Columbus, OH · Largest Freshman Class
Park-Stradley Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
Ohio State
Traditional doubles · lockable private shower and toilet stalls
- Bed SizeXL Twin · 80"×36"
- Under-BedAdjustable frame · clearance varies
- ACPartial
- 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.
Everything for your Park-Stradley Hall room
AC is hit-or-miss in Park-Stradley Hall — pack a fan just in case. The complete Ohio State packing list, tuned to Park-Stradley Hall — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.
112 items across 14 categories
≈ $1,791 for the 81 items with live prices — not the full list · Amazon prices as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Bedding
(9)
⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitPark-Stradley Hall beds are XL Twin · 80"×36" — get Twin XL, not standard twin.Price: $34.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickTwin XL flat sheet × 2Compare picks →Price: $34.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickComforter or duvet (Twin XL)Compare picks →Price: $25.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickMattress topper (Twin XL)Compare picks →Dorm mattresses are firm and thin — a 2–3" memory foam or gel topper makes a real differencePrice: $36.54Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickWaterproof 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 bugsPrice: $25.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Fan — check your assignment
(1)
⭐ Top pickTower fan or desk fanCompare picks →AC varies by hall. Bring one — it's cheap insurance until you know your assignment.Park-Stradley Hall is only partially AC'd — check your room assignment before skipping it.Price: $69.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Bathroom
(9)
⭐ Top pickShower caddy (hanging mesh or plastic tote)Compare picks →Most freshman halls have communal bathrooms — you carry everything to and from the showerPrice: $7.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Toiletry bag for daily-use itemsPrice: $19.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Toothbrush covers (travel cases)Breathable vented covers keep your toothbrush clean on the trip to and from a communal bathroomPrice: $7.98Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Facial tissuesKeep a box at the desk and nightstand — colds and allergies rip through a dormPrice: $16.97Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Toilet paperSuite / private-bathroom halls only — communal-bath dorms stock it for you (check the “In every room” list above)Price: $26.50Amazon price as of Aug 1, 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
Period-supply organizer pouchA discreet zip pouch for pads or tampons — the essential nobody wants to source last-minute at a new campusPrice: $8.98Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ 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
Storage & Organization
(8)
⭐ Top pickUnder-bed storage bins or drawersCompare picks →Check your hall's under-bed clearance on the hall checklist page before buyingPark-Stradley Hall beds have Adjustable frame · clearance varies clearance — measure before buying.Price: $49.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
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 heightPrice: $28.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickOver-door organizer (shoe pocket style)Compare picks →Price: $20.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickCommand hooks and strips (damage-free wall mounting)Price: $14.84Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Command picture hanging stripsVelcro-style strips hang posters, photos, and light frames level and hole-free, then peel off cleanly — no move-out damage chargePrice: $7.95Amazon price as of Aug 1, 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 roomPrice: $9.49Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Closet Space-Savers
(4)
⭐ Top pickSlim velvet hangers × 30–40Compare picks →Dorm closets are narrow — thin non-slip hangers fit far more than bulky plastic onesPrice: $22.04Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickCascading hanger connector hooksCompare picks →Chain hangers vertically to turn one closet rod into three or four rowsPrice: $9.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickMulti-slot space-saving hangersCompare picks →One hanger holds five items stacked verticallyPrice: $12.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickCloset-doubler rod (2-tier)Compare picks →Hangs from the existing rod to add a second hanging level — no toolsPrice: $23.60Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Tech & Power
(12)
⭐ Top pickSurge protector power strip (6+ outlets)Compare picks →Most schools require a surge protector — plain extension cords are prohibitedPrice: $12.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Ethernet cable (10 ft)Wired connections are faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for video calls and gamingPrice: $8.49Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickHeadphones or earbuds (noise-cancelling recommended)Price: $99.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickBluetooth speaker (compact)Optional — keep it compact and respect quiet hours, which most halls enforcePrice: $139.95Amazon price as of Aug 1, 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 setupPrice: $14.69Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Reusable velcro cable tiesHook-and-loop straps you can undo and re-bundle — the rearrangeable alternative to zip ties for chargers and monitor cordsPrice: $14.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 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 deskPrice: $7.96Amazon price as of Aug 1, 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 forgetsPrice: $6.89Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Multi-port USB wall charger (40W)One 4-port block charges your phone, earbuds, and tablet from a single scarce dorm outletPrice: $12.59Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Laundry
