Moving to new york and looking for roommates?

Am 18 years old and currently living in the kansas.I really really wont to move to new york ASAP i wont to get there as fast as possible.all my friends and family has told not to go and i will never make it new york and working a sucky job lol(so you cant tell me that am not determined lol)now i have a few questions here we go.i have no idea how to find a good roommate(i don't wont to use Craigslist too many creeps) so i don't know what to do about that.how to find a job ( currently working at a grocery store)live in kansas so do i have to fly back in-forth for interviews i don't know how that's going to work.and if you have any suggestions fill free to give me any advice but please be mature and be nice please thanks:)