By Mike Robbins

The thought of no more nagging, food stealing or bathroom sharing sounds like heaven, doesn't it? One way to achieve all of these things, short of killing off your roommates, is getting your own apartment. Whether you're finally graduating or a freshman looking to move, finding a place to call your own is an ordeal.

The process starts by picking out an area that is going to fit your price range. Once that's all set, how do you actually find a place? Should you go through a broker or just start hitting open houses? Take a look through the classifieds in the newspaper? Even easier, hop on the Internet and check out what types of places are available in the city to live.

www.rent.net - Nationwide apartment search.

www.apartmentsource.com - It's a pay site for Los Angeles, Boston, New York City and San Francisco.

www.aptsense.com ñ For a $145 registration fee, you can search their apartment listings.

www.apartments.com - Search New York City apartments by borough and district.

www.realestate.citysearch.com/nycny - Not too extensive a search, very basic apartment complexes listed. No personal listings, just brokers.

www.places4rent.com - Offers a nationwide search, price range search, personal and broker sellers. It's a rather comprehensive site - well worth a look.

www.monstermoving.com ñ The best all in one search; plan/price a mover, price your move, get broker and mortgage info and contact the U.S. Post Office of your change of address.

www.apartments-in-new-york-city.net/index.html - Fill out a form with your specifications and they will e-mail

you with rentals periodically along with calling you to discuss deals.

http://realestate.yahoo.com - Easy, simple, Yahoo!

http://www.yellowtruck.com/ - Ryder Moving Vans Rental service.

Looking for a roommate?

http://www.roommatelocator.com/

http://www.rentbuddies.com/

Make appointments and don't settle for the first place you see. The people who will show you these apartments will do everything in their power to sell you what they've got. Shop around and see as many places as possible before you make your decision - it can't hurt to bring a friend or two with you, it's always good to have some backup.