Mailroom FAQs
General
Carrier says my package has been delivered, but I haven't received an email from DormMail yet.
Packages typically take 24–72 hours after arriving on campus to be processed. Processing is often quicker, but may take the full 72 hours during busy periods. Please wait for the DormMail pickup email before visiting the mailroom.
If it has been more than 72 hours, contact dormmail@bu.edu with your tracking number, delivery confirmation, and any photos.
Can a friend pick up my package?
Yes. Forward your DormMail pickup email to them. They must bring:
- The pickup email showing the tracking number
- A valid photo ID
It is also recommended that you email dormmail@bu.edu in advance with the person’s name so mailroom staff are aware.
Can you forward or return to sender an item for me?
Forwarding is available for USPS packages only and must be sent to a domestic U.S. address.
Returns can be completed upon request or after an item has remained in the mailroom for two weeks.
Can I ship out an item through the mailroom?
No. Mailrooms do not process outgoing shipments. Students should use nearby USPS, UPS, FedEx, or Amazon locations.
Is there a limit to the size or weight of an item shipped to the mailroom?
There is no strict size or weight limit. However:
- Large or bulky items should be picked up promptly due to limited storage space.
- Palletized deliveries are not accepted.
- Items may be refused if they pose a safety concern.
Does the mailroom provide carts or any way to transport items back to my residence hall?
Mailroom carts are reserved for delivery operations. Students may borrow carts from Residence Life using their BU ID.
I live in a direct-delivery location. Can I use the mailroom to receive my package?
No. Mailrooms are only available to students assigned to that specific mailroom location.
Can the mailroom sign for my package or accept an OTC?
Yes. Please send the OTC information to
dormmail@bu.edu once you receive it so mailroom staff can prepare for the delivery.
I received a pickup email, but the package cannot be found. What should I do?
Email
dormmail@bu.edu with your tracking number and delivery details. Staff will investigate the issue. In many cases, the package may have been shelved in a different location.
Can you take a picture of my package so I know what it is?
No. Mailroom staff do not provide photos of packages or items.
Move-In
How early can I ship an item to the mailroom?
Packages should not arrive before your scheduled move-in date.
My package is arriving before my move-in date. What will happen to it?
The package will likely be checked into the “Student Not Found” section of the mailroom until your arrival information can be confirmed.
Intersession & Move-Out
Mailrooms are closed for Intersession, but I would like to retrieve my package. Are staff available to assist?
No. Mailrooms are closed during Intersession and staff are not available to assist with package retrieval.
My package is arriving after the mailroom closes for Intersession. What will happen to it?
Carriers are informed of mailroom closures ahead of Intersession and are asked to hold deliveries during this period.
If a package is left unattended on campus, mailroom staff may periodically collect and secure items. Packages will be processed once mailrooms reopen after Intersession.
I've left campus for the semester. Can you hold my package until next semester?
Packages received one week before the start of Intersession will be held until one week after the beginning of Spring semester classes.
Items that arrive earlier than that timeframe may be returned to sender after mailrooms reopen following Intersession.
Any items remaining in the mailroom at the start of the Summer semester will be returned to sender.