Columbus, OH · Largest Freshman Class
Drackett Tower Dorm Checklist 2026
Ohio State
Doubles — private bathroom and AC in bedroom and common room
- Bed SizeXL Twin · 80"×36"
- Under-BedAdjustable frame · clearance varies
- ACYes
- On-Campus100% on-campus
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- 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.

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.
0 of 118 packed
Bedding
(9)
⭐ Top pickTwin 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.

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.Drackett Tower 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
(5)
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 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

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
(13)
⭐ 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 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 pickIn your room ✓Step 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)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 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 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.
