I just went onto Zillow.com and searched in my area using the price filters. Several rentals came up, mostly in New London.

I also went on Craigslist and searched for a minute and found this apt near UCONN

Roommate wanted here in a listing on apartments.com.

I like to organize data, so my advice is to make a spreadsheet with different search options and results. Call them all and keep track of what the results are (left message, need to call back, already rented, etc.). You will find something if you are organized and persistent. But my advice is to first figure out where you want to live (proximity to job, family, school, etc) and start there. Otherwise you will be driving all over the state with no focus.