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11 Best Desk Chair for College Students

One thing I have learned from my first year of college is that you spend a lot more time sitting down and working than you could imagine. A good desk chair can help make your time sitting down working that little bit less irritating.

This post will show you some of the best desk chairs for college students. I aim to help you make your choice on which is right for you because. As a student, you are (whether you like it or not) going to have to spend loads of time in your dorm working at your desk. But with the right office chair, it doesn’t have to be so dull.

Unfortunately, the desk chair you get provided at your dorms will usually be an antique that prompts back pains after just a few hours. That’s why I have compiled a list of 11 of the best college office chair in various categories. Whether your chair is going to be used solely for studying or some gaming and socializing on the side, we will present a great option for you in this list.

Before you check out our opinions on each of the chairs here is a to-the-point table to compare some of the key things you should be considering when looking for your perfect college chair (size, weight, comfort, and more).

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 ProductTop FeatureMaximum Weight CapacityChair Weight 
Dowinx Gaming Chair Office Chair PC Chair with Massage Lumbar Support, Racing Style PU Leather High Back Adjustable Swivel Task Chair with Footrest (Black&Red)Dowinx Gaming ChairBEST GAMING CHAIR FOR STUDYING264 lbs49.7 lbsLATEST PRICE
Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office ChairBEST FOR WORKING LONG HOURS

280 lbs41 lbsLATEST PRICE
Herman Miller Aeron ChairBEST ERGONOMICS300 / 350 / 350 lbs40 / 41 / 43 lbsLATEST PRICE
CLATINA Ergonomic Big and Tall Executive Office ChairMOST COMFORTABLE400 lbs47.3 lbsLATEST PRICE
ATTICA Vanity Chair Office Desk Chair Modern Height Adjustable 360° Swivel Upholstered Computer Task Chair with Wheels for Study Room Living Room Bedroom (6422Pink)ATTICA Vanity Office ChairMOST STYLISH287 lbs21.6 lbsLATEST PRICE
Flash Furniture Mid-Back Mesh Swivel Ergonomic Office ChairSIMPLE OPTION250 lbs30 lbsLATEST PRICE
Amazon Basics Classic Puresoft PU-Padded Mid-Back Office Computer Desk ChairBEST VALUE275 lbs28.2 lbsLATEST PRICE
Home Office Desk Chair, Modern Adjustable Low Back Rolling Chair Twill Fabric Upholstered Chair Armless Cute Chair with Wheels for Bedroom, Classroom, and Vanity Room (Mauve Pink)edx Low Back Rolling ChairBEST LOOKING FOR DORMS250 lbs19.9 lbsLATEST PRICE
BestOffice Home Office Ergonomic Mesh Desk ChairBEST ON A BUDGET250 lbs23 lbsLATEST PRICE
Homall Gaming ChairBEST BUDGET GAMING CHAIR300 lbs42.1 lbsLATEST PRICE
Flexfit Hyken Mesh Task Chair, Charcoal Gray (Un59464)Flexfit Hyken Mesh ChairBEST BUDGET ERGONOMIC CHAIR275 lbs48 lbsLATEST PRICE
College Desk Chair Comparison Table

Dowinx Gaming Chair

Dowinx Gaming Chair Office Chair PC Chair with Massage Lumbar Support, Racing Style PU Leather High Back Adjustable Swivel Task Chair with Footrest (Black&Red)

If you are looking for a chair that will be great for studying and/or gaming then the Dowinx Gaming Chair is an outstanding pick. It looks amazing, there are a few color options but every one of the Faux Leather designs looks almost too luxurious for a student. Plus, the materials used are of great quality to back up the amazing looks.

You get the bonus of a massage feature with the chair. This adds to the already great comfort provided by the thick foam cushion and lumbar support. If it weren’t for the slightly higher price tag then this chair would take the top spot for ‘Best Overall’ with ease, it competes and arguably beats some of the most expensive gaming and office chairs out there.

Despite it being a gaming chair there is no obligation to use it as such. It is simply a high-quality chair that has the versatility to do more than just what the name ‘gaming chair’ implies (it will handle long study sessions). Whether you want to recline, lean back, and watch TV or study overnight, this chair will keep you comfortable.

