Relocating to NYC with some questions (apartment, utilities, taxes)

[jennavive]

This forum has been a great resource, but I still have a few questions about a pending move to NYC. Your advice is appreciated.

I received an amazing job offer in the city, and am looking forward to a move.... very shortly. This time frame happend much more quickly than I anticipated.

So the basics:
I will live alone and hope to find a studio apartment, probably the Upper West Side, with a budget not to exceed $1800 but preferably less.

I will have a monthly budget of about $4500 after taxes and such. This seems reasonable, but since I've never lived in NYC, I really have no idea.

I am arriving in the city at the end of April or early May.

The questions:
1. Is it reasonable to find an apartment in a week in Manhattan? I am willing to put in an application on the spot if I find a place I like. Do I need to be prepared to put in an application on multiple places? I've never moved anywhere without a place to live, and I'm nervous. But I also realize I can't really line up a place from the west coast.
2. Since I'm hoping to use an expedited timeline on the apartment search, should I use a broker? Are they really easier? I am prepared to pay first, last, and security. However, if I use a broker, I understand that cost to be at least equal to a month's rent. If you are paying a broker, do you still need first, last and security?
3. Best places to go for good, reasonably priced furniture?
4. Is there any benefit to apartment hunting on a weekend? Or before the end of the month? ie should I show up before the weekend of the 28th? Or is it going to be fine if I arrive for the apartment search to start May 1? Does it really even matter???
5. What is a reasonable budget for other things? utilities, internet, food


Thanks much in advance. Your advice is appreciated.