NanE

I "might" be able to help you with the loft question! My oldest d is in college in Ohio too and her bed is lofted. She received a flyer in the mail shortly after returning her first deposits etc. There are companies that specialize in this and they set them up for the kids before they arrive on campus. My d and her roomate really like this option because it does give them more floorspace than just bunking the beds. The one my d has it made out of metal.You could make your own but if it is made out of wood, you must have a fire extinguisher attached to it. One more thing, If you do go the loft route, you need to get a foldable steplader (3 steps) for the person on top and trust me, that is not an easy thing to find "move in" day!