(7)
Laundry detergent pods (compact for dorm storage)Price: $12.97Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Dryer sheets
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 wallPrice: $34.42Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
- Laundry app or coinsCheck if your school uses an app (Circuit, LaundryView) or quarters before you go
Tide-to-Go or similar
Desk & Study
(6)
⭐ Top pickDesk lamp (LED)Compare picks →Not provided in most halls — check your school's provided list abovePrice: $20.98Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ Top pickLaptop stand (adjustable)Ergonomic for long study sessions — pairs with any keyboardPrice: $15.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Scissors and tape
Whiteboard or sticky notes for the doorPrice: $15.90Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
- Backpack (bring from home)
Health & Safety
(10)
Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, medical tape)Price: $8.43Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Ibuprofen / acetaminophen
Thermometer
Disinfecting wipesWipe down desks, doorknobs, and shared surfaces — cold and flu rip through a dorm floorPrice: $11.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Vitamin C / immune supportDorms are germ factories — keep a box for the first sign of dorm crudPrice: $12.12Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
24-hour allergy tabletsNon-drowsy antihistamine for new-city pollen and dusty old dorm buildingsPrice: $12.62Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Blister patchesHydrocolloid patches for the blisters a big campus gives you in week onePrice: $13.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 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
Sleep mask + earplugsShared room, roommate's lamp, hallway noise — the cheapest sleep upgrade there isPrice: $8.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Portable white-noise machineMasks thin dorm walls and a roommate's off-schedule coming and going so it's easier to fall asleepPrice: $19.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
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 itPrice: $24.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
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 Aug 1, 2026, may vary
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.Price: $21.07Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Slippers / house shoesCold, not-always-clean dorm floors — shower shoes are for the bathroom
Mini tool kit / screwdriver setFor assembling a loft, tightening a wobbly bed frame, and move-in boxesPrice: $22.62Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Water filter pitcher (Brita)Dorm tap water, no kitchen filter — a 6-cup fits in a mini-fridgePrice: $32.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Bed rest reading pillowDorm beds have no headboard — a backrest with arms lets you sit up to study or read in bedPrice: $29.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Weighted blanket (15 lb, twin)Calmer, deeper sleep in a noisy hall — sized to a dorm bedPrice: $37.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Compact HEPA air purifierQuiet desktop unit for dusty old buildings, allergies, and roommate smellsPrice: $43.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
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.Price: $12.15Amazon price as of Aug 1, 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 potPrice: $19.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
- 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
Price: $18.95Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Dish drying matAbsorbent mat to air-dry dishes on a tiny counter — doubles for drying a shower caddy or shoesPrice: $9.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Bottle & straw brush setCleans the straws and narrow necks of Stanley-style tumblers your other brushes can't reachPrice: $4.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Paper towelsFor spills and quick cleanup when there's no kitchen — select-a-size to waste less
Misc Essentials
(10)
Reusable water bottle (large, 32 oz+)Price: $21.94Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Rain jacket or packable jacket
Reusable tote bags × 2–3 (grocery runs, gym, dining)Price: $28.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Shower timer (optional, for communal bathroom courtesy)Price: $15.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
⭐ 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)Park-Stradley Hall rooms already include a bin — skip unless you want a second.Price: $27.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Safety box openerCeramic auto-retract blade opens the mountain of move-in boxes without slicing what's inside — safe and dorm-allowedPrice: $7.98Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
Move-In Day Gear
(4)
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 lifesaverPrice: $42.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 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 breaksPrice: $26.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
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 bedPrice: $39.99Amazon price as of Aug 1, 2026, may vary
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
Living in Park-Stradley Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
Park-Stradley rooms are traditional doubles spread across 11 floors, giving most residents elevated views of the North Residential area. Each room comes furnished with a bed frame and XL twin mattress (80 by 36 inches), a desk and chair, a dresser, overhead lighting, and a combination fridge/freezer/microwave unit — the only fridge and microwave you are permitted to have in the room. Beds have adjustable frames, so you can raise clearance to suit your storage needs without building anything. OSU does not provide bedding, pillows, towels, a desk lamp, hangers, a shower caddy, or an area rug, so pack those before you leave home.
