For $200, I'd rather find nice solid pre-owned desk with drawers on Craigslist or in a local consignment/used furniture shop.

I think that Ikea, Target, CB2, etc. are great choices. Limited funds, limited space and a great variety of choices within these stores make them good places to try.

As a room-and-board-paying parent of a college student, I say Susan's dorm should supply her with a desk and bed. Susan might have to get used to living with something less than her design ideal, but many of us did and survived.

All the dorms I've lived in have come with desks in them already. If I had $200 to spend on a desk though I'd scout out some thrift stores and find a simple solid peice (probably for about $40 and then I'd spend the rest on... schoolbooks?)

That birds & blooms desk is really pretty! Wish I had a spot for it!

I've been loving the go-cart desk in all its colorways since it first came out. However, I don't need another desk ... I wish it would come in a work-height size... I'd buy two!! Hey CB2 ... please make a work-height version!!!!

I saw that Pier One desk the other day and ooh-ed and ahh-ed at it until my roommate started ignoring me. I thought it was a vanity though. Either way, it sure is lovely.

i have been thinking about the Jay desk from West Elm for months, but haven't purchased it (yet). i did see it in the store, and it is perfect for a small space, especially since it has the roll-out extender.

http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODf297&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1FRNSKS&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1FRNSKS

i got mine from target- matte black & steel, for $70 came with a matching 3-shelf unit! ...though i agree, dorms usually come with desks?

i'm in the market for a very cheap desk...i saw this one on ikea's site for $34...it looks simple and clean but i worry about its durablity.

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S79831622

Thanks for posting this, I am about to move into a small rented room and I have been looking for cheap, simple desk. Any ideas where I can get a dresser for a similar price?

You can mix and match the Vika products on IKEA for the perfect desk. I left my printouts of possibilities at home, but I'm considering the Fagerlid bases (which have storage) and the Gruvan glass top (which has storage under). But also, check out the VIKA AMON/VIKA ANNEFORS - it's really nice but not available in my area :(

Yes, I spent HOURS on Ikea the other day, trying to find reasonable pieces for under $200, but I'm looking for crafting, not so much a real desk.

I remember my dorm room coming with all the furniture I needed, but If I did have to buy one, I'd look for something light, and easy to come apart, as you will be moving out after 8 months

Also, the problem with buying a desk from Goodwill/Craig's List is that it's preassembled - I have NO way to get it home. At least Ikea is pack-flat, which is a lifesaver!

What dorm doesn't come with a desk?!

I am in love with that damn Pier 1 desk. I'm not sure when I became so... girly.

I have the Sloan desk from Crate & Barrel in bamboo and I love it. It's a great space saver because it's so compact and it has built in shelves above your desk for books and plants. It also looks nice and neat in my studio apt. Three years out of college and still living compactly. * Also, side not on L.A. craigslist... I troll it all the time looking for used furniture and am convinced that most people are trying to trick you into buying their old junk from plummers. There's rarely a good find and when there is... the person posting is asking way too much money.

Does anyone have the Go Cart desk? I've been thinking about it for a long time, but it looks a little rickety.

Anyone have any thoughts on how to wall-mount the Ikea Cyril Desk & Cabinet, thus negating the need for the awful bottom assembly?

Extra points if you can figure out how I can do this into solid concrete walls and still maintain the desk's structural integrity/significant weight support.

Oh my goodness, the first desk from West Elm goes perfectly with my new room. Anyone have any ideas about how to add storage under it? (I don't need to store files, so the accompanying file cabinet doesn't make much sense.)