Based on what you're saying, I suggest giving StrictlyToolBoxes (STB) a call and seeing if they can get a box to you in time. I would stick with a cabinet only, but if you really want a top, look into one of the Montezumas, shorter than the box size so you have some flat worksurface. A killer deal would be the Montezuma 36" Crossover Combo, which you can get from Autozone for $899 + shipping. Perhaps you can get STB to match that.
I'm going to echo others who recommend minimal/modest spending on the box, put the savings toward good tools. Heck, you may be able to get started at the school with a HF 5 drawer cart. IF you can, then that would be a very wise move. Yes, a Snappy or Mac will give you a bit more swagger cred with your fellow students, but the reality is that after the first month, how you perform in the class and work and play well with others is going to matter a lot more to everybody (including you) than the badge and size of your box.
You can likely get everything sorted out Monday morning. Call your school and find out if you can have a box shipped there. If so, then you don't have to worry about getting the box there. Then decide HF 5 drawer, HF 44", Craftsman, Autozone, STB or one of the school's boxes. The only one that would require any additional work on your part is the HF 44", which most SUVs can also haul, or call a friend/GJ member/ rent a truck. (Most Sears work with a delivery service that you can use to get a box from their store to the school, if you buy a box in stock, otherwise ship to school.) Once you've picked a box, determine whether or not you can get it in time. A lot of that simply depends on where you are relative to where the box is...
Oh, and as far as Craigslist goes, don't forget that many regions have popular alternatives to CL that can get as much or more traffic in that region.
As far as your original question goes, of the two I would recommend whichever is more likely to hold it's value (sounds like the Snappy from what others have said). Drawer arrangement doesn't matter at this point, simply because if you knew what you like in that area, you'd already have your answer. So basically it comes down to color and value between the two.