Because of the complications involved, many students do not try to find an apartment of their own. Instead, they search our listings and check bulletin boards looking for someone who has an apartment and needs a roommate. If you want to go that route, don't check just at Berklee. Go to the other colleges in the area and look at their bulletin boards. Also, their housing office may let you look at their apartment and roommate listings, although they usually limit that service to their own students.
Many colleges have an off-campus housing web page as well.
You may also want to get in touch with one of the roommate matching services in the area. We can provide you a list of the services we're aware of, but the college does not endorse a particular service. These businesses usually charge a fee to list you in their books or database and to allow you access to other listings they have. Whether dealing with a real estate agent or building owner, make sure you don't allow yourself to be talked into something you don't really want or can't afford. Try not to take an apartment sight unseen.