If you’re traveling for studies. First, change your Facebook location to the country, state and city of your school and use Facebook Market to look for accommodation.
Second option, email the ISSO of your school and request for the official email of the African Organization

Most schools have African Organization. Reach out to them and inquire on how best to get accommodation.
Third, there are AirBnB you can get temporary while you search for apartment.
Last resort, if you come and things change.

Most states have homeless shelters around, look for where to save your luggages, go there and get some sleep. You can shower there or go to the school gym and shower then look for apartment afterwards.
Check twitter as well and reach out to people on LinkedIn.

See, this one is tricky. Find a church close to the school, email them and let them know you’re resuming studies and would like to have a family that can help with settling down and airport pick up.
Most times the church will get you someone or they will help with pick up.