Normal, IL · Redbird Country
Watterson Towers Dorm Checklist 2026
Illinois State University
Single, super single suite, double, triple, quad; suite-style layout rather than corridor
- Bed SizeXL Twin (36x80in), bunkable/loftable
- Under-BedAdjustable 10-33in; loft kit to 45.5-68in
- ACYes
- On-CampusRequired (first 2 years out of high school)
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- At 28 stories, Watterson relies on elevators for move-in; intentional elevator damage with no identified culprit gets billed to every resident of the building through proration.
- Watterson's eight elevators stop only on the third floor of each House, so expect a stair flight or two with your load on move-in day.
Living in Watterson Towers: what to know before you pack
The room
Watterson rooms are suite-style rather than a single long corridor: a Double C room runs about 187 square feet with two bunkable XL twin mattresses (36 x 80 in, listed by Housing as 3' x 6'8"), two desks, two dressers, two closets, and a window/HVAC unit. Beds adjust to seven heights between 10 and 33 inches with no kit needed, or a resident can request a loft kit from the university to raise a bed to a traditional loft between 45.5 and 68 inches for storage underneath. Housing provides loft kits on request and permits no outside lofts, and cinder blocks are banned outright. Furniture is university-owned and movable, but nothing can be disassembled, stacked on other furnishings, or removed from the room.
Day to day
Watterson is Illinois State's tallest building and its largest residence hall: residents build community inside one of ten five-floor 'Houses' -- A through E, each with a North and a South side -- rather than the tower as a whole. The building has its own Dining Commons and a Subway, laundry rooms on the top floor of each tower, laundry included in the room rate, and a shared microwave for every two suites. Floors are designated all-female, all-male, or all-gender. Watterson spans two connected towers and is served by eight elevators that stop on the third floor of each House, and intentional elevator damage gets divided and billed to every resident of the building if no one is identified as responsible.
Move-in day
Fall 2026 move-in at Watterson ran Tuesday, August 11 through Saturday, August 15, with new students selecting a specific appointment window through the Housing & Dining Portal after their room assignment posted. Because Watterson is a 28-story high-rise whose elevators stop only on the third floor of each House, families should plan on a short stair carry at the end of the elevator ride, and a cart or two-wheel dolly (brought from home and taken back out afterward) makes the process much faster. Bring tools and a rubber mallet if a loft kit was requested in advance, since Housing's own packing list calls for one. Roommate names and the final room assignment arrive by email before move-in, and appointment slots fill up, so booking early in the window helps avoid a late Saturday slot.
Room ideas
See The Raised Bed styled
The frame goes up, and the floor underneath comes back as storage.
Styled render — not a photo of Watterson Towers.
Everything for your Watterson Towers room
The complete Illinois State University packing list, tuned to Watterson Towers — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.
122 items across 15 categories
Email me this checklist
We’ll also send the 2–3 things worth knowing before move-in day.
0 of 122 packed
Bedding
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⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitWatterson Towers beds are XL Twin (36x80in), bunkable/loftable — get Twin XL, not standard twin.
Pillowcases × 4 (2 per pillow)
⭐ Top pickMattress topper (Twin XL)Compare picks →Dorm mattresses are firm and thin — a 2–3" memory foam or gel topper makes a real difference
Waterproof mattress pad (Twin XL)Protects the mattress from spills and wear — a cheap layer you'll be glad you packed
Zippered mattress encasement (waterproof, bed-bug proof)Dorm mattresses are used and shared — a zippered encasement fully seals it against spills, dust mites, and bed bugs
Fan — optional
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⭐ Top pickSmall desk fan (optional)Compare picks →AC is available but many students still bring one for air circulation or white noise.Watterson Towers is air-conditioned, so a fan is comfort, not survival.
