Information for Parents & Family

Address

Please refer to the address formatting information on the Receiving Mail & Packages page

Packages

Packages should be addressed to a student's UNI. The Student Mail Center holds packages for up to 14 business days and sends regular email notifications to students during this time. For more information on packages, please see the Package Return Policy.

Tips for Shipping 

Every shipped box should have your full name and address clearly labeled and securely affixed to at least two sides on the outside of the box. Put your name and address on the inside of the box as well. If your shipment consists of more than one box, number them “1 of 4,” “2 of 4,” “3 of 4,” etc. Please use the correct address format for your labels. 

When possible, pack electronic equipment and other fragile items in the manufacturer’s original container and padding. If this is not possible, make certain to pack each item separately and protect all sides with at least two inches of protective padding. 

For more tips on sending mail to students via the U.S. Postal Service, please see Mail Tips.

Prohibited Items

The following items are prohibited in all Columbia owned and operated residence halls and brownstones.

  • Air conditioners (both window and portable units) shipped to the Columbia Student Mail Center will not be accepted and will be returned to sender at the sender's expense.
  • Banners, flags, nets, holiday lighting, cable wire, and hangers installed in such a way as to interfere with the operation of any fire safety equipment (i.e. sprinkler heads or smoke detectors). No items may be installed on/suspended from the ceilings.
  • Candles, even if the item is strictly decorative
  • "Live" holiday decorations such as wreaths or Christmas trees
  • Deep fryers
  • Drones
  • Electric Scooters
  • Electronic cigarettes, vape pens, and Juuls
  • Extension cords (only UL-listed surge protectors with shut-off safety functioning are allowed)
  • Fog Machines
  • Grills
  • Halogen lamps
  • Hookahs
  • Hot plates
  • Hoverboards, self-propelled scooters, and similar devices
  • Illegal drugs and/or paraphernalia
  • Incense, even if item is strictly decorative
  • Immersion coils
  • Lofted Beds
  • Motorcycles or any gas engine vehicles
  • Non-flame-resistant decorations hung on room/suite doors or hallway bulletin boards.
  • Pets (only fish in a half-gallon or less tank are allowed)
  • Signs, posters, lights, or decorations on the exterior of buildings or attached to windowpanes.
  • Space heaters