well, you don't really say how much you've saved up, but I'm sure you can find something affordable in a decent area of brooklyn or queens. Do you know which areas you'd like to live in?
You'll probably need to come up with at least two months rent and possibly a broker's fee of about 12% of a year's rent - that is, if you go on and get your own place. Otherwise, you could probably find a sublet or a share of some kind to start out with. good luck.