Hip places to live in Brisbane and how to go about renting an apartment?

I am 24 years old and am moving to Brisbane in january to do a masters degree. I am really confused about how to go about finding a place to live. I have been hearing that Paddington, the Valley and new farm are great places to live. Currently I live in Montreal in a great area with little cafes and restaurants, markets, independent music and film, parks, bike lanes and is well connected to public transportation. I am looking for something along those lines in Brisbane and I am wondering how people go about renting places. Do you have to go through a real estate agency? Where do you look for apartments? Are bedbugs an issue? Help me! :) Please and thanks!