Nah, it is not impossible to live in nyc as a student. I have two good, long time highschool friends who went there for undergrad who did just fine. If they can do it... I know I can do it, possibly better! However, they stay home most of the time... I'm more outgoing so I will need to balance my $$ carefully.
About housing, I will do apt sharing/roommates; I can't afford Chelsea, Greenwich or any of those areas near NYU. Brooklyn is where I plan to go on room-hunting. Queens I believe is too far, even in Sunnyside or Astoria. How my roommate/s will be is pretty unpredictable (and kind of scary for me). Oh and of course... trying to find a room with A WINDOW and a decent Closet at an affordable price. Haha.
What about you?