Sending a package from home is a thoughtful way to stay connected with your WashU student. To ensure safe and timely delivery, please review the mailing guidelines below before shipping.
Shipping and Delivery Tips
- Allow 1–2 business days for processing once the package arrives on campus, depending on the time of year.
- USPS, UPS, FedEx, and DHL all deliver to campus. Only USPS can deliver to campus mailboxes.
- Inform your student that they have an incoming delivery and to be on the lookout for a notice from Mail & Receiving Services.
- Avoid sending perishable items. Our mail centers do not have refrigerated storage. Read our Unclaimed and Perishable Packages Policy below for more details.
- Use a sturdy box and strong tape to protect the contents of your package.
Address Packages to Your Student
All packages must include your student’s full name and mail stop code (MSC).
Each student has a unique MSC that corresponds to their housing assignment. Mail Stop Codes help route deliveries directly to your student’s designated mail center.
Use the following format as a template when you address your package:
First and Last Name (no nicknames)
MSC Code
6515 Wydown Boulevard
St. Louis, MO 63105-2298
Unclaimed and Perishable Package Policy
- Due to a limitation in storage space after 90 days, any packages that remain unclaimed will be subject to our standard procedure.
- An email notification will be sent to the recipient informing them of the unclaimed package and providing one week to arrange for pickup.
- The priority is to return packages to the sender whenever feasible. o In cases where returning to the sender is not possible, alternative arrangements will be made.
- Alternatives include donation to a charitable organization in accordance with company policy.
- Packages with an unknown name or insufficient information will be referred to as research packages.
- After 30 days, any research packages left unclaimed will follow the standard protocol.
- The preferred action is to return these packages to the sender.
- If returning to the sender is not feasible, appropriate measures will be taken to handle their return.
- Perishable packages left unclaimed for 24 hours will be disposed of.
- It is essential to note that our facilities do not have refrigeration capabilities. While efforts are made to ensure timely retrieval, refrigeration ca
- nnot be provided for perishable items.
Following the expiration of 36 hours, any unclaimed letter mail retrieved from the lockers will be promptly returned to the sender.
- Please note that our facility is unable to accept Deliveries from Whole Foods, Grubhub, and similar services.
- Any same-day delivery that doesn’t include a name cannot be accepted.
Mail room staff are responsible for monitoring package arrivals and initiating the unclaimed package process.
Notifications regarding unclaimed packages will be sent to recipients in accordance with company communication protocols.
Exceptions to this policy may be granted under extraordinary circumstances, subject to approval by designated authorities.
Move-in, Breaks, and Summer Shipping
Delivery schedules and pickup locations may change during move-in and break periods. Packages that arrive before move-in or after move-out may be returned to sender. Visit our Move-In information page for shipping dates, special hours, and guidance on when students can begin sending packages to campus.
Send a Care Package through Bear Necessities
Looking for an easy way to brighten your student’s day? Bear Necessities, a store on the South 40, offers a convenient way to send care packages without leaving home.
Choose from a selection of spirited and seasonal care packages—or create your own custom gift. Sending a care package through Bear Necessities is a simple, personal way to show your support—especially during exams, birthdays, or just because.