Housing in Traverse City and GLMA Questions

Hello,
I am non traditional Freshman and I am entering inAugust of 2014. I do have a couple of questions if some one can provide:

  1. I was informed that when on the ship for two weeks for Aug the non traditional freshman find housing together and pretty much put their names on a board and sort out housing. Is this a bad idea and should I secure housing prior to coming considering I have heard the rental market is limited.

  2. Is it hard to find P/T work in TC?

  3. Any words of the wise or “hey watch out for this” to look out for?

I appreciate any impute. Thanks for the help!