Son will be in quad at Taylor Tower, and I am at a total loss of what to pick up. Besides bedding and personal stuff, what else is needed? He hasn’t received any response form 2 of the other 3 roommates ( he and another boy emailed a greeting to everyone) and the only 1 that did reach out hasn’t said anything either, so I have no idea if any of them are bringing room stuff. Shower curtain/liner? Shower mat? Curtains? Rug(s)? Should we get a shelving unit of some sort for the bathroom for them to put their stuff on?
My son is having the same experience. Roommates don’t seem to be connecting. I believe that curtains are provided for the main living area, but a rug would be nice. Did you get the mailing from Ohio State through which you can order carpeting that will be sent right to the room? Also, the bathroom has a shelf for each resident, but you’ll need a shower mat. I’m not sure about the shower curtain. Hope that helps.
Shower curtain/rod is provided. Light blocking curtains are provided in both rooms.
I recommend a thin shower mat; a thick one will never have a chance to dry and will promote mold growth.
Rugs are not necessary and are a pain to properly clean (remember they eat over it and walk with shoes on it). If you decide to do a rug and have the physical ability to handle a rug, I recommend buying one from a local store and not the expensive, bureaucratic company partnered with osu. As a general rule, you don’t actually need anything strangers at college are trying to force on you (flyers, special bed sheets, etc.)
My daughter is having the same experience with her room mate. They connected originally, but she has not received a return email yet. My oldest stayed in the exact same dorm my incoming freshman will be in, so I have an idea of what to bring since I know the layout. I do believe the dorms provide a shower curtain, but you will have to supply your own bath mat. I agree with a thinner one. Cleaning supplies is also a necessity and maybe a cheaper vacuum cleaner.
I agree with not going with the linens offered through OSU. I did that for my older daughter’s freshman year and I can tell you the sheets and blankets are cheap. For what I spent, I could get much better quality through Bed Bath and Beyond, or an upscale department store. I am going to go this route for my incoming freshman. You can get away with a small area rug. Maybe a 5x8. I did do that for my older daughter but be prepared for it to be nasty by the end of the year. I would lean cheap, so you can just throw it away.
Oh, one more thing. If they have a private bath, I recommend a toilet brush and plunger! Ha!! 
My son lived in a quad in Taylor - his recommendations:
- comfortable folding chair (Target has nice ones)
- a fan
- back rest pillow
- clip on led light for bed
- lap desk for laptop
- hanging shelves for inside closet
- lock for locking drawers (also use at rpac)
- lots of patience!!
I’ll post if he comes up with anything else!
That’s great advice! Is the folding chair to replace the desk chair or as additional seating?
Additional seating - similar to this http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-sherpa-dish-chair/-/A-26390799#prodSlot=_1_1
It folds up flat for storage
Thanks! By the way, how did your son like living in a quad?
Well, it wouldn’t have been his first choice - he really values his personal space and is not the most outgoing guy. However, he made it work and did make many friends in the process. I told him it’s a “rite of passage” and definitely a learning experience. His older brother was living in a Cbus suburb (we’re out of state) so it gave him a place to escape to when he needed it.
He did like having the bathroom in the room rather than a community bathroom like on south campus. He really liked the location of the dorm and said it’s a great way to meet people.
My middle son is in a frat and will be living in the frat house for the third year - totally different personality, so a lot depends on the personality.