The high-density foam brags the ability to offer years of use without losing shape. While the price may be a bit higher than some others on the list you know you are getting the superb quality that is undoubtedly worth it. Find here on Amazon.

Best Features

  • 90° to 165° reclining (I find switching recline regularly helpful for keeping focus)
  • Massaging lumbar pillow
  • Variety of great-looking designs
  • Footrest
  • Made from quality Faux Leather

Potential Drawbacks

  • The cushioning on the arm rests are very firm – can become a bit uncomfortable after prolonged use

Gabrylly Mesh Ergonomic Office Chair

Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair, High Back Desk Chair - Adjustable Headrest with Flip-Up Arms, Tilt Function, Lumbar Support and PU Wheels, Swivel Computer Task Chair

When it comes to extended periods of work your priority should be on making sure you are not damaging yourself in the process. For long periods of work to be an effective way of working they also need to be sustainable, meaning you need to do your best to avoid lower-back and neck aches arising.

That’s where the Gabrylly Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair comes in, it comes with a headrest and is a high-back chair. Simply put, this means your whole body is supported by the chair allowing for superior comfort and support for extended periods of working, letting you get more done with fewer aches and pains. I would recommend that everyone uses a high-back chair for studying, as it certainly made studying significantly more comfortable for me. However, high-backs can take up more room and are often more expensive.

There are a few high-backed chairs I recommend on this list. But if you need a chair that will offer comfort and support for your whole body then look no further than this chair from Gabrylly.

Best Features

  • Ergonomic design
  • Lumbar support
  • Breathable mesh design
  • Easy assembly
  • Great customer service

Potential Drawbacks

  • Headrest is quite high, if under 6 foot it will likely be useless

Herman Miller Aeron Chair

Herman Miller is the most well-known premium desk chair manufacturer, and for good reason. The Herman Miller Aeron Chair is the most expensive office chair on our list by a long way, but it also happens to be one of the best-reviewed chairs out there and comes with a 12-year warranty.

The Aeron chair comes in 3 sizes and has incredible posture support, so everyone can achieve optimal ergonomics like no other chairs available today. The chair has a first-of-its-kind elastomeric suspension, innovative tilt mechanism, and adjustable lumbar support.

If that all sounds a bit complicated and ‘salesy’ then here is the main takeaway. All of these features create a more natural sitting position that leaves you feeling almost as if you aren’t sitting at all. This is because your weight is distributed optimally giving the illusion that your body is being held in the air rather than lumped onto some office chair.

This chair might be a tad overkill for most students. However, if you are looking for the best office chair available then look no further. If your budget allows, then you will be hard-pressed to locate a more supportive and ergonomic desk chair for studying. You can see the Herman Miller Aeron Chair here.

Learn a bit more about the Aeron

Best Features

  • Best ergonomics available on the market
  • 12-year warranty
  • Revolutionary posture support

Potential Drawbacks

  • Very expensive for a chair, but considering the 12 year warranty it’s likely to last as long as 3 other chairs

CLATINA Executive Office Chair

CLATINA Ergonomic Big and Tall Executive Office Chair with Upholstered Swivel 400lbs High Capacity Adjustable Height Thick Padding Headrest and Armrest for Home Office Beige

This tall, ergonomic chair from CLATINA has thick padding making it incredibly comfortable. It comes with an adjustable back tilt, an integrated padded headrest, and adjustable armrests altogether summing up to make this chair the most comfortable I could find.

Netflix, TV, or work, no matter what you are doing you know it will be a comfortable experience in this chair. Just be weary that executive chairs like this one can take up a bit more room than your standard office chair. If you’ve got the room, this chair is a great bet for your dorm. See on Amazon.

