DormMoveIn

Columbus, OH · Largest Freshman Class

Drackett Tower Dorm Checklist 2026

Ohio State

Doubles — private bathroom and AC in bedroom and common room

12-story tower with private suite bathrooms. Air-conditioned in both bedroom and common area — one of the more comfortable AC setups in North Residential. Currently under a 2024–2030 renovation plan. Most freshman floors are 1–10.
  • Bed SizeXL Twin · 80"×36"
  • Under-BedAdjustable frame · clearance varies
  • ACYes
  • On-Campus100% on-campus

✓ In the room

Bed frame & XL twin mattressdeskchairdressercombination fridge/freezer/microwave unittrash & recycling binoverhead lighting

✗ Not provided

Beddingpillowtowelsdesk lamphangersshower caddyarea rug

⊘ Prohibited

Candleswax warmersincenseopen-flame itemsspace heaterstoasterstoaster ovensair fryershot platesrice cookersInstant Potspersonal fridgespersonal microwavesself-constructed lofts
  • OSU provides a combo fridge/freezer/microwave in every room — personal fridges and microwaves are prohibited. You cannot bring your own.
  • Self-constructed lofts are banned. Institutional lofting requests take at least 1 week to process and are not available in every hall.
  • Drackett Tower is undergoing a phased renovation (2024–2030). Expect some construction activity in adjacent areas — confirm your specific floor's status at check-in.

Living in Drackett Tower: what to know before you pack

The room

Drackett Tower rooms are configured as doubles, with each room connected to a private bathroom and a common area — and notably, air conditioning runs through both the bedroom and the common space, making it one of the more comfortable cooling setups among North Residential halls. OSU furnishes every room with an XL twin mattress (80"×36") on an adjustable bed frame, a desk, chair, dresser, and a combination fridge/freezer/microwave unit. As with all OSU residence halls, personal mini-fridges and personal microwaves are not permitted — the university-supplied combo unit is the only refrigeration and microwave appliance allowed. Self-constructed lofts are banned campus-wide, though bed frames are adjustable so residents can modify sleeping height on their own.

Day to day

Drackett Tower is a 12-story building in the North Residential area, with most freshman floors located between floors 1 and 10. The private suite bathrooms and the extension of air conditioning into the common area give Drackett a day-to-day comfort level that stands out when Columbus August heat arrives during move-in week. The building is currently operating under a phased renovation plan running from 2024 through 2030, which means some construction activity in adjacent areas is possible depending on the academic year — residents should confirm their floor's current status at check-in. Despite ongoing renovation work, the building remains in active residential use.

Move-in day

Move-in at Drackett Tower happens in late August, and Columbus heat is a certainty — plan your arrival day around temperatures above 85°F and high humidity, and dress accordingly. Because Drackett is part of a phased renovation plan through 2030, it is worth emailing Residence Life a few weeks before arrival to confirm whether your specific floor has any construction-related considerations for move-in day. OSU provides the combination fridge/freezer/microwave unit in every room, eliminating the need to bring or ship any food appliances. Pack what the university does not supply: XL twin bedding, pillow, bath towels, shower caddy, desk lamp, and hangers.

The Raised Bed, styled and shoppable

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 Drackett Tower.

Everything for your Drackett Tower room

The complete Ohio State packing list, tuned to Drackett Tower — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.

120 items across 15 categories

Email me this checklist

We’ll also send the 2–3 things worth knowing before move-in day.

Having trouble? Some privacy tools block our verification — turn it off for this site and try again.

0 of 118 packed

Bedding

(9)

Fan — optional

(1)
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Small desk fan (optional)Compare picks →
    AC is available but many students still bring one for air circulation or white noise.Drackett Tower is air-conditioned, so a fan is comfort, not survival.

Bathroom

(10)

Personal Care & Grooming

(10)

Self-Care Essentials

(5)
  • Satin scrunchies (60-pack)
    Cuts down on breakage vs. elastic bands — cheap upgrade
  • 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

(8)
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Under-bed storage bins or drawersCompare picks →
    Check your hall's under-bed clearance on the hall checklist page before buyingDrackett Tower beds have Adjustable frame · clearance varies 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
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Over-door organizer (shoe pocket style)Compare picks →
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Command hooks and strips (damage-free wall mounting)
  • Command picture hanging strips
    Velcro-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
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Laundry hamper or bagCompare picks →

Closet Space-Savers

(4)

Tech & Power

(13)
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Surge 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 pick
    Power bank / portable charger
  • ⭐ Top pick
    AA + 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 pick
    Headphones or earbuds (noise-cancelling recommended)
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Bluetooth 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 ties
    Hook-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

(7)

Desk & Study

(6)

Health & Safety

(10)

Comfort & Room

(17)
  • Gym bag / duffel (with shoe pocket)
    Gym, weekend trips home, and laundromat hauls — a tote won't cut it
  • Sleep mask + earplugs
    Shared room, roommate's lamp, hallway noise — the cheapest sleep upgrade there is
  • Portable white-noise machine
    Masks thin dorm walls and a roommate's off-schedule coming and going so it's easier to fall asleep
  • Collapsible storage ottoman
    A 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 steamer
    Faster 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 shoes
    Cold, not-always-clean dorm floors — shower shoes are for the bathroom
  • Lint roller (5-pack)
  • Mini tool kit / screwdriver set
    For 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 pick
    Bed rest reading pillow
    Dorm 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 purifier
    Quiet desktop unit for dusty old buildings, allergies, and roommate smells
  • Folding saucer / lounge chair
    The 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
  • Waterproof outdoor blanket
    For quad hangs, tailgates, and games on damp grass
  • Essential-oil diffuser
    Water-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

