If you don't come right before you get there, I stayed at the Holiday Inn Express nearby (I was only there for a week though). It was reasonably priced (~$100/day), and staying at a Holiday Inn will make you an expert on anything you plan on doing
It was on the water, pleasant, clean, and a short drive away.
Once you are there no doubt you'll quickly mingle with other students who could help you out, assuming you don't get some leads before hand.