Day to day
What genuinely sets Park-Stradley apart from most OSU corridor halls is the bathroom setup: rather than fully open communal bathrooms, each floor offers lockable private shower stalls and lockable private toilet stalls. For students and families who dread the communal bathroom experience, this is a meaningful distinction — you get real privacy without needing to pay for a suite. The 11-story building sits in North Residential, putting residents close to athletic facilities and northern dining options. The floor community is tight by virtue of the corridor layout, and residents typically form close-knit hall friendships early in the semester.
Move-in day
Move-in at Park-Stradley happens in late August, when Columbus routinely sees temperatures above 85°F with heavy humidity. Air conditioning availability varies by floor, so check your specific assignment before you decide how many fans to pack — if your floor does not have AC, a box fan becomes a necessity, not a luxury. Plan for sweat: wear light clothing, drink water before you arrive, and bring a small cooler with ice. Arrival windows are assigned to prevent hallway gridlock, so review your time slot carefully.
Park-Stradley Hall FAQ
- Does Park-Stradley Hall have air conditioning?
- Air conditioning at Park-Stradley is partial — it varies by floor, not by room type. When you receive your room assignment, contact OSU Residence Life to confirm whether your specific floor is climate-controlled. If it is not, a box fan or tower fan is strongly recommended given Columbus's late-August heat and humidity, which routinely combine to push temperatures above 85°F during the first week or two of the semester. Personal window AC units are not permitted at any OSU residence hall. Regardless of whether your floor has AC, a fan is worth packing as a backup for air circulation and white noise, so do not skip it just because you hope to land on a cooled floor.
- What makes Park-Stradley Hall's bathrooms different from other OSU dorms?
- Unlike most corridor-style OSU halls where bathrooms are fully communal and open, Park-Stradley offers lockable private shower stalls and lockable private toilet stalls on each floor. You still share the bathroom floor with your hallmates, but each individual shower and toilet has a door that locks from the inside — there are no open gang showers and no gaps that compromise privacy. This is one of the few North Residential halls where incoming students do not have to contend with fully open shared bathrooms. For students and families who ranked bathroom privacy highly when choosing a hall, Park-Stradley's setup delivers a meaningful step up from standard corridor hall bathrooms without requiring a suite-style assignment.
- Can I bring a mini-fridge to Park-Stradley Hall?
- No. OSU policy prohibits personal mini-fridges and personal microwaves in all residence hall rooms, including Park-Stradley. Every room is already equipped with a university-provided combination fridge/freezer/microwave unit that handles refrigeration, freezing, and microwave cooking. Bringing your own appliance will result in it being sent home on move-in day — a frustrating and avoidable outcome that catches many incoming OSU students off guard. Save the money and the space in your moving vehicle for bedding, towels, a desk lamp, and hangers — the items OSU does not supply. This rule is campus-wide and applies equally on every floor and in every hall, regardless of whether your floor has AC or how large your room is.
- How do I request lofting at Park-Stradley Hall?
- Self-constructed lofts are banned at all OSU residence halls — no homemade frames, no cinder blocks, no stacked furniture arrangements. If you want to raise your bed height beyond what the adjustable frame allows, you submit an institutional lofting request through Ohio State's housing portal. Processing takes at least one week, so if you know you will want a lofted configuration, submit the request before you arrive rather than on move-in day. Lofting availability is not guaranteed on every floor or in every hall, so confirm whether Park-Stradley supports it for your specific room. The adjustable bed frames already allow some clearance customization without a formal request, which is usually sufficient for standard rolling storage bins.
More Ohio State halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.