Help with Apartment (Students)

Me and my partner gotta move out of our respective households sooner rather than later. Dorms are too expensive for what you're getting. I'm going to Pitt, partner is going to CCAC in the North Shore location.

I currently don't work but am looking for work. My partner makes around 1-1.5k per month. Neither of us have credit cards nor a credit history. I know minimal about the process but I am aware of cosigning, I don't have a source for a cosigner, though I may have slight financial support from my father if I add that onto working.

We are fine with another roommate or two. We are looking for somewhere accessible to public transport, preferably in a city neighborhood, as well as accessible to the North Shore alongside Oakland. Much preferably queer-friendly. Not wildly expensive. Looking at Dormont or Bloomfield right now. And I know Pitt has off-campus living arrangements.

I understand the financial situation isn't the greatest here. Just wondering if we could make this work, when, and how, and where else would be appropriate to look? Thanks.