How can I move out from North Carolina to Boulder, Colorado and live on my own?

Assume I am moving out a year from now. And I am on my own:

1) Do I start making plans only after I get a job there?
2) Should I make the apartment rentals prior to my moving there?
3) I only have, say, $2000 in cash. Is that enough for the one-way flight, the apartment deposit and rent for the first two months?
4) If not how much would I need for a single bed room apartment?

I am 20 years old; male; and part-time physics major at a Tier 1 university.
1) Make plans now. Be realistic. Now is not the time for hoping your dream life drops onto your lap.
2) I would try an extended stay hotel for a week before renting anywhere.
3) Do the math, round up, and have extra for emergencies. You need money to eat and to travel as well.
4) Look, a cost of living calculator online: http://swz.salary.com/CostOfLivingWizard/layouthtmls/coll_metrodetail_217.html#moving

Maybe renting a room would be easier to begin with. Above all, do what you want to do, because it is your life.
1) better that way, otherwise u will run out of money and live in street
2) sure, if u can arrange that, otherwise u need to live in hotels or at a friends place
3) that could be tough, assuming that hte flight is $500, and the remaining amounts means to rent an apartment fo $500 a month. Tough to find one unless u dont mind living in a basement of a house. Besides, u need to pay for your food, and other living expenses

4) $600 to $1000 a month rental depending on locations
1,2,3,4……..pack your stuff , , move. I'd try to find a job first if possible, if you have graduated from school , if not you may have to wait until you get there. As for living accommodations, I'd not rent anything until I was there and could see it in person, I've stayed a couple of times in those rent by the week places when I moved to give me time to learn a bit about the area and find a place close to work/school.