? I won't be able to come to the city till mid-August, but I can't really put off finding a house till then. Is it wise to go for a house without taking a look at it physically? (obviously no, right?) Has anyone else been in my boat?