If I were a creative student today, this is the complete home desktop setup I'd get

(Image credit: Amazon) Share Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter I've been working on my personal WFH desk set up for around six years. That's plenty…

(Image credit: Amazon) Share Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter I've been working on my personal WFH desk set up for around six years. That's plenty of time to make plenty of mistakes, buying over-priced kit and fancy units that don't do a better job than the budget options available.And that got me thinking. As it's Back to School season, why not put that six-years' experience to good use and choose the best work set up for students – pick the best budget options in a host of areas that all creative students need.And so below is my list of the nine most essential things that will elevate your work space, but won't break the bank. They include my all-time favourite budget ergonomic chair, the Sihoo M18, as well as the recently discovered $30 Bob Ross desk mat, which brings a smile to my face every time I look at it. Apos Bob Ross Desk Mat There are four Bob Ross original desk mats to choose from, and they're all just $30. That's a small price to pay for pure joy! These are big things that will bring a splash of colour to your new standing desk (see below). Logitech G305 Lightspeed This is the No 1 selling mouse on Amazon for a reason. This classic offers 400 IPS precision and up to 12,000 DPI sensitivity, not to mention over 500 hours of continuous use between charging. Insane value! AOC Q27G3XMN When it comes to the best budget monitor, the AOC Q27G3XMN wins because it offers the best combination of picture quality for price. This 27-inch display uses mini-LED lighting and though it lacks in ports, its 180Hz refresh makes it a no-brainer for students who want a beautiful screen, who also game. U Brands Cork Board OK, this may not be the sexiest option on here, but I've found my home cork board to be constantly used in my work day, and I can imaging it'll be the same for students too. Cheap and useful, this is a great buy for just $16. Evercade EXP-R Talking of gaming, not all consoles have to break the bank, and the Evercade EXP-R is Creative Bloq's top pick of the best retro gaming consoles. This is ideal for breaks from work and also taking on the train for commutes to class. Flexispot EN1 I was turned on to standing desks in 2020, and Flexispot was the best entry-level brand then, and remains the go-to brand today. For just over $100 you get a good-looking, real wood desk, with four memory settings (though why you would need more than one for standing and one for sitting is beyond me!) Sihoo M18 This has been my top budget office chair ever since I reviewed it back in September 2024. It's simple and sleek in design, and totally delivers in ergonomics. I still own mine, and though I've had far more expensive chairs since, I'll never get rid of it. Acer Aspire 3 This budget laptop offers a sharp full HD IPS display, a capable Ryzen processor for smooth daily tasks, and a versatile USB-C port that supports charging and external displays. True there are ultra-budget options for around $170 on Amazon, but I think that's a false saving. You won't get the 8GB RAM and 128GB storage that you do here. Aula F75 Talk about beautiful design! Although a gaming keyboard, I think the F75 would look great amongst any style of decor. I love the 75% size of it, and it sounds great. Perhaps best of all is the array of colour ways that you can choose. Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless and USB wired connection comes as standard. Get the Creative Bloq NewsletterSign up to Creative Bloq's daily newsletter, which brings you the latest news and inspiration from the worlds of art, design and technology. Beren NealeEcom EditorBeren cut his teeth as Staff Writer on digital art magazine ImagineFX, and has since worked on and edited several creative titles, including Paint & Draw and Computer Arts. As Ecom Editor on Creative Bloq, when he's not reviewing the latest audiophile headphones or evaluating the best designed ergonomic office chairs, he’s testing laptops, TVs and monitors, all so he can find the best tech deals for Creative Bloq’s digital professional audience. LATEST ARTICLES 1 Quote of the Day by Yayoi Kusama: "I fight pain, anxiety, and fear every day, and the only method I have found that relieves my illness is to keep creating art" 2 Buy Nintendo Switch 2 now and save up to $80 before next week's price rise 3 The MSI Crosshair 16 HX proves an old CPU can learn new tricks 4 Apple's surprise new Mac mini and Studio bring masses more power for creatives, and there's a way to save over $500 5 The FREE Witcher 3 Remaster just won CD Projekt Red massive respect from gamers

Source: Creative Bloq AI Art — Published August 27, 2026 at 11:33 UTC — Category: Image AI