The Lap Desk - a College Student's Best Friend

Everyone knows that space in a college dorm room is limited. Single rooms are notoriously small, and if you have one or more roommates, you may be left vying for space. The amount of work space that an individual has in his or her dorm is similarly small. When one considers that a computer and books may take up the majority of a student's desk, it becomes obvious that there may remain little space for the completion of written homework. If you are a college student and find that you lack enough space to do work, you may want to consider investing in a lap desk.

What Is a Lap Desk?
A lap desk is like a large clipboard (about 18 inches high and 24 inches wide) that has a plush backing so that it can be rested comfortably on an individual's lap. Many lap desks have handles so that they can be carried easily. Often, a lap desk will have a clip at the side for securing documents like regular clipboards have at the top. Some more "advanced" lap desks have things like built in lamps.

How Are Lap Desks Used?
Lap desks can be used in a variety of ways. For example, a college student might have his or her chemistry textbook on his or her desk while using the lap desk as a writing surface for his or her homework. Likewise, the lap desk could be used to provide a writing surface if an individual is doing homework on his or her bed. A lap desk could also provide a surface on which large textbooks could be laid open. Basically, a lap desk provides an extra flat surface whenever one is necessary or desirable. Granted, extra space may be available at libraries or academic buildings, but these are not always open and it may be preferable to stay in one's dorm room during inclement or cold weather.

Why Use a Lap Desk?
Lap desks are of particular value to college students because often desks are filled with things like a laptop, books, a desk lamp, an alarm clock, binders, and other academic paraphernalia. In cases such as these, actual work space may be limited. While homework could be completed using the same textbook as a writing surface for its respective assignment, having to look back and forth between the assignment and book is time-consuming and distracting. It is much easier to rest the open book on a desk or bed and use a lap desk as the writing surface.

Where Can I Get a Lap Desk?
Lap desks are available at many book stores such as Border's and Barnes and Noble. I am not entirely sure, but I would guess that stores such as Office Max and Staples might also have lap desks. Lap desks are relatively inexpensive, most costing between $20 and $30.

If you are a serious college student, you may want to consider a lap desk to give you the extra space you want or need to do work while at school. Have any personal experience with lap desks? Feel free to share in the form of a comment. Thank you for reading!