I will be a freshman this fall. From my understanding, I can ship packages to my PO Box at Bryan Center by US postal mail and they will be waiting for me when I arrive for move in day.
According to Duke’s web site: “All carriers other than the U.S. Postal Service (FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.) deliver directly to a department or dorm room. If you aren’t there when they come by, they’ll leave a notice so you can contact them to arrange re-delivery.”
I was planning to buy some items and have them shipped directly to Duke. However, for online stores that use UPS or FedEx, I don’t see how this would work. UPS/FedEx don’t deliver to a PO Box and I won’t be at my dorm for move-in until August 22nd. Is it not possible to have items shipped to Duke by UPS/FedEx and be waiting for me when I get there?
This brings up the bigger question of ordering online during the school year by UPS/FedEx. Assuming I’m not in my dorm much, how do I accept the packages? For a re-delivery attempt, can I specify the exact time for a delivery when I know I’m in my dorm room. I’m kind of doubting UPS/FedEx permits exact delivery times.
Thanks.
I would honestly wait until you move in before buying anything. There is a target nearby. But the essentials online and pick them up at the Target. Then make a trip after your first few days to get whatever else you need.
During O week there is a Target night when Duke has buses that take freshmen to target after the store has closed. That is, the store is only open to freshman that night. It is my understanding that this is a tradition so you can probably count on it. There are two Targets in Durham. Maybe search past o week calendar to see which one they use? While a freshmen, my son got packages from DHL and FedEx and they were left with his roommate or outside their door. He didn’t have to arrange delivery. I hope this helps a bit.
For stores that only ship FedEx and UPS, there is a simple solution: put your PO box number instead of your dorm address! FedEx/UPS don’t deliver to Duke boxes so they will drop off the packages to USPS who will then take it to your PO box.
To answer ordering online during the school year: you don’t have to be in your dorm. FedEx and UPS make their rounds, knock on your door (and don’t wait for you to respond), then promptly drop off your package in front of your dorm room. I rarely see people at their dorms when FedEx and UPS arrive because they make their rounds when people are at class during the day. It’s nothing to worry about; you will soon be seeing so many packages in the hallway, and it will become the norm.
@sgopal2, @neonpinklime, @allthelamps: Thanks for the responses. You did answer my questions. Thanks!