Mail/Package FAQ

How do I address letter mail and packages going to my campus address?

It depends on where you live on campus!

What should I do if I did not address my package correctly?

If you forget your SFSU ID number or other pertinent information on your package, you may experience a delay as our mail team may have to do some additional research to find your information in our system to process it to you.

Please remember the correct format as this takes more time to try and figure out who it belongs to. Addressing your items correctly ensures that our team will be able to process it efficiently to reach you quicker.

What should I do if my package is addressed to my parents?

We RTS all packages that are addressed to non-residents. If this happens, please send our Mail Lead an email (hous036@sfsu.edu) to request a halt in the RTS process. Please note the recipient of the package will have to confirm the error in addressing.

Can I receive overnight deliveries at my campus address?

We do not recommend paying for overnight or expediting shipping due to processing. You will still receive your package within the 3-5 day processing window.

Can letter mail or packages be sent to my campus address before I move in?

No. Our team can only handle mail for residents after they have checked into their assignment. We recommend waiting until you are moved in to begin receiving letters and packages to avoid additional delays.

Can letter mail or packages be sent to my campus address during Winter Recess?

Yes! Please be certain to pay attention to winter recess notifications for possible changes in delivery / pick up locations.

When does the mail staff work?

The Towers Mail room is typically open every day from 12PM - 8PM for processing. You are able to pick up your packages at any time.

I am having medication shipped to me that requires refrigeration. What do I do?

In order to request / notify our team of an important package arrival: send an email to our Resident Services Mail Lead (hous036@sfsu.edu) prior to package arrival with the following information in your email request:

Resident Name, Carrier Information / Tracking Number, Expected Arrival Date, Brief Description / Reason to expedite

*We cannot expedite processing of any packages that have already arrived in our possession due to the volume of mail we receive. Please plan accordingly and consider our processing window when ordering important items.

Please visit Emergency Packages for more information.

I received an email delivery notification from UPS. Does that mean I can pick up my package?

NO! An email from a carrier (UPS, FedEx, DHL, Post Office) or a vendor (Amazon, etc.) does not mean that the package is available for your pick up. When a package is ready for pick up, you will receive an email from Resident Services.

Please understand that we receive a very high volume of packages on a daily basis. Each package is processed on the day it arrives. At the beginning of each semester, processing times may be longer due to high volumes.

Do I need anything to pick up a package?

Yes! You are required to present your SFSU ID (or other government-issued Photo ID) to pick up your packages.

What should I do if I receive letter mail in my mailbox addressed to someone else?

If you receive a letter in your mailbox that does not belong to you (or a current roommate), you are required to return it to your the Towers front desk. Please be reminded that it is a violation of federal law to intentionally open or discard letter mail that is not addressed to you. If you receive letter mail that is not yours, please return it to the Towers front desk.