How to find potential roommates in advance?

Hi! I’m already here living in Manhattan. This is super early but my lease ends in September and I want to downsize my current living situation with the # of roommates I’m living with to just 1.

I’d love to room with my friends but it’s either:

a.) lease timelines are misaligned.
b.) they are living with their partners

I’d like to start searching in advance to befriend this potential roommate, build a friendship, grow familiarity with each other and the likes.

I believe a few months before would give us enough time to deem each other roommate material come September. I’m a guy, btw.

Any tips/advice?