Whether I was moving into a new dorm or getting ready for a new semester taking virtual classes, one of the very first things that I set up before the first day of class is my desk. I spend a lot of time at my desk working on school assignments, attending virtual classes, working on writing projects, and writing posts for my website, so it is important that my desk is well-organized and has everything I need to focus on a task. Here is how I set up my college desk as a student with low vision, including what I use for virtual and hybrid classes.
About my desk
College dorm desk
When I lived in a furnished college dorm, my desk was chosen for me as students are not allowed to switch out furniture in their dorm unless they have a specific disability accommodation. These are the measurements for my dorm desk in the four years I lived on campus:
- The desk tabletop measures 22″ x 43″
- The desk itself is 30″ tall, excluding the hutch
- There is a bottom opening that is 24″ wide, and three drawers on the side (note that they do not have drawer pulls)
- The desk itself is made from pine wood, just like the other furniture in my dorm
Originally, my desk when I was a first-year student had a hutch screwed on the top of it that had additional shelving. However, I couldn’t fit my desktop computer underneath the hutch, so I asked my brother to unscrew the hutch from the top of the desk and put it in a closet. I didn’t need a disability accommodation for this and didn’t get in trouble, though I did request that the hutch be unscrewed in future semesters.
My current desk
When I was choosing a desk for online classes, I wanted something that would accommodate my desktop computer and provide an option for placing the screen closer to my face so I could read the monitor. The desk I had been using for years works great, as I can fit my desktop computer and several peripheral accessories on the tabletop, plus I can fit a set of plastic drawers next to it that has chargers, cables, magnification aids, and other tools that I might need.
- The desk tabletop measures 30″ x 48″
- The desk itself is 30″ tall, excluding the risers
- There is a bottom opening that is 45″ wide, and is open on both sides
- The desk itself has a laminate material for the tabletop surface
After completing an ergonomics assessment as part of an assignment for a graduate course, I realized that it would be helpful to adjust the height of my desk to make it easier for typing and reading from my screen. Since my desktop computer at the time had a unique design that makes raising the tabletop impossible, my mom and brother added concrete pavers (along with a foam mat) underneath my desk to raise the height to a more comfortable angle. This was tremendously helpful, but they did jokingly say that they would refuse to help with any future assignments that involved moving furniture!
Now that I am using an adjustable monitor, I no longer have the pavers under my desk and can adjust the display height/viewing angle to a comfortable height as needed.
Using a Desktop computer vs Laptop computer
Which is better for low vision: a desktop computer or laptop computer? Like most accessibility questions, the answer is “it depends.”
Desktop computers are generally designed to be used in one location and are not as portable as laptops. That said, desktop computers often offer larger screen sizes, more advanced technical specifications, and more flexibility when it comes to peripheral devices— users can easily connect their own keyboards, mice, and other accessories to their desktop. I primarily used a desktop computer in undergrad because I did not have to bring a computer to many of my classes, since students were expected to use the lab computers; I would take notes on an iPad in these classes.
Laptops are meant to be used in multiple locations, and their smaller size can make it easier to position the screen within a user’s field of vision, as well as offer options for adjusting the angle of the display. However, users may need to factor in battery life and charging, as well as consider whether they will need to connect additional peripheral devices if they have difficulty using their laptop— for example, someone may need to connect a mouse if a touchpad is challenging to manipulate. I have used a laptop for many years, especially in high school when I had multiple classes that did not take place in computer labs.
For users that are looking for a portable device that can also be used like a desktop computer, a docking station or second monitor can be useful for connecting a laptop to an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, which can be used in the same way as a traditional desktop computer. This is particularly helpful for individuals with low vision who need their laptop for school or work, but prefer to work with a desktop configuration for longer periods of time.
Currently, I have a Surface Laptop that connects to a Surface Dock, 24” ViewSonic monitor, large print keyboard, and mouse. This mimics a desktop computer setup, though I can disconnect the laptop and take it on-the-go when needed.
Related links
- Questions To Ask When Choosing A Desktop Computer For College
- Questions To Ask When Choosing A Laptop For College
- How I Set Up My Tech Internship Desk: PM Intern With Low Vision
- Tips For Taking Online Classes As An On-Campus Student
Using a dry-erase board
I love using dry-erase boards because I can write more neatly on a slanted or vertical surface, and I can scan a copy of the whiteboard and attach it to my notes. This was especially helpful for math classes where I could easily erase and re-write different numbers, as well as for making lists or brainstorming ideas for different assignments. I have a 11″ x 14″ whiteboard on my desk at all times, which is positioned on a DIY “Eileen” stand that I built for another homework assignment.
