Student Mail Services FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• When can I start sending packages to campus?

  Packages and/or mail of any kind should not be sent to students prior to Aug. 1.

   

• What types of packages are accepted?

  Bucknell accepts packages from the following carriers:

  • USPS
  • UPS
  • FedEx
  • DHL
  • Amazon

  We do not accept freight shipments, including freight shipped by UPS, FedEx or other accepted carriers. 

   

• Can I ship my luggage to/from home?

  Shipping luggage to campus from home:

  1. USPS Click and Ship or UPS are recommended methods since they accept credit cards.
  2. Please note: UPS levies additional surcharges for items not packaged in cardboard (these could take 2-3 weeks to show up on your credit card).
  3. We do not accept freight shipments.
  4. Dorm Room Movers may be another alternative for moving in. Many of our current students utilize them.

  Shipping luggage to home from campus:

  1. We do not accept credit cards.
  2. The student must wait the entire time the package is being processed (domestic 20 minutes +, International 2 hours +)
  3. Please note: UPS levies additional surcharges for items not packaged in cardboard (these could take 2-3 weeks to show up on your BUID).
  4. Students may purchase boxes from PPM.
  5. We do not send or handle freight shipments.
  6. Dorm Room Movers may be another alternative for moving out. Many of our current students utilize them.

   

• How does someone send a package to me?

  Give your friends and family your address format. We receive mail and packages from all shipping carriers.

  Please use the following addressing standards to ensure that external mail and packages reach their intended recipient:

  Student Name
  Bucknell University
  701 Moore Avenue C####
  Lewisburg, PA 17837

  Each student is assigned a unique "C" number, which follows the street address. Students can access their number in myBucknellWeb. There should be no space between the "C" and the number following it.

  First year students can access their unique "C" number beginning July 15 of each year.

   

• Where is my student mailbox, and how long will I have it?

  Bucknell no longer has mailboxes. Student mail is distributed via a combination of lockers, mail folders and for oversized packages the service window, all of which are located on the ground floor of the Elaine Langone Center. You will be assigned a C number when you first enroll and you keep the same box assignment for each consecutive semester you are enrolled.

  Note: Your C# could change without notice for one of the following reasons: graduation year change, leave of absence or withdrawal.

   

• What happens to mail not addressed properly?

  Mystery mail will be held for a short period of time, but may be opened to determine its intended recipient. If not picked up after seven days, it will be returned to the sender. Please make sure your orders and incoming mail/packages have your full address.

  Note: If the name on the package is a graduated alum it will be handled as follows – USPS mail will be forwarded for one year after graduation. All other carriers are returned to sender.

   

• What happens to my mail if I study abroad or take a leave of absence?

  U.S.P.S. Mail will be forwarded.

  All other carrier mail (UPS, FedEx, etc.) and campus Mail will be returned to sender.

   

• How long is my mail forwarded after I graduate or leave school?

  According to USPS regulations, we forward First Class mail for one year. You must contact your magazine suppliers with your new address.

  Note: Forwarded packages only apply to USPS mail. All other carriers are returned to sender.

   

• What do I need to pick up my package at the service window?

  Bucknell Identification is all you need to pick up your packages at the service window.

   

• Can I have a friend pick up my package for me?

  Yes, you can. You can email us and/or send the friend with your name and C number. We will scan the friends BUID as proof of pick up.

   

• What happens if I receive an item of mail too large for a locker, or if the item requires a signature?

  When students receive an item of mail requiring a signature, University Mail Services acts as the agent and the item will be placed in a locker. Items too large to fit into a locker are assigned behind the counter. You will receive a notification from student mail notifying you that your mail is ready for pick up. If a package needs a 21+ signature, the student must bring a photo ID with date of birth to the Student Mail window to claim the item of mail and sign for it. A photo from a cell phone will not be accepted.

   

• What if I retrieve a package from my locker but it is too large or heavy for me to carry?

  Once you open a locker its contents are your responsibility. The contents must be removed at that time. You may bring your package to the service window and ask that we hold it until you return. Remember to not leave your box open while unattended and do not give locker access to anyone you do not trust. Please do not litter the floors around the lockers; please use the mail recycling bins provided near the locker banks.

   

• When does my mail get put in lockers?

  Mail is sorted and distributed throughout the day Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday.

   

• What happens to my mail during the summer and winter break?

  Students with U.S. addresses will receive an email notifying them that an item has been received with a link to a form to let Student Mail know what you would like done with the item. If you do not respond after 48 hours the item will be returned to sender.

  Students with international addresses will receive an email notifying them that an item has been received with a link to a form to let student mail know what you would like done with the item. If you do not respond after seven days the item will be returned to sender.

  Please note: There is a form for students to notify student mail that they will be remaining on campus.

  Student mail break options

   

• What happens to my mail during the fall and spring break?