Best Features

  • Thick padding
  • Huge 400lbs load capacity
  • Tall Backrest

Potential Drawbacks

  • Some buyers are worried about the lifespan of the chair, although a 5 year warranty is currently offered

ATTICA Vanity Office Chair

ATTICA Vanity Chair Office Desk Chair Modern Height Adjustable 360° Swivel Upholstered Computer Task Chair with Wheels for Study Room Living Room Bedroom (6422Pink)

The ATTICA Vanity Chair makes for an excellent desk chair for students studying. It is both comfortable and stylish. The chair is made of high-quality velvet fabric, which is soft, comfortable, and features a durable frame with a soft filling. It is also height adjustable, from 18.5 to 22.8 inches, so that you can find the perfect position for studying.

The smooth and durable casters make it easy to move around, and the 360 degree swivel means you will always be able to find the perfect position to study. Finally, the five vibrant color options allow you to find the perfect match for your dorm room. So if you’re looking for a desk chair that is both comfortable and stylish, the ATTICA Vanity Chair is a perfect choice.

Best Features

  • Cute – perfect for light work in your dorms
  • Multiple color options
  • Height adjustable
  • Easy assembly

Potential Drawbacks

  • Not particularly ergonomic focused. It’s not the desk for you if you intend to spend 4+hrs a day using this chair.

Flash Furniture Mid-Back Mesh Back Office Chair

Flash Furniture Mid-Back Black Mesh Swivel Ergonomic Task Office Chair with Flip-Up Arms

The Flash Furniture Mid-Back Black Mesh Swivel Ergonomic Task Office Chair is our recommendation if you are a college student looking for a simple desk chair that gets the job done. It’s good-looking, comfortable, and versatile, fitting the bill for almost every student. The perfect balance between cost and ergonomic benefits.

At 30 pounds it’s fairly light meaning you won’t have to worry about getting any complaints from friends in the room below when you’re working into the early hours of the morning. You get everything you need from this chair: pneumatic height adjustment, 360-degree swivel, optional tilt, comfortable flip-up arms, and all at a very reasonable price. Find at Amazon.

Best Features

  • Breathable mesh
  • Lumbar support
  • Tilt & height adjustment
  • Simple design
  • Flip-up arms
  • Good customer service

Potential Drawbacks

  • Difficult assembly

Amazon Basics Classic Computer Desk Chair

Amazon Basics Classic Puresoft Padded Mid-Back Office Computer Desk Chair with Armrest - Black

Obviously as a student the prices of anything you are looking to purchase play a huge role in deciding what you can and can’t have, however, we believe this pick offers the best of both worlds. It’s well priced AND comfortable.

The Amazon Basics Classic Chair looks the part and is a comfortable chair upholstered in durable Puresoft polyurethane. The pneumatic height adjustable chair is incredibly light for a non-mesh chair coming in at just 28.22 pounds with a maximum weight capacity of 275 pounds. I see this chair as a mini executive chair, it offers the benefits of an executive computer chair without all the bulk.

Altogether making it a superb option for any student looking for a compromise between quality and cost. Check the latest price here.

Best Features

  • Great Value
  • Wide seat

Potential Drawbacks

  • Not the most comfortable or ergonomics, but still surprisingly good for the price

edx Low Back Rolling Chair

Home Office Desk Chair, Modern Adjustable Low Back Rolling Chair Twill Fabric Upholstered Chair Armless Cute Chair with Wheels for Bedroom, Classroom, and Vanity Room (Mauve Pink)

Desk chairs are an important part of any student’s set-up. After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time seated at your desk while studying. This particular office chair is great for students because it is both comfortable and stylish. The padding on the chair is soft yet supportive, and the adjustable seat height means that you can customize the fit to your own needs. Providing you with everything you want from a chair for your dorms without compromise.

The 360 degree mobility is also perfect for any student, I wouldn’t be able to cope with a study chair that didn’t offer this. Great mobility is essential if you are messy like me and need to roll around your room to find the pieces of paper you are looking for! Plus, this eye-catching design is sure to add a touch of sophistication to any space. Now, this isn’t the most ergonomic chair on this list for students but if you want a bit more style this chair offers a great option. See on Amazon.

