Columbus, OH · Largest Freshman Class
Lincoln Tower Dorm Checklist 2026
Ohio State
Suite-style · shared study room and private bathroom
- 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.
Living in Lincoln Tower: what to know before you pack
The room
Lincoln Tower rooms sit within a suite-style layout that includes not just a private bathroom but also a dedicated study room shared among suitemates — an unusual amenity that makes it easier to separate sleeping and working spaces. OSU furnishes each room with an XL twin mattress (80"×36") on an adjustable frame, a desk, chair, dresser, and a combination fridge/freezer/microwave unit. Personal mini-fridges and personal microwaves are prohibited university-wide, so the combo unit is the only appliance you are allowed to bring food storage into — plan accordingly. Self-constructed lofts are not permitted at any OSU residence hall.
Day to day
At 23 stories, Lincoln Tower matches Morrill Tower in height and delivers comparable high-rise views of the Columbus skyline and the Oval. The addition of a suite study room is a meaningful differentiator — it gives suitemates a shared space to work without competing with a roommate who wants the lights off. A Quiet Community floor program is available for students who want a more academically focused residential environment with enforced quiet hours beyond the standard policy. Upper floors, typically 15 through 23, are generally assigned to upperclassmen, so freshmen most commonly land on the lower and mid-tower floors.
Move-in day
Lincoln Tower move-in falls in late August when Columbus is reliably hot and humid, so packing light and dressing for the heat on arrival day will make the process significantly more manageable. Elevator demand in a 23-story building is high on move-in day, and families should expect waits — scheduling an early arrival slot is worth the effort. OSU handles refrigeration and microwave access through the room-supplied combo unit, so you do not need to ship or haul any appliances. Coordinate with suitemates before arriving so you are not duplicating shared supplies like a bath mat or dish soap for the common area.

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 Lincoln Tower.
Everything for your Lincoln Tower room
The complete Ohio State packing list, tuned to Lincoln 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
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⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitLincoln 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.Lincoln 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
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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 buyingLincoln 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
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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 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)Lincoln 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 themLincoln 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
Lincoln Tower FAQ
- Does Lincoln Tower have air conditioning?
- Yes. Lincoln Tower has central air conditioning throughout, including individual bedrooms. Given that OSU move-in takes place in late August when Columbus temperatures frequently exceed 85°F with significant humidity, having reliable AC is one of the practical advantages of choosing a tower-style hall. You will not need to bring any supplemental cooling device for temperature management. The central system is operated by the building, meaning there is nothing to install or troubleshoot on your own. Students in halls without AC — Siebert Hall being the most notable example nearby — deal with a meaningfully different experience during the first few weeks, so this is not a minor footnote when comparing options.
- Does Lincoln Tower have private bathrooms?
- Yes. Each suite in Lincoln Tower includes a private bathroom that is shared only among the students within that suite. The suite also includes a dedicated study room, so the private bathroom is part of a broader suite package that gives residents more separation between shared and personal space than a standard double room provides. Compared to corridor halls where a single bathroom serves an entire floor of 20 or more residents, the suite setup at Lincoln Tower means shorter waits, more predictable access, and a smaller group of people responsible for keeping the space clean. It is one of the defining quality-of-life advantages that tower-style halls hold over traditional corridor options.
- Can I bring a mini-fridge to Lincoln Tower?
- No. OSU installs a combination fridge/freezer/microwave unit in every Lincoln Tower room, and personal mini-fridges and standalone microwaves are prohibited as a result. Purchasing a mini-fridge for OSU is one of the most common and most avoidable move-in mistakes — the university's combo unit covers refrigeration, freezing, and microwave cooking in a single appliance that is already in the room waiting for you. Redirect that budget and luggage space toward bedding, towels, and other items OSU does not provide. If you buy a mini-fridge before realizing it is prohibited, you will need to store it at home or return it, so do not buy one in the first place.
- What is Lincoln Tower's quiet community program?
- Lincoln Tower offers a Quiet Community floor option for students who want a more structured, low-distraction living environment. Floors designated as quiet community floors enforce stricter quiet hours than the standard residence hall policy, and residents on those floors are expected to prioritize academic focus and considerate noise levels throughout the day and evening — not just during the standard university quiet hours. Students who want this environment typically request it during the housing application process; it is not a default assignment. If collaborative studying, morning routines, and quieter hallways matter to how you learn and sleep, requesting a Quiet Community floor at Lincoln Tower is worth doing proactively rather than hoping your assigned floor happens to have that culture.
- Is Lincoln Tower a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: Lincoln 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 Lincoln Tower stacks up against Ohio State's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in Lincoln Tower Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about Lincoln 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.
