Moving to college is a huge transition. Many students are used to having their own private and large space at home. Trying to settle into a room that is small and suddenly having roommates can be a shock.

While rearranging the existing furniture to maximize floor space is helpful, it doesn’t alleviate the stress of trying to study, relax, and socialize in this new tiny area. Making room for clothing, a computer, various electronics, and personal items becomes easier when you free up floor space by stacking two of the largest pieces of furniture in a space.

One way that many freshman college students create extra room to stretch out is by using a loft bed with a desk below. Some colleges provide plans for DIY lofts made with raw lumber. This sometimes-complicated woodworking project isn’t a great option for many people, however.

Choosing a high-quality loft bed with a built-in desk underneath offers a simpler and more streamlined solution to the problem of too little space. Keep in mind that not every pre-made loft bed fits into small dorm rooms and shared apartments. Be sure to get the measurements of the room, including ceiling height, to make sure you understand how the furniture fits into the room.

Loft beds are available in both wood and metal with a desk or workstation underneath. Some unit feature extra storage shelves or a built-in chest of drawers. Be aware that larger units may not be ideal for very small spaces.

Consider adding a comfortable arm chair to the room to accommodate visitors. It’s also important to provide a desk chair that is ergonomically correct.

Here are some of our most popular loft bed options

Industrial Metal Loft Bed with Workstation

This loft and desk combination is a minimalist option ideal for students who need a lot of space for studying. With room for multiple screens on the desk, this setup is also ideal for gamers.

Full Size Loft Bed with Workstation

This silver gun metal twin workstation loft bed offers a comfortable place to sleep and room to study, as well. One unique feature of this unit is that the orientation of the workstation allows natural light into the study space. Two small corner shelves offer a handy space for essentials.

White Wood Bunk Bed with Desk Underneath

For a more formal look with clean lines, this white loft bed with bead board detailing and a slanted ladder is a great choice. The built-in workstation includes foam board. Metal to metal connections make this a sturdy unit that lasts for many years. The matching book case and chair are optional add-on items.

This simple yet beautiful loft bed has clean lines and a rich, dark finish. The slant ladder makes accessing the bed easy. With a work station that stretches the length of the bed,

there’s ample room to spread out. An integrated foam board makes staying organized and keeping important papers within easy reach. Additional matching furniture pieces are also available.

Wood Loft Bed with U Shape Desk

This solid wood loft bed unit has an attractive espresso finish and a great deal of additional functional storage. The U-shaped work station makes staying organized easy, while offering more than enough space for multiple electronics and monitors. The slant ladder is ideal for safe access to the bed, and its location at the front of the unit makes positioning this bed in a small space easy. Safety rails on all sides and metal to metal construction make this unit a sturdy option that will stand the test of time. This unit is also available in an Oak finish.

While the transition from home to college can be challenging, furnishing a new and possibly smaller living space doesn’t have to be. Create a fun, sophisticated, and functional living space with the help of a well-made loft bed with built-in desk.