Best Features

  • Stylish design
  • Compact & mobile
  • Massive color selection

Potential Drawbacks

  • Not an ergonomic-oriented design

BestOffice Ergonomic Home Office Mesh Back Chair

Her Majesty Home Office Chair Ergonomic Desk Chair Mesh Computer Chair with Lumbar Support Armrest Executive Rolling Swivel Adjustable Mid Back Task Chair for Women Adults, Black(H03)

Looking for a budget mesh chair with a wide choice of colors? If the answer is yes then this basic ergonomic office chair could be a good choice. While it may not be as sturdy as the majority of options on this list, it is incredibly easy to set up and one of the cheapest desk chairs you will find anywhere.

You get the addition of some adjustability to the height and tilt of the chair but the real customizability comes at checkout where you can pick from loads of colors to fit the aesthetic of your dorm room.

For its price, you get more than you might expect and while there are more comfortable and ergonomic designs out there if you don’t have the world to spend on your new study chair then this is a nice and cheap option. View on Amazon.

Best Features

  • Great value price
  • Simple mesh design
  • Easy assembly

Potential Drawbacks

  • Nothing fancy or particularly notable about the chair (I guess this could be a bonus for some students)


Homall Gaming Chair

Homall Gaming Chair Office Chair High Back Computer Chair Leather Desk Chair Racing Executive Ergonomic Adjustable Swivel Task Chair with Headrest and Lumbar Support (White)

This Gaming Chair Office Chair from Homall gives you the option to get a gaming chair for a fraction of the price tag of most chairs on the market. Its ergonomic design makes it perfect for study as well as gaming or any other task you could come across at college. You can also pick from a wide range of colors, making it a cheap, strong, and fairly comfortable chair that promises to last for all your years at University. View on Amazon.

Best Features

  • 300 lbs weight capacity
  • Great value for a gaming chair
  • Wide usage (perfect for gaming & studying)

Potential Drawbacks

  • Some buyers reported a strong smell for a few days when the chair was brand new

Flexfit Hyken Mesh High Back Chair

Flexfit Hyken Mesh Task Chair, Charcoal Gray (Un59464)

The Flexfit Hyken Mesh Task Chair is a great desk chair for studying. The chair’s specifications – including its adjustable seat positioning, changeable height and tilt, and adjustable arms and lumbar support – make it a comfortable option for any student studying for long hours in their dorms.

This chair’s mesh back and seat also help to keep you cool while studying, in a very similar way to the far more expensive Herman Miller Aeron Chair. The Flexfit Hyken Mesh Task Chair is a great option for students who are looking for a study chair with full body support including a headrest. Find it on Amazon.

Best Features

  • Ergonomic high-back design
  • Very comfortable for long studying use
  • Useful headrest

Potential Drawbacks

  • Some people struggled with assembling with 1 person

In Summary

Everyone needs a supportive chair for their dorm desk, the place you will complete the most work while at college (especially while some classes are still online). This list highlights the best picks for almost every need of a college student. It will have hopefully helped you to get your hands on the best study chair for you and your needs.

Rest assured that all the chairs on this list will be great options for any student so if you still can’t decide don’t sweat it, it’s only a chair and you can know that whatever you go for you’ll have made a great choice. I’ve also got some great monitor suggestions for college here.

College Students Office Chair FAQs

Do college dorms have desk chairs included?

Almost all college dorms will come with a desk chair. However, this chair could be of any age and in any condition. If you are living in a house out of dorms, then you are more likely to be required to provide a chair. Either way, any chair you are provided with is unlikely to have good ergonomics. As such, I recommend looking to get your own office chair for studying if you are uncomfortable with the chair provided.

Can you bring your desk chair to college?

Yes! While most colleges will typically provide you with a desk chair, very few will stop you from taking your own. The chairs provided by colleges are often old and uncomfortable. That’s why I recommend bringing your own desk chair to college if possible.

Are mesh office chairs better for students?

Mesh chairs often offer a cheaper alternative to padded backrests. They also promote better airflow around your body. They are still ergonomically designed, as well as often better priced compared to other chairs. Altogether making them arguably better than other study chairs.

James Le Grice

James is from the UK and is currently studying Mathematics at University. James optimizes every aspect of his study, trying to make his workspace as productive as possible, he shares his findings with productivemess.com
  • Post last modified:August 29, 2022
  • Post category:Desk Chairs