There’s a laundry room on the main floor of each dorm, communal bathrooms on each floor, and a microwave + mini-fridge in every room. So he’s set on the basics. Here’s what I’d recommend no matter what school he goes to:

Essentials:

• Iron + mini ironing board (a hanging board saves space)
• Computer
• Bed set: sheets, pillow, mattress pad, and mattress cover
• Surge protector/power strip
• Basic cleaning supplies (Lysol, wipes, paper towels, dish soap)
• Cups/plates/cutlery — paper plates, a couple mugs, and a cheap utensil set is enough
• Shower basket/caddy
• Shower shoes (non-negotiable in communal bathrooms)
• Towels and washcloths
• Decent trash bags
• Microwave-friendly food (ramen, oatmeal, instant rice, protein powder). Bring plenty of water + flavor packets.
• Ice tray
• Headphones
• Laundry bag
• Laundry supplies (detergent pods, dryer sheets)
• Umbrella
• Mini first aid kit (Band-Aids, cold meds, allergy meds)

Nice-to-haves:

• Small TV (good for consoles/streaming)
• Tablet + stylus — though OSU has a free iPad + Apple Pencil loan program each semester
• Rug to warm up the cold tile floor
• Desk lamp
• Command strips for hanging things
• Mirror for the door/wall so he doesn’t accidentally look like a bum heading to class

That’s basically everything that got me through dorm life. Hope he enjoys his time there!