In college, I covered my desk with contact paper to protect against spills and scratches, which had the additional bonus of converting the desk surface into a dry-erase surface. This was helpful for writing large reminders (sticky notes are too small), but I also converted a portion of my closet door with contact paper to a dry-erase surface so I would have a vertical workspace for working out ideas and moving around during study sessions.
Related links
- Making an Eileen (unh.edu)
- Dry-Erase Eraser Alternatives For Low Vision
- How I Show Work For Math With Low Vision and Dysgraphia
- The Best Study Tips For Visually Impaired Students
Adding peripheral accessories
Peripheral accessories are additional devices or components that connect to my computer, and I have several on my desk for working on various tasks. Everything is connected to a larger USB hub, which is easier than reaching behind my computer to find cables, and all of the devices are a different color than my computer and desk so that they don’t get lost or become harder to find on similar colored surfaces. I currently have the following peripheral accessories on my desk or on my computer:
- Large print keyboard (Keys-U-See), which uses a wired USB connection
- Logitech brand wireless mouse
- External microphone for recording audio, meetings, and presentations, which also has a pop filter
- Two external webcams, which can be re-positioned or used to capture video from multiple angles when I am filming a demonstration or assignment. This is also helpful for exams that require remote proctoring
- Wireless headphones for listening to audio output
- External CD drive for watching DVDs or accessing other content, which uses a wired USB connection
When I lived in a dorm, I also had a printer connected to my computer, which was placed on top of the mini fridge next to my desk. With my current desk set up, the printer is now in another room since I don’t need to print things as often.
Related links
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Keyboards
- Computer Mice and Mouse Alternatives For Low Vision
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Headphones
- How To Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows
- How To Customize Icons For Windows
- Remote Testing Accommodations For Low Vision
Organizing cables with low vision
When I was living in a college dorm, I honestly didn’t put much thought into how I would organize or identify cords for charging technology, connecting peripheral devices to my computer, or arranging items that are connected to a surge protector— I plugged everything into wherever it fit and accepted that it would take me a while to locate cords. It wasn’t until one of my friends sat down with me and taught me how to better organize cords and cables that I realized how much of a difference proper cable organization makes, and I wrote an entire post about it linked below.
Related links
Using wall storage
I purchased the Perch modular wall organizer (then known as Urbio) back in 2015, and love using the magnetic modular containers to store items around my desk. Having the option to customize the layout of the Perch whenever I want makes it easier for me to store writing utensils, papers, folders, small assistive technology devices, whiteboards, or other items I want to keep handy but don’t necessarily want on my desk. Other magnetic hooks or decorations can also be placed on the modular organizers to provide even more storage options.
Another wall storage option that has helped with desk organization is cork boards with Pinhooks, which I use to hang necklaces instead of using a tabletop jewelry organizer. In college, I would hang cork trivets from Ikea with Command strips to save space and create a fun design.
Related links
Other items on/around my desk
Due to the large size of my computer, I don’t really have room for much else on my desk, but I do have a few smaller items next to it. Some other items on and around my desk include:
- Adjustable light for desk area. In my dorm, I connected a lamp to a remote-controlled outlet, but now I use a smart bulb that is controlled with Amazon Alexa. This is helpful for adjusting the color of light as well as the intensity, and has made a huge difference in my workspace.
- Plush animal sitting on top of/behind webcam, which helps me to make eye contact and focus on the camera while filming
- Slanted tablet stand/document stand for reading
- Set of short drawers with larger items, such as my desktop video magnifier, scanning accessories, extra cables, etc. These are slightly shorter than my desk, so I have to stand up to grab items.
- Amazon Echo Dot, which is helpful for accessing information nonvisually or for using voice commands.
- Smart TV that supports Chromecast, so I can share my screen with a larger display as needed.
Related links
- Lighting And Low Vision
- How Amazon Alexa Can Help You Study For Exams
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Smart Speakers
- Ways I Use My Google Chromecast For Virtual Learning
- Activity Ideas For Vision Breaks
- Ten Ways To Reduce Eye Strain From Screens With Technology
More ideas for how I set up my college desk with low vision
- Wondering how I organize digital files and emails? Learn more in How I Organize Digital Files For My Classes and How I Organize Emails In College With Low Vision
- Interested in learning how I arrange my desk with my neurological condition in mind? Read How To Create Accessible Workspaces For Chiari Malformation
- Want more college resources? Browse College Resources | Veronica With Four Eyes (veroniiiica.com) and Virtual Education Archives | Veronica With Four Eyes (veroniiiica.com)
Published July 24, 2017. Updated September 2024