Well. You're smart enough for grad school, so we'll assume you can use a tape measure: )

Draw the space, and include all the dimensions for walls, opening to bath, windows, note the bench area and UPLOAD that drawing as jpeg.

Add a list of all the furniture you must keep, such as vanity table......

I like where you have the bed because it looks cozy. You dont want your bed in a big exposed area. You have plenty of space to set up a living and dining area. I would Set up a mini kitchenet. Small refrigerator, microwave or toaster oven and coffee pot.

Settle in as though it is a studio apartment. You can find inexpensive furnishings on craigs list and fb. also, check the area for thrift shops. i got a recliner for $10 at the local thrift shop recently.

If you're keeping the TV by the bed, one of the easiest things would be to make certain dedicated areas in this space. So where the sofa is, is where I'd put the desk, however we can't see the whole space. If you could add more images then it might be easier to help. The bed looks good where it is, but you might considering moving the dresser and makeup station to over where the bed is as well. Then place the sofa where the dresser and makeup station currently is. You could also easily add a table for eating where the built-in seating area is in front of the window.

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