  All packages are accepted and held during this period. If students are on campus they can notify Student Mail via the link on our website and we will process their packages to the lockers/service window.

   

• What happens if my package is damaged or the contents is missing?

  Student Mail takes as much care as possible with the packages received. If your package is leaking we will try to bag it and contact you for pick up. Packages not sealed properly or damaged we will mark and place in the software notes that the package was received in this condition. We have on occasion received packages that are open and/or have contents missing. We encourage you to contact the vendor/supplier with this issue.

   

• I received an email that my package arrived but did not receive an email from Student Mail. Where is my package?

  Our carriers do not have set delivery times. Student mail receives packages between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, sometimes in multiple deliveries. In August and September student mail receives more than 1,000 packages per day. If you received notice that your package was delivered but did not receive an email from Student Mail we are working to get your package processed. Please note that coming to the window to inquire pulls staff from processing your packages. We do our best to ensure that all packages are processed on the same day.

   

• How are mail service problems addressed?

  Our staff is committed to the efficient and secure handling of your mail. If you experience problems with any of our services, please notify Student Mail in person at the service window, via email at studentmail@bucknell.edu or by phone at 570-577-3256. We will do our best to resolve any issues. Public Safety is brought in as a last resort if there is any belief that there is something amiss.

   

• I'm known by my nickname. Is that a problem?

  No. Nicknames are identified in our system as long as you have provided the information to the Registrar. Please let us know if you are expecting something that might have been sent to you under your parent's name by mistake. Our database does not contain parent information so this may delay your package. If your name has been legally changed, whether it be your given name or surname, please be sure to notify the Registrar, Housing and Student Mail with this change so we can ensure that your mail is properly received and sorted.

   

• Are there any mail restrictions?

  Cash and gift cards should never be sent through the mail, especially if done so without a tracking number. Birthday cards and envelopes containing such items are often ripped open and stolen before they even reach the mailroom, we cannot control this and while we will log in any damaged mail as a package for student pick up, we will not accept responsibility for any mail or package that was received from the courier already damaged. We also ask that envelopes not be sent containing sand or excessive glitter. 

  Perishables
  Perishable items are accepted. However, we cannot control when a package will be picked up and will not accept responsibility for spoilage. This includes but is not limited to the following food subscription services: Amazon Prime Market, Edible Arrangements, HelloFresh, Insomnia Cookies, Blue Apron, Freshly, Home Chef, Omaha Steaks, Daily Harvest, Georgetown Cupcakes, Imperfect Foods, etc.

  Fresh Flowers
  Student Mail does not accept flower arrangements from local florists. Those should be directed to the switchboard.

  Freight Shipment
  Student Mail does not accept freight shipments of any kind. Please do not send freight shipments to your campus address.

   

• What if I don't claim my package?

  Your package will remain in a locker for 48 hours. You will receive an initial email and reminder emails at 24 and 46 hours. After 48 hours your package will be removed from the locker and we will notify you via email to come to the service window. You will receive two more notices before a final notice. After the final notification email is sent with no correspondence from the student, the package will be returned to sender after three days. In total we will hold your package for 21 days.

  Note: Your package will remain in the locker until you receive a notice stating you must retrieve it from the service window.

   

• Will I receive a C number and mail if I live off campus?

  Yes, if you live off campus and receive mail on campus your mail will still be treated as if you live on campus.

   

• Will my mail be forwarded if I live off campus?

  No, if you live off campus and receive mail on campus your mail will still be treated as if you live on campus.

   

• What about emergency deliveries or medications?

  If you are expecting an emergency delivery or important medication delivery and you have not received notification from us, please email studentemail@bucknell.edu and include “emergency” or “medication” in the subject line or call 570-577-3256. 

  Please provide your information to help us identify the package; 

  • Name
  • C number
  • Tracking number
  • Approximate size
  • Return address

   

• I need to return something I purchased, can I do this through the Student Mail window?

  All returns need to be initiated with the vendor. You may drop the returns with the Langone Center Post Office; we accept USPS, FedEx and UPS.

  Note about returns with QR codes: When sent a return label please ensure you receive a barcode and not a QR code. If you receive a QR code we cannot accept it; you must take it to the appropriate drop off carrier. Selecting drop point will usually give you the result you need.

   Contact the Post Office in the Langone Center with any questions regarding returns.

   

• What happens if I have postage due on my incoming letter or package?

  If a letter or package arrives with postage due, the cost will be charged to your Bucknell account. Postage due fees are determined by the United States Postal Service and typically range from $3 to $20.

  These charges reflect the difference between the postage paid by the sender and the actual postage required. For questions about how the amount was calculated, you may contact the USPS directly at 570-524-0835 or visit United States Postal Service.

   

• You have an accessibility requirement. How can we help?

  Student mail is willing and able to help with accessibility accommodations. Please contact 570-577-3256 or studentmail@bucknell.edu to help us understand and help with your needs.