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

$2,104 for the 91 items with live prices — not the full list · Amazon prices as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

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Bedding

(9)
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Twin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →
    Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitDrackett Tower beds are XL Twin · 80"×36" — get Twin XL, not standard twin.

    Price: $37.97Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Twin XL flat sheet × 2Compare picks →

    Price: $37.97Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Pillows × 2

    Price: $59.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Pillowcases × 4 (2 per pillow)

    Price: $11.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Comforter or duvet (Twin XL)Compare picks →

    Price: $35.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Mattress topper (Twin XL)Compare picks →
    Dorm mattresses are firm and thin — a 2–3" memory foam or gel topper makes a real difference

    Price: $42.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Extra blanket or throw
    Drackett Tower's AC runs cold at night — pack a warm layer.

    Price: $11.95Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Waterproof mattress pad (Twin XL)
    Protects the mattress from spills and wear — a cheap layer you'll be glad you packed

    Price: $22.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $24.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

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.

    Price: $69.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

Bathroom

(10)
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Shower caddy (hanging mesh or plastic tote)Compare picks →
    Most freshman halls have communal bathrooms — you carry everything to and from the shower

    Price: $8.98Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Shower shoes / flip flopsCompare picks →
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Bath towel × 2Compare picks →

    Price: $19.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Hand towel × 2Compare picks →

    Price: $10.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Toiletry bag for daily-use items

    Price: $19.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Hand soap
    Only if your room has its own sink — communal bathrooms stock their own

    Price: $2.97Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Robe (optional but popular in communal bathroom halls)
  • Toothbrush covers (travel cases)
    Breathable vented covers keep your toothbrush clean on the trip to and from a communal bathroom

    Price: $7.98Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Facial tissues
    Keep a box at the desk and nightstand — colds and allergies rip through a dorm

    Price: $15.29Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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)

    Price: $25.50Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

Personal Care & Grooming

(10)
  • Hair dryer (compact)
    Not provided — you'll want your own for the walk back from a communal bathroom
  • Hair straightener or curling iron
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Hair brush + comb set

    Price: $9.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Hair claw clips (variety pack)

    Price: $8.42Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Gentle face wash (CeraVe)

    Price: $15.97Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Razor & blade refills

    Price: $21.94Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Nail clipper & grooming kit

    Price: $9.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Cotton swabs (Q-tips)

    Price: $6.31Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Period-supply organizer pouch
    A discreet zip pouch for pads or tampons — the essential nobody wants to source last-minute at a new campus

    Price: $9.15Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Over-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

    Price: $45.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

Self-Care Essentials

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

    Price: $9.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $9.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Comfort-snack variety box (40-pack)
    A sealed care-package box for the week you don't want to leave the room

    Price: $24.95Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Everyday makeup kit (e.l.f.)
    Primer, mascara, lip gloss, brow gel — a basic kit, not a full vanity

    Price: $21.00Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

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

    Price: $21.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Over-door organizer (shoe pocket style)Compare picks →

    Price: $26.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Command hooks and strips (damage-free wall mounting)

    Price: $14.84Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $7.95Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $9.49Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Stackable desk drawer organizer

    Price: $12.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Laundry hamper or bagCompare picks →

    Price: $39.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

Closet Space-Savers

(4)
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Slim velvet hangers × 30–40Compare picks →
    Dorm closets are narrow — thin non-slip hangers fit far more than bulky plastic ones

    Price: $18.89Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Cascading hanger connector hooksCompare picks →
    Chain hangers vertically to turn one closet rod into three or four rows

    Price: $9.49Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Multi-slot space-saving hangersCompare picks →
    One hanger holds five items stacked vertically

    Price: $9.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Closet-doubler rod (2-tier)Compare picks →
    Hangs from the existing rod to add a second hanging level — no tools

    Price: $23.60Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

Tech & Power

(13)
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Surge protector power strip (6+ outlets)Compare picks →
    Most schools require a surge protector — plain extension cords are prohibited

    Price: $9.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Ethernet cable (10 ft)
    Wired connections are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for video calls and gaming

    Price: $9.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • USB-C hub or docking station

    Price: $19.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Power bank / portable charger

    Price: $29.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ 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

    Price: $16.70Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Headphones or earbuds (noise-cancelling recommended)

    Price: $99.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Bluetooth speaker (compact)
    Optional — keep it compact and respect quiet hours, which most halls enforce