Bathroom
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⭐ Top pickShower caddy (hanging mesh or plastic tote)Compare picks →Most freshman halls have communal bathrooms — you carry everything to and from the shower
Toiletry bag for daily-use items
⭐ Top pickHand soapOnly if your room has its own sink — communal bathrooms stock their own
Toothbrush covers (travel cases)Breathable vented covers keep your toothbrush clean on the trip to and from a communal bathroom
Facial tissuesKeep a box at the desk and nightstand — colds and allergies rip through a dorm
Toilet paper (2-ply)One of the most commonly forgotten items. Suite / private-bathroom halls only — communal-bath dorms stock it for you (check the “In every room” list above)
Personal Care & Grooming
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Hair dryer (compact)Not provided — you'll want your own for the walk back from a communal bathroom
Hair straightener or curling iron
Hair claw clips (variety pack)
Nail clipper & grooming kit
Cotton swabs (Q-tips)
Period-supply organizer pouchA discreet zip pouch for pads or tampons — the essential nobody wants to source last-minute at a new campus
⭐ Top pickOver-door / full-length mirrorCompare picks →Dorm rooms rarely have a full-length mirror, and you can't drill the walls — an over-door one hangs with zero damage
Self-Care Essentials
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Cordless heating pad (cramps, sore muscles, tension)USB-rechargeable, fits a desk drawer — no outlet needed at 2amBefore you buy: some schools restrict or ban heating pads and other heat-producing appliances — check your housing rules, and pick one with auto-shutoff.
Sleepytime herbal tea, vanilla (20-pack)Caffeine-free — a wind-down ritual beats scrolling before bed
Face mask sheets (12-pack)Finals-week pick-me-up when you don't have time for a real self-care routine
Comfort-snack variety box (40-pack)A sealed care-package box for the week you don't want to leave the room
Everyday makeup kit (e.l.f.)Primer, mascara, lip gloss, brow gel — a basic kit, not a full vanity
Storage & Organization
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⭐ Top pickUnder-bed storage bins or drawersCompare picks →Check your hall's under-bed clearance on the hall checklist page before buyingWatterson Towers beds have Adjustable 10-33in; loft kit to 45.5-68in clearance — measure before buying.
Adjustable bed risers (set of 4)Stackable to 3, 5, or 8 inches — lift the bed for far more under-bed storage. Check your frame first; many dorm beds already adjust in height
Command picture hanging stripsVelcro-style strips hang posters, photos, and light frames level and hole-free, then peel off cleanly — no move-out damage charge
Tension curtain rods (2-pack)No-drill spring rods (28–43") to add a closet rod, hang a window curtain, or string a divider curtain for privacy in a shared room
Stackable desk drawer organizer
Closet Space-Savers
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⭐ Top pickSlim velvet hangers × 30–40Compare picks →Dorm closets are narrow — thin non-slip hangers fit far more than bulky plastic ones
⭐ Top pickCascading hanger connector hooksCompare picks →Chain hangers vertically to turn one closet rod into three or four rows
⭐ Top pickMulti-slot space-saving hangersCompare picks →One hanger holds five items stacked vertically
⭐ Top pickCloset-doubler rod (2-tier)Compare picks →Hangs from the existing rod to add a second hanging level — no tools
Tech & Power
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⭐ Top pickSurge protector power strip (6+ outlets)Compare picks →Most schools require a surge protector — plain extension cords are prohibited
Ethernet cable (10 ft)Wired connections are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for video calls and gaming
USB-C hub or docking station
⭐ Top pickAA + AAA batteries (48-pack)For the alarm clock, the remote, the clip fan, and the battery string lights many halls allow where plug-in ones are banned
⭐ Top pickBluetooth speaker (compact)Optional — keep it compact and respect quiet hours, which most halls enforce
Printer (optional — most campuses have free print labs)
