Mailing Packages To Appalachian State University Students: A Guide

If you're looking to mail packages to students at Appalachian State University, there are a few things to keep in mind. The University Post Office provides mail delivery services for students across campus, but there are specific requirements for sending and receiving mail. Students who live off-campus can opt to receive mail at the University Post Office, but they must provide their mailbox number, and all mail should be addressed with the student's full name and a full return address. The University Post Office accepts packages year-round, except on state holidays, and students must pick up their mail and packages from one of the designated locations on campus.

Addressing mail to students at Appalachian State University

To address mail to students at Appalachian State University, you must follow a specific format to ensure proper delivery. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Student's Full Name:

Begin by addressing the mail with the student's full name. This is essential to ensure the package reaches the correct recipient.

Campus PO Box Number:

Next, you must include the student's Campus PO Box number. This is crucial, as it serves as the student's unique identifier within the university's mail system. The format should be:

> Campus PO Box #

> 614 Howard Street

> Boone, NC 28608

Do not use the student's residence hall street address for sending packages or mail. The Campus PO Box number ensures that the package is delivered to the university's postal system, where it can be efficiently sorted and distributed.

Email Address:

Include the student's Appalachian State University email address, which ends with @appstate.edu. This allows for email notification when the package arrives and provides important information regarding pickup.

Service Desk:

Finally, specify the appropriate Service Desk based on the student's location on campus:

East Service Desk:

> c/o: East Service Desk

> 214 Locust Street

> Boone, NC 28608

West Service Desk:

> c/o: West Service Desk

> 228 Stadium Drive

> Boone, NC 28608

Additional Considerations:

It is important to note that the Service Desks do not accept perishable items that require refrigeration, except for medication. If you are sending refrigerated items, use the Campus PO Box address format. Also, students must pick up all mail and packages shipped to campus from the designated pickup locations.

Package collection process for students

The package collection process for students at Appalachian State University depends on the carrier used to send the package and whether the student lives on or off-campus.

For students living on campus

If a package is sent to a student's campus address via the United States Postal Service (USPS), it will be delivered to the University Post Office. The Post Office will then send an email notification to the student, informing them of the pickup location (one of six locker banks or the customer service window) and the date for collection (within two days of delivery). The email will also contain a PIN, which the student must use to retrieve their package.

Students can collect their packages from the locker banks in the Post Office lobby, which are open Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. If the package is not collected within two days, it will be moved to the Post Office customer service window and held for an additional two weeks. The customer service window is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For packages sent via UPS, the student can use their university box number for delivery at the Post Office or the service desk address. If FedEx is used, the package should be addressed to the appropriate package desk.

For students living off campus

Students living off-campus can opt to receive mail at the University Post Office by signing up through their Self-Service account. The cost for this service is $41 per semester. Packages for off-campus students can be addressed to their PO Box number.

Perishable items

Perishable items that are cold to the touch or require refrigeration (except medicine) will be rejected by the Service Desks. Perishable items that are accepted will be stored for a maximum of three business days before being returned to the sender or disposed of.

Requirements for sending mail to students

To send mail to students at Appalachian State University, there are several requirements that must be met to ensure proper delivery. Here are the key requirements:

Address Format:

Use the correct address format, depending on the delivery method. For USPS deliveries, use the student's university mailbox number. For UPS, use the recipient's university box number or the service desk address. If using FedEx, refer to the appropriate package desk address. The general address format includes the student's full name, campus PO box number, and street address:

> Student's Full Name

> Campus PO Box # 614 Howard Street

> Boone, NC 28608

Alternatively, for students living in residence halls, the address format includes the student's full name, email address, and the relevant service desk address:

> East Service Desk

> Student's Full Name

> Student’s @appstate.edu email address

> c/o: East Service Desk

> 214 Locust Street

> Boone, NC 28608

Return Address:

Always include a full return address on the package. This ensures that the mail/package can be returned if it is undeliverable.

Perishable Items:

The University Post Office and Service Desks have specific guidelines for perishable items. Perishable items that are cold to the touch or require refrigeration are generally not accepted, except for medication. However, refrigerated items, excluding medicine, can be shipped using the standard address format. Medicine may be shipped using either address format.

Student Pickup:

Students are required to pick up all mail and packages shipped to campus. The Post Office or Service Desks will not deliver items to residence halls. Students will receive an email notification when they have mail or a package to collect. The pickup location and date will be specified in the notification, and students typically have two days to collect their items.

