For short term and not heavy use of high consumption air tools, a single stage compressor will be adequate. It will not hold resale value as well as a two stage compressor, so if you plan on selling it when you get your own place, keep that in mind.
A two stage compressor will put out more air for the same horsepower (and fuel consumption) and because it can hold a higher pressure in the tank, will give you more reserve with a high-consumption tool. It will have better resale value, too. They cost more to buy, either new or used.
I have had excellent luck with the Honda engines on compressors. I have had good luck with Kohlers, too. Hondas are easier to start!
I had poor luck with a Coleman (rebranded Sanborn) two stage compressor. It was basically a good cast iron unit, but the hairsprings on the intake valves would break and it wouldn't pump up well. The broken pieces would go through the rest of the system and sometimes get stuck in the one-way valves further downstream. It was a constant headache.
I also had a consumer-grade Ingersoll 2-stage with an Italian-made pump that ran at high speed. It worked well, but blew out the head gasket every 4-5 years. They quit supporting parts, so I made my own gaskets from heavy-duty material and they held up better, but not forever.
A cast iron pump will hold up longer, but will be heavier if you don't need it to be portable. Modern aluminum pumps seem to hold up well in consumer level use.
One factor to consider on a gas-powered unit is the unloading system. There are two basic types. The first lets the engine run at a constant, full-power RPM and just unloads the compressor so it won't pump until needed. The second unloads the compressor and idles the engine down until it is needed again. The second system is much quieter and also seems more fuel efficient, especially for intermittent use. If you are not going to use the air again soon, it is best to shut down the compressor until you need it again. This is where electric start is nice!