Assorted zip ties (variety pack)Assorted sizes and colors for taming the cable mess behind the desk, bundling cords under the bed, and loft/dorm setup
Reusable velcro cable tiesHook-and-loop straps you can undo and re-bundle — the rearrangeable alternative to zip ties for chargers and monitor cords
Adhesive cable clips (cord holders)Stick-on clips anchor phone chargers and cords to the desk edge so cables stop sliding behind the desk
Charging cables (10 ft, 3-pack)Extra-long braided USB-C cables reach from a lofted bed to a far wall outlet — the spare everyone forgets
Multi-port USB wall charger (40W)One 4-port block charges your phone, earbuds, and tablet from a single scarce dorm outlet
Laundry
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Laundry detergent pods (compact for dorm storage)
Dryer sheets
Mesh laundry bag for delicates
Foldable clothes drying rackAir-dry laundry and delicates in a tight room to dodge dryer shrink and per-load costs, then fold it flat against the wall- Laundry app or coinsCheck if your school uses an app (Circuit, LaundryView) or quarters before you go
Fabric stain remover spray
Tide-to-Go or similar
Desk & Study
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⭐ Top pickDesk lamp (LED)Compare picks →Not provided in most halls — check your school's provided list above- Pencil cup / organizer
⭐ Top pickLaptop stand (adjustable)Ergonomic for long study sessions — pairs with any keyboard
Scissors and tape
Whiteboard or sticky notes for the door- Backpack (bring from home)
Health & Safety
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Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, medical tape)
Ibuprofen / acetaminophen
Cold and flu medicine
Hand sanitizer
Reusable face masks
Disinfecting wipesWipe down desks, doorknobs, and shared surfaces — cold and flu rip through a dorm floor
Vitamin C / immune supportDorms are germ factories — keep a box for the first sign of dorm crud
24-hour allergy tabletsNon-drowsy antihistamine for new-city pollen and dusty old dorm buildings
Blister patchesHydrocolloid patches for the blisters a big campus gives you in week one
Comfort & Room
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Gym bag / duffel (with shoe pocket)Gym, weekend trips home, and laundromat hauls — a tote won't cut it
Sleep mask + earplugsShared room, roommate's lamp, hallway noise — the cheapest sleep upgrade there is
Portable white-noise machineMasks thin dorm walls and a roommate's off-schedule coming and going so it's easier to fall asleep
Collapsible storage ottomanA 36L cube that swallows a bin of gear, holds 250 lb for guest seating or a footrest, then folds flat when you don't need it
Odor absorber (charcoal bags)Skip plug-in fresheners, candles, and wax warmers — most dorms ban them (fire code). Charcoal bags absorb odor with no flame or outlet.
Handheld garment steamerFaster and far more compact than an iron + board.Before you buy: check your school's appliance rules — some restrict irons/steamers — and pick one with auto-shutoff.
Slippers / house shoesCold, not-always-clean dorm floors — shower shoes are for the bathroom
Lint roller (5-pack)
Mini tool kit / screwdriver setFor assembling a loft, tightening a wobbly bed frame, and move-in boxes
Water filter pitcher (Brita)Dorm tap water, no kitchen filter — a 6-cup fits in a mini-fridge
⭐ Top pickMini fridge (if not provided)Compare picks →Check the “In every room” list above first — many schools include a MicroFridge and ban personal ones. Bring one only if yours doesn't.
⭐ Top pickBed rest reading pillowDorm beds have no headboard — a backrest with arms lets you sit up to study or read in bed
Weighted blanket (15 lb, twin)Calmer, deeper sleep in a noisy hall — sized to a dorm bed
Compact HEPA air purifierQuiet desktop unit for dusty old buildings, allergies, and roommate smells
Folding saucer / lounge chairThe extra seat a dorm never has — folds flat when you don't need it
Mini projector (movie nights)Turns a blank wall into a movie night — a floor favorite
Essential-oil diffuserWater-based ultrasonic (no flame) — the dorm-safe way to freshen a roomBefore you buy: some schools restrict diffusers, humidifiers, or scented devices — check your housing rules, and pick one with auto shut-off.
