Mailing tips for students: How to ensure your packages arrive safely

September 16, 2024
Categories: Mail Services Tags: Mail Services
Photo of someone sending mail

As a college student, getting packages delivered to you is always exciting—whether it’s textbooks, care packages from family, or those late-night online shopping orders! However, with so many students receiving mail at once, making sure your packages are delivered correctly requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to make sure your mail gets to you without delay.

The perfect address block

When shipping packages to campus, it’s important to include all the necessary details in your address. If you leave anything out, it could lead to delays or even your package getting lost. Here’s the address format you should use if you’re a student living on campus:

Your Full Name
9201 University City Blvd.
Your Residence Hall Name and Room Number
Charlotte, NC 28223

Including the residence hall and room number is essential for Mail Services to direct your package to the right place. Without this information, your mail may not make it to you.

Watch a video showing how to address your mail, Wes Anderson-style.

What if your package is missing information?

Sometimes, you might forget to include all of the necessary information, or maybe the sender left something out. If your package doesn’t have all the required details, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to recover it:

  1. Check the tracking status
    Use the courier’s website (USPS, UPS, FedEx, etc.) to check the current tracking status of your package. If it hasn’t been delivered yet, contact the courier as soon as possible to update the address or provide any missing details.
  2. Contact Mail Services
    If your package was marked as delivered but you haven’t received it, reach out to Mail Services at the university. Provide us with the tracking number, your full name, and your current residence hall and room number. We may be able to locate your package and ensure it reaches you.

Do’s and don’ts for a smooth delivery

To prevent delays or misdelivery, here are some important do’s and don’ts:

DO:

  • Use the correct address format every time you order something.
  • Check your tracking regularly for updates.
  • Look for emails from Mail Services at mailservices@charlotte.edu that notify you when your package is ready for pickup.
  • Contact Mail Services if you don’t receive an email on the day your tracking shows your package was delivered.

DON’T:

  • Use the street address posted outside your dorm. That’s not the correct mailing address for receiving packages.
  • Order same-day delivery services (like Walmart or Amazon same-day). They can often lead to confusion or missed deliveries on campus.

By following these tips, you’ll increase your chances of receiving your mail and packages in a timely manner. Ensuring your shipping address is correct and complete, and keeping track of your packages, can help you avoid unnecessary stress. Happy mailing!