Mail FAQ's

Mail/Package Basics

What is the proper address format to use when addressing mail and packages?

• Mail and Packages must include the resident’s First and Last Name, Building and Room Number.  Mail and packages incorrectly addressed may be returned. The university is not liable for stolen, lost or incorrectly delivered mail.

First Name and Last Name
Room # and Residence Hall
Street Address
City, OH Zip Code

Example:
Brutus Buckeye
2024 Baker Hall East
93 West 12th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210

What types of items can be accommodated (perishables, etc.)?

• Perishable packages logged at a Front Desk or Package Center must be picked up within 24 hours. Perishable packages not picked up within 24 hours may be discarded.
• Packages shipped to the residence halls marked as containing hazardous materials or which contain prohibited items may be returned to sender. Hall Staff will be notified to follow-up with the resident. Please refer to the Residential Living Handbook regarding prohibited items.

What happens if I have an address change?

• Packages and mail for an on-campus address change will be received at one of our front desks or package center. Staff will attempt to process it. If the recipient is indeterminable, the package or mail will be returned to sender.  
• If you move off campus, package will be returned to sender. Paper mail is forwarded for 30 days to the permanent address in BuckeyeLink.
• For any address change, update your address with individual suppliers/delivery companies and change your permanent address is BuckeyeLink.

I accidentally put the wrong name/address on my package, how can I find it?

• Packages and mail for an on-campus address will be received at one of our front desks or package center. Staff will attempt to process it. If the recipient is indeterminable, the package or mail will be returned to sender. 
• If your package has been delivered and you have not received the email after a couple of days, please stop by your front desk with your Student ID, tracking number, and any other relevant information you have so that we may best assist you in locating the package.

I no longer live on campus and sent mail/package to my old residence hall address. What do I do?

• Paper mail will be forwarded to your permanent address for 30 days. Packages will be returned to sender.

Receiving Mail

Are students assigned Mailboxes?

• Most students are assigned a mailbox. They are given either a key or mailbox combination.
• Buildings without mailboxes will receive an email when paper mail is available to pick up at a front desk near their residential community.

How will I receive my mail?

• Paper mail is placed in the student's mailbox. Students can access their mailbox with a combination or key. Students are responsible for checking their mailbox on a regular basis.
• Buildings without mailboxes will receive an email when paper mail is available to pick up at a front desk near their residential community.

Packages

Will students be notified once a package arrives?

• Once packages are processed, an email will be sent to the student's @osu.edu email address notifying the student that they have a package at their front desk or package center.
• Information regarding the location of the package and hours of operation will be in the email.

I received a notification that my package has been delivered from the carrier. Why have I not received an email yet from Ohio State?

• Packages signed for by front desk and package center need to be processed first. High volumes of packages impact processing time. Packages may arrive at the university’s Central Mail and Receiving Center prior to a front desk or package center. You should wait to receive an email from the university before coming to pick up packages.

How soon can I pick up my package after notification?

• Students can pick up packages as soon as they receive the email notification from the university.
• To pick up a package, bring your BuckID to the appropriate front desk or package center during operating hours. 

What if I am expecting a package that requires a 21+ signature?

• Front desks and package centers will not sign for any mail or packages that require a 21+ signature. Students need to arrange to pick these items up directly from the courier. These packages may be returned to the sender or the hall staff may follow-up with the recipient.

My package was lost, what do I do next?

• Contact the carrier if your package is lost.

What if I am expecting an oversized package?

• Front desks and package centers can usually accommodate larger packages but we ask the student to pick up their oversize package immediately due to space limitations.

What if I need to send or return a package?

• Front desks and package centers will not mail or accept return packages for pickup by a delivery company.

Students will need to find other locations to send out packages:

Columbus Campus

United States Post Office:
234 W. 18^th Avenue (Backside of Journalism Building)

UPS Access Point (Drop-Off):
2160 N High Street (In CVS)

Amazon Pickup and Returns at Columbus:
2114 N. High Street

Mansfield Campus

United States Post Office:
                1342 Park Avenue W

                UPS Access Point (Drop-Off):
                900 N Lexington Springmill Road

Amazon Returns @ Kohls
                524 N Lexington Springmill Road

Newark Campus

United States Post Office:
                70 E Church Street (Downtown Newark)

                The UPS Store:
                1067 N 21^st Street (Near Taco Bell)

                Amazon Returns @ Kohls
                1041 Mount Vernon Road

Wooster Campus

United States Post Office:
                153 E South Street

                UPS Access Point (Drop-Off):
                210 N Bever Street

Why do students have to sign for a package?

• This is for security reasons, accountability, and tracking.

What if a student does not pick up a package?

• All non-perishable packages logged at a front desk or package center must be picked up within 1 week of the email notification being sent. Packages not picked up within 1 week may be returned.
• Perishable packages not picked up within 24 hours of the email notification being sent will be discarded.

Can a student authorize someone else to pick up their package?

• No, a student must pick up their own packages. Having a friend's/roommate's ID is NOT accepted.

When can students start shipping packages to campus?

• It is strongly encouraged for any items shipped to arrive after the student has checked in for the semester. Items shipped prior to the opening of halls will automatically be returned to sender.

Why can parents not receive information about packages?

• Due to the privacy and safety of students, the front desks and package centers will not answer questions regarding the receipt of packages. This information will only be provided to the student.

Amazon

Do you accept Amazon packages that require a delivery passcode?

• No. Amazon packages requiring a delivery code will automatically be refused. Front desks and package centers are unable to provide a delivery passcode to Amazon delivery drivers on behalf of students. 
• If your Amazon package requires a passcode upon delivery, please have your package delivered to the nearest Amazon Hub or Locker.
• Please be aware that Amazon may automatically add a delivery code on certain high-value items. Contact Amazon directly if you notice a delivery code is automatically added to your Amazon order to avoid delivery delays.

 Do I have to use an Amazon locker for my amazon orders?

• Students do not have to use an Amazon locker, however it is strongly encouraged. The lockers provide an additional and quicker means to receive packages from Amazon.