You asked:

I need way more space in my room. Should I loft my bed?

Lack of space is an issue that isn’t going away any time soon, and lofting your bed will leave you more room for your desk or chair or storage materials -- anything you need to stay out of the way. However, some schools won’t allow lofting, or they require you to sign a waiver to have a loft in your room, so check with the Residence Life staff before carrying out any … um, lofty plans. Many schools offer lofts for rent for the school year, but there is a deadline for renting. If it's too late to get one from the school, look online for instructions on how to build a loft from scrap lumber or for easy-to-assemble lofts you can purchase. (Many Web sites sell lofts you can put together yourself -- or with three of your closest friends.)

It's important to remember that you are responsible for removing any furniture you bring to your dorm room. If a loft is too expensive or you’re not exactly handy with the tools or you only need a little bit of extra storage space, consider bed risers. Found at bedding and discount stores, bed risers are like mini-stools for the bottom of your bedposts. Standard risers lift your bed about 6 to 8 extra inches to make way for some fairly tall under-the-bed storage boxes to get your belongings out from under your feet.

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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