Kitchen & Dining
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Dorm dinnerware set (microwave-safe)Microwave- and dishwasher-safe plates, bowls, and cups so you're not eating ramen out of the pot
Divided microwave meal-prep plates with vented lidsPortioned, vented-lid plates for reheating and storing dining-hall leftovers or meal-prepped food — BPA-free, stackable, microwave- and dishwasher-safe
Dish drying matAbsorbent mat to air-dry dishes on a tiny counter — doubles for drying a shower caddy or shoes
Bottle & straw brush setCleans the straws and narrow necks of Stanley-style tumblers your other brushes can't reach
Paper towelsFor spills and quick cleanup when there's no kitchen — select-a-size to waste less
Misc Essentials
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Reusable water bottle (large, 32 oz+)
Umbrella (compact)
Rain jacket or packable jacket
Reusable tote bags × 2–3 (grocery runs, gym, dining)
Alarm clock or use your phone
Shower timer (optional, for communal bathroom courtesy)
⭐ Top pickArea rug (3×5 ft)Compare picks →Adds warmth and cuts the echo on bare dorm floors — measure your space first
⭐ Top pickStep trash can with lidNot provided — a hands-free pedal can with a soft-close lid keeps odors down by the desk (grab a pack of small liners too)
⭐ Top pickTrash bags (4 gallon, drawstring)Dorm bins are 4 gallons — 13-gallon kitchen bags swim in them
Safety box openerCeramic auto-retract blade opens the mountain of move-in boxes without slicing what's inside — safe and dorm-allowed
Move-In Day Gear
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Wheeled rolling moving bagWheels and a pull handle let you drag a fully loaded 600D bag up the stairs instead of hauling the weight — the move-in day lifesaver
XL moving & storage bags (6-pack)Haul a whole carload of bedding and clothes in one trip, then fold them flat to store bulky stuff over breaks
Folding hand truck / dollyRolls a mini-fridge, boxes, and furniture up to your room in far fewer trips, then folds flat to slide under the bed
Folding collapsible wagon cartLoad a full haul and roll it across campus in one pass, then collapse it flat when you're done
Related guides: Dorm move-in checklist · Best dorm shower caddy · Dorm mattress topper guide
Dorm shopping guides: Mini fridge · Surge protector · Storage bins · Mattress topper · Desk lamp · Bedding sets · Twin XL sheets · Shower caddy · Towels · Shower shoes · Laundry hamper · Area rug · Mirror · Over-door organizer · Closet organizers · Fans (no AC) · Loft bed setup
Sources & verification — last checked Aug 19, 2026
- Illinois State Housing - Watterson Towers ↗
- Illinois State Housing - Watterson Double C room layout ↗
- Illinois State Housing - Watterson Super Single Suite room layout ↗
- Illinois State Housing - Housing At A Glance flier (elevators, stories, loft kits, AC) ↗
- Illinois State Housing - Loft kit measurements ↗
- Illinois State Housing - Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (AC policy) ↗
- Illinois State News - University to rename floors in Watterson Towers (2020) ↗
Watterson Towers FAQ
- How many students share a bathroom in Watterson?
- Watterson is designed in suites rather than as a traditional corridor hall, and suite residents clean their own restrooms. Housing does not publish the exact number of bedrooms per suite bathroom -- confirm with Residence Life.
- What size is a Watterson room?
- A Double C room is about 187 square feet for two residents; a Super Single Suite bedroom runs about 140 square feet.
- Does Watterson have air conditioning?
- Yes. Each room has a window/HVAC unit and Housing lists air conditioning as a Watterson amenity, but campus-wide cooling only runs mid-August through mid-September.
- What are Watterson's "Houses"?
- Watterson's ten Houses are five floors each and go by letter designations -- A, B, C, D, and E, split North and South. The university renamed them in 2020, replacing the original names of the first ten U.S. Secretaries of State.
- Is Watterson Towers a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Watterson Towers has XL Twin (36x80in), bunkable/loftable beds with Adjustable 10-33in; loft kit to 45.5-68in of under-bed storage, and is fully air conditioned. Illinois State University provides Bed frame, desk & chair, dresser, closet, Wi-Fi, laundry included, microwave (per 2 suites), loft kit on request, Dining Commons & Subway in building, fitness center, basketball court, printing station in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how Watterson Towers stacks up against Illinois State University's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in Watterson Towers Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about Watterson Towers: it has XL Twin (36x80in), bunkable/loftable beds with Adjustable 10-33in; loft kit to 45.5-68in of under-bed clearance, and the room is air conditioned. On top of that, the room comes with Bed frame, desk & chair, dresser, closet, Wi-Fi, laundry included, microwave (per 2 suites), loft kit on request, Dining Commons & Subway in building, fitness center, basketball court, printing station; you'll need to bring Bedding (XL twin sheets), pillow, towels, mini fridge, desk lamp yourself; Candles, incense, halogen/lava lamps, torchiere lamps, microwaves, toasters, hot plates, air fryers, electric kettles, coffee makers (non-Keurig), hoverboards, e-scooters, e-bikes, weapons, cinder blocks, outside lofts, personal window treatments, pets except fish isn't allowed. The full day-to-day breakdown above covers the room, the building, and move-in day in more depth.
Still weighing this hall against others? Our guide on how to pick a dorm covers what actually matters, or see Illinois State University’s other halls below.
More Illinois State University halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.