(5)
  • 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 lids
    Portioned, vented-lid plates for reheating and storing dining-hall leftovers or meal-prepped food — BPA-free, stackable, microwave- and dishwasher-safe
  • Dish drying mat
    Absorbent mat to air-dry dishes on a tiny counter — doubles for drying a shower caddy or shoes
  • Bottle & straw brush set
    Cleans the straws and narrow necks of Stanley-style tumblers your other brushes can't reach
  • Paper towels
    For spills and quick cleanup when there's no kitchen — select-a-size to waste less

Misc Essentials

(11)
  • 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 pick
    Area rug (3×5 ft)Compare picks →
    Adds warmth and cuts the echo on bare dorm floors — measure your space first
  • ⭐ Top pickIn your room ✓
    Step trash can with lid
    Not provided — a hands-free pedal can with a soft-close lid keeps odors down by the desk (grab a pack of small liners too)Drackett Tower rooms already include a bin — skip unless you want a second.
  • ⭐ Top pickIn your room ✓
    Trash bags (4 gallon, drawstring)
    Dorm bins are 4 gallons — 13-gallon kitchen bags swim in themDrackett Tower rooms already include a bin — skip unless you want a second.
  • Safety box opener
    Ceramic auto-retract blade opens the mountain of move-in boxes without slicing what's inside — safe and dorm-allowed
  • UNO / card games
    The cheapest way to meet your whole floor in week one

Move-In Day Gear

(4)
  • Wheeled rolling moving bag
    Wheels 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 / dolly
    Rolls 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 cart
    Load 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 Jun 2, 2026

Drackett Tower FAQ

Does Drackett Tower have air conditioning?
Yes, and Drackett Tower's AC setup is notably comprehensive. Central air conditioning runs through both the bedroom and the common area within each suite, which means you are not cooling only the room you sleep in — the shared living space stays comfortable as well. This is one of the more complete cooling configurations in North Residential and makes a real difference during the humid Columbus heat of late August, when temperatures regularly exceed 85°F for the first week or two of the semester. Many residents find that having a cooled common area extends the usable living space considerably, since studying or relaxing in the common room is just as comfortable as being in the bedroom.
Does Drackett Tower have private bathrooms?
Yes. Each suite in Drackett Tower includes a private bathroom shared among the students in that suite. You are not using a shared floor bathroom. The combination of a private bathroom, AC in both bedroom and common area, and a suite layout makes Drackett one of the more comfortable standard options in North Residential for incoming freshmen. Private bathrooms mean fewer people competing for mirror time in the morning, a smaller group responsible for keeping the space clean, and no need to carry a caddy down a long corridor just to shower. For students used to a home bathroom shared with a family, the suite setup at Drackett is closer to that experience than what most corridor-style halls offer.
What is the renovation situation at Drackett Tower?
Drackett Tower is undergoing a phased renovation that runs from 2024 through 2030. The building remains in active use as a residence hall throughout this period, but some construction activity in adjacent areas is possible depending on which phase is active during your academic year. Before arrival, contact the OSU Residence Life office to confirm the current status of your specific assigned floor — knowing in advance what to expect will help you plan accordingly. Do not assume the construction will be invisible or inaudible on all floors and at all times. Construction activity can affect noise levels, exterior access routes, and availability of nearby outdoor spaces. Confirming the situation a few weeks before move-in is the safest approach.
Can I bring a mini-fridge to Drackett Tower?
No. OSU supplies a combination fridge/freezer/microwave unit in every Drackett Tower room, and personal mini-fridges and personal microwaves are prohibited university-wide. The combo unit handles refrigeration, freezing, and microwave cooking in a single appliance that is already installed in the room before you arrive. This rule applies regardless of which floor you are assigned to or whether the building is undergoing renovation — it is a campus-wide policy that applies to every OSU residence hall, not a Drackett-specific rule. Buying a mini-fridge ahead of time is the most common and most avoidable move-in mistake at OSU; skip it and redirect that money toward things the university does not provide.
Is Drackett Tower a good hall to live in?
That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Drackett Tower has XL Twin · 80"×36" beds with Adjustable frame · clearance varies of under-bed storage, and is fully air conditioned. Ohio State provides Bed frame & XL twin mattress, desk, chair, dresser, combination fridge/freezer/microwave unit, trash & recycling bin, overhead lighting in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how Drackett Tower stacks up against Ohio State's other halls above.

Thinking About Living in Drackett Tower Next Year?

If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about Drackett Tower: it has XL Twin · 80"×36" beds with Adjustable frame · clearance varies of under-bed clearance, and the room is air conditioned. On top of that, the room comes with Bed frame & XL twin mattress, desk, chair, dresser, combination fridge/freezer/microwave unit, trash & recycling bin, overhead lighting; you'll need to bring Bedding, pillow, towels, desk lamp, hangers, shower caddy, area rug yourself; Candles, wax warmers, incense, open-flame items, space heaters, toasters, toaster ovens, air fryers, hot plates, rice cookers, Instant Pots, personal fridges, personal microwaves, self-constructed lofts 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 Ohio State’s other halls below.

More Ohio State halls

Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.

← All Ohio State halls