Large Packages:

Large packages that exceed the dimensions of 16" x 17" x 21" are considered oversized and must be retrieved at the Post Office customer service window.

How to send perishable items to students

To send perishable items to students at Appalachian State University, you must follow the correct procedures to ensure the safety and freshness of the items. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to send perishable items to students:

• Choose the Right Perishables: Select perishable items that have a longer shelf life and are less susceptible to spoilage. Examples include certain baked goods (like cookies, biscotti, and pound cakes), dried or smoked meats (such as beef jerky or smoked salmon), spices and teas, and canned or packaged goods. Fresh fruits and vegetables can also be sent, but choose items that are less perishable, like apples or oranges, and pack them carefully to prevent bruising.
• Prepare and Package Properly: Wrap each item separately to prevent cross-contamination and damage. Use food containers or leak-proof plastic bags to keep items fresh and secure. If sending multiple items, use packing materials like packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or crumpled newspaper to fill any empty spaces and prevent shifting during transit.
• Maintain Temperature Control: Perishable foods require temperature control to stay fresh. Use coolant options like gel packs, dry ice, or cold packs to keep items chilled or frozen. Place the perishables along with the coolant inside a styrofoam box, then put that box inside a sturdy outer container, such as a corrugated cardboard box. Ensure the items stay at or below 40°F for food safety.
• Address and Label Accurately: Clearly address the package to the student's full name, along with their Campus PO Box # and the University's address: 614 Howard Street, Boone, NC 28608. Additionally, mark the box with the word "Perishable" or "Keep Refrigerated" to alert the postal service and handlers about the contents. Include a full return address to ensure the package can be returned if undeliverable.
• Consider Timing: Avoid shipping perishable items close to holidays or weekends, as this can result in extended transit times. It is recommended to ship packages at the beginning of the week (Monday to Wednesday) to reduce the time they spend in transit.
• Notify the Recipient: Inform the recipient (student) about the expected delivery date so they can plan to pick up the package promptly. Perishable items are time-sensitive, and at Appalachian State University, they will only be stored for a limited time (up to 3 business days) before being returned to the sender or disposed of.

Remember to review the specific guidelines provided by Appalachian State University for receiving mail and packages, as well as any applicable state and federal regulations for shipping perishable items.

What to do if mail is undeliverable

When sending mail to students at Appalachian State University, it is important to follow the correct addressing format to ensure successful delivery. However, in some cases, mail may still be undeliverable. Here are some instructions on what to do if you encounter a situation where your mail to a student at Appalachian State University cannot be delivered:

• Incomplete or Incorrect Address: One of the most common reasons for undeliverable mail is an incomplete or incorrect address. Always double-check that you have included the student's full name, their campus PO box number, and the correct street address (either 214 Locust Street Boone, NC, for the East Service Desk, or 228 Stadium Drive Boone, NC, for the West Service Desk). A return address is also crucial to ensure the mail can be returned to you if necessary.
• Non-compliance with Postal Regulations: Ensure that you are complying with all postal regulations, including those specific to Appalachian State University. For instance, the University Post Office does not deliver to residence halls, and students must pick up their mail from designated locations. Additionally, certain items, such as perishable goods, may be rejected or have specific storage durations before being returned or disposed of.
• Student Unavailability: If a student is no longer at the provided address or is unable to pick up their mail, it may be returned to you. Students have a limited time frame to collect their mail before it is returned to the sender. If you are aware that the student is unavailable or has moved, consider informing them or the postal service to facilitate redelivery or provide an alternative arrangement.
• Damaged or Illegible Mail: In some cases, mail may become damaged or illegible during transit, making it difficult to determine the correct recipient or return address. To mitigate this, consider using durable packaging and clearly printing or writing the addresses.
• Full Mailbox: If a student's mailbox is full, and they have not opted to receive mail at the University Post Office, your mail may be undeliverable. Encourage the student to regularly check their mailbox and make space for new mail.
• Notification and Redelivery: If your mail is returned to you as undeliverable, consider contacting the student to verify their address and make arrangements for redelivery. You may also suggest that they opt-in to receive mail at the University Post Office to increase the likelihood of successful delivery.

Remember, it is important to provide accurate and complete information when addressing mail to students at Appalachian State University. By following the correct procedures and staying informed about any changes in postal regulations, you can minimize the chances of your mail being undeliverable.

Frequently asked questions