Norman, Oklahoma · Boomer Sooner
McCasland Hall Dorm Checklist 2026
University of Oklahoma
1 Bedroom Suite (2 person), approx. 10'5" x 11', or 2 Bedroom Suite (4 person), approx. 10'7" x 11'8" with a solid wall dividing the two rooms and the bathroom accessible from each room; private suite bathroom either way
- Bed SizeTwin XL (both floor plans)
- Under-BedMovable furniture; DIY mods banned
- ACPartial
- On-CampusRequired (first-year residency requirement)
✓ In the room
✗ Not provided
⊘ Prohibited
- OU does not itemize air conditioning on this hall's official page even though it is new construction; personal air conditioners are prohibited campus-wide, so confirm cooling with Housing & Food Services rather than planning to bring a unit.
- Do not confuse McCasland with South Hall: OU's Phase 1 plan built two separate halls on the old Adams Center site — McCasland (560 beds) and South Hall (about 580 beds). They have separate pages and separate assignments.
Living in McCasland Hall: what to know before you pack
The room
McCasland Hall is OU's newest first-year residence, built as Phase 1 of the First-Year Housing Master Plan on the site of the old Adams Center and providing 560 beds. Rooms come in two floor plans: a 1 Bedroom Suite for two residents at roughly 10'5" x 11', and a 2 Bedroom Suite for four residents at roughly 10'7" x 11'8", where a solid wall divides the two rooms and the bathroom can be accessed from each side. Both plans use a Twin XL bed, and OU notes that all of the furniture is movable so residents can individualize the space. Each suite has its own bathroom rather than a shared hallway facility — residents are responsible for cleaning it. All utilities (water, electric, trash) are included in the housing rate.
Day to day
Every floor has its own community kitchenette, laundry facilities, and lounge and study space, which puts McCasland between a bare-bones dorm and a full apartment. The building was designed with a small-community atmosphere in mind and includes a convenience store, coffee shop, outdoor spaces and — this being Oklahoma — a storm shelter, with OU committing to LEED Silver certification for all new construction. Unit electronic entry replaces keys. Laundry is on each floor and runs free with unlimited use; the Sooner Card is no longer required. The private suite bathroom is a real step up in privacy over OU's older towers, with the trade that toilet paper and cleaning fall to the residents rather than housekeeping.
Move-in day
First-year general move-in for fall 2026, including McCasland Hall, is Monday, August 17 through Tuesday, August 18, with assigned time slots sent by OU email. McCasland sits at the corner of Maple Avenue and Third Street, about a 4-minute walk to Sarkeys Fitness Center and 11 to Bizzell Memorial Library, so the carry from the car is short by OU standards. OU's packing list permits finishing nails for wall decor here — one of the halls where that is allowed — so bring those rather than putty or painter's tape.
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Everything for your McCasland Hall room
AC is hit-or-miss in McCasland Hall — pack a fan just in case. The complete University of Oklahoma packing list, tuned to McCasland Hall — best picks flagged, anything the room already includes pulled out, and every item shoppable. Affiliate links; live Amazon prices where available, may vary.
121 items across 15 categories
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Bedding
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⭐ Top pickTwin XL fitted sheet × 2Compare picks →Most dorm mattresses are 80" long — standard twin won't fitMcCasland Hall beds are Twin XL (both floor plans) — 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
Extra blanket or throw
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 — check your assignment
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⭐ Top pickTower fan or desk fanCompare picks →AC varies by hall. Bring one — it's cheap insurance until you know your assignment.McCasland Hall is only partially AC'd — check your room assignment before skipping it.
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 buyingMcCasland Hall beds have Movable furniture; DIY mods banned 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 pickMini fridge (if not provided)Compare picks →Check the “In every room” list above first — many schools include a MicroFridge and ban personal ones. Bring one only if yours doesn't.
⭐ 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)McCasland Hall 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 themMcCasland Hall 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 Aug 18, 2026
McCasland Hall FAQ
- Is McCasland Hall new?
- Yes — it is OU's newest first-year hall, a 560-bed building on the site of the old Adams Center, built as Phase 1 of the First-Year Housing Master Plan. It opened for fall 2025 and was dedicated September 23, 2025. South Hall, a separate roughly 580-bed first-year hall, was built on the same site under the same plan.
- Does McCasland Hall have private bathrooms?
- Yes — each suite has its own bathroom rather than a shared hallway facility. In the 2 Bedroom Suite, the bathroom is accessible from each of the two rooms. Residents are responsible for cleaning it.
- What's included in the room rate at McCasland?
- All utilities (water, electric, trash) are included, along with fully-furnished bedrooms with movable furniture and a Twin XL bed, free wireless internet, a community kitchenette on every floor, free unlimited laundry on each floor, lounges and study spaces, unit electronic entry and a storm shelter.
- Is McCasland Hall a good hall to live in?
- That depends on what you're optimizing for, but here's what's verified: McCasland Hall has Twin XL (both floor plans) beds with Movable furniture; DIY mods banned of under-bed storage, and is only partially air conditioned. University of Oklahoma provides Fully-furnished bedrooms with movable furniture and a Twin XL bed; all utilities included (water/electric/trash); free wireless internet; community kitchenette on every floor; laundry facilities on each floor; lounges and study spaces on every floor; storm shelter; unit electronic entry; co-ed communities in every room. Compare those specifics against your priorities — or see how McCasland Hall stacks up against University of Oklahoma's other halls above.
Thinking About Living in McCasland Hall Next Year?
If you're choosing housing for next year rather than packing for move-in, here's what's already verified about McCasland Hall: it has Twin XL (both floor plans) beds with Movable furniture; DIY mods banned of under-bed clearance, and AC is only partial in this building — some rooms have it, some don't. On top of that, the room comes with Fully-furnished bedrooms with movable furniture and a Twin XL bed; all utilities included (water/electric/trash); free wireless internet; community kitchenette on every floor; laundry facilities on each floor; lounges and study spaces on every floor; storm shelter; unit electronic entry; co-ed communities; you'll need to bring XL twin sheets and bedding, mattress pad, cookware and utensils for the floor kitchenette, toilet paper and bathroom cleaning supplies (residents clean their own suite bathroom), desk lamp, finishing nails for wall decor yourself; Non-folding bicycles indoors (folding bikes under 92 linear inches allowed in-room); washing machines may not be used for dyeing; campus-wide prohibited items apply — self-built lofts and bed risers, personal air conditioners and space heaters, lithium-ion e-transport devices, open-flame and fire-hazard items 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 University of Oklahoma’s other halls below.
More University of Oklahoma halls
Each hall has its own verified checklist — pick yours for room-specific dimensions and packing lists.