    Price: $179.95Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $14.69Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $13.14Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Adhesive cable clips (cord holders)
    Stick-on clips anchor phone chargers and cords to the desk edge so cables stop sliding behind the desk

    Price: $5.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $6.89Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Multi-port USB wall charger (40W)
    One 4-port block charges your phone, earbuds, and tablet from a single scarce dorm outlet

Laundry

(7)
  • Laundry detergent pods (compact for dorm storage)

    Price: $12.97Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Dryer sheets
  • Mesh laundry bag for delicates

    Price: $6.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Foldable clothes drying rack
    Air-dry laundry and delicates in a tight room to dodge dryer shrink and per-load costs, then fold it flat against the wall

    Price: $31.49Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Laundry app or coins
    Check if your school uses an app (Circuit, LaundryView) or quarters before you go
  • Fabric stain remover spray

    Price: $3.48Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Tide-to-Go or similar

Desk & Study

(6)
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Desk lamp (LED)Compare picks →
    Not provided in most halls — check your school's provided list above

    Price: $20.98Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Pencil cup / organizer

    Price: $12.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ Top pick
    Laptop stand (adjustable)
    Ergonomic for long study sessions — pairs with any keyboard

    Price: $15.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Scissors and tape
  • Whiteboard or sticky notes for the door

    Price: $17.90Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Backpack (bring from home)

Health & Safety

(10)
  • Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, medical tape)

    Price: $9.95Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Ibuprofen / acetaminophen
  • ⭐ Top pick
    Thermometer

    Price: $6.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Cold and flu medicine

    Price: $21.97Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Reusable face masks

    Price: $10.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Disinfecting wipes
    Wipe down desks, doorknobs, and shared surfaces — cold and flu rip through a dorm floor
  • Vitamin C / immune support
    Dorms are germ factories — keep a box for the first sign of dorm crud

    Price: $12.98Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 24-hour allergy tablets
    Non-drowsy antihistamine for new-city pollen and dusty old dorm buildings

    Price: $13.57Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Blister patches
    Hydrocolloid patches for the blisters a big campus gives you in week one

    Price: $13.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

Comfort & Room

(17)
  • Gym bag / duffel (with shoe pocket)
    Gym, weekend trips home, and laundromat hauls — a tote won't cut it

    Price: $29.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Sleep mask + earplugs
    Shared room, roommate's lamp, hallway noise — the cheapest sleep upgrade there is

    Price: $7.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Portable white-noise machine
    Masks thin dorm walls and a roommate's off-schedule coming and going so it's easier to fall asleep

    Price: $19.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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.

    Price: $23.98Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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.

    Price: $40.82Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Slippers / house shoes
    Cold, not-always-clean dorm floors — shower shoes are for the bathroom
  • Lint roller (5-pack)

    Price: $20.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Mini tool kit / screwdriver set
    For assembling a loft, tightening a wobbly bed frame, and move-in boxes

    Price: $22.62Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Water filter pitcher (Brita)
    Dorm tap water, no kitchen filter — a 6-cup fits in a mini-fridge

    Price: $32.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ 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

    Price: $37.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Compact HEPA air purifier
    Quiet desktop unit for dusty old buildings, allergies, and roommate smells

    Price: $43.98Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $69.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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.

    Price: $11.54Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

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

    Price: $19.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $18.95Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Dish drying mat
    Absorbent mat to air-dry dishes on a tiny counter — doubles for drying a shower caddy or shoes

    Price: $11.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Bottle & straw brush set
    Cleans the straws and narrow necks of Stanley-style tumblers your other brushes can't reach

    Price: $4.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Paper towels
    For spills and quick cleanup when there's no kitchen — select-a-size to waste less

    Price: $34.88Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

Misc Essentials

(11)
  • Reusable water bottle (large, 32 oz+)

    Price: $21.94Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Umbrella (compact)

    Price: $23.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Rain jacket or packable jacket
  • Reusable tote bags × 2–3 (grocery runs, gym, dining)

    Price: $28.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Alarm clock or use your phone

    Price: $9.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $25.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ 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.

    Price: $35.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • ⭐ 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.

    Price: $9.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • Safety box opener
    Ceramic auto-retract blade opens the mountain of move-in boxes without slicing what's inside — safe and dorm-allowed

    Price: $7.98Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $42.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $22.94Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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

    Price: $37.99Amazon price as of Sep 15, 2026, may vary

  • 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.

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