Important Student Mail Information

The following information is provided to ensure secure and accurate delivery of letter mail and packages to Barnard students. It is based on many years of experience. Please read carefully and inform your relatives, friends, and business correspondents of the appropriate information. If you have any questions or concerns, please see the contact information at the bottom of this page.

Mailing address, mailbox combinations, and mail forwarding
The following address format should be used for student mail. The word “Box” should not be used in the address, and mail should never be sent to a student’s dormitory address. If you decide to get cable TV service at Barnard, be sure to inform the cable company of your proper mailing address.

Student’s Full Name
NNNN Altschul
New York, NY 10027-XXXX

In the above example, NNNN represents your 4-digit mailbox number and 10027-XXXX represents a zip+4 number assigned by the USPS for your mailbox. It is important to use your full 9-digit zip code at all times.

Students may retrieve their mailbox combination and address in the Students... Mail Services section of eBear. There you will also find information about Mail Forwarding during the summer break and academic year.

Use signature tracking and insurance options for sensitive and valuable items.
The U.S. Postal Service—as well as private carriers such as FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.—provide options that can track and protect your letter or package, provided that a signature is captured at the point of delivery. The USPS “delivery confirmation” option does not capture a delivery signature and is therefore not recommended when proof of delivery at Barnard is required.

No weekend or holiday delivery
Mail Services is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and College holidays, and couriers are not permitted in the dorms except for delivery of perishable items. Do not spend extra money for Saturday delivery.

Never send cash or validated credit cards though the mail.
Every year, the Post Office receives thousands of complaints nationwide about cash missing from mailed envelopes. Barnard College cannot be held responsible for claims concerning missing cash. Please ensure that all credit cards sent are not validated until after receipt by the card user.

Proper use of mailboxes
Barnard College issues mailboxes and mailbox combinations to Barnard students only. Students are not permitted to use these boxes for relatives or guests. Incoming mail for non-Barnard students is "Returned to Sender." Similarly, combinations should not be given to others for "convenience." An open or improperly closed box invites problems; students should close mailboxes tightly and spin the combination. If a mailbox does not close or lock properly, please notify Mail Services immediately so that it may be repaired.

Edible items
Securely wrap food items in an air-tight metal container. If not, the package may be damaged by rodents or other vermin during transit. Send non-perishable items only; never send fruit!

Contact information:

Student Mail Services, 1st Floor Altschul: 212-854-2095


Package Pickup Hours: Mon. & Thurs. 11:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.; Tues., Wed., Fri. 11:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.


Mail Services Manager, 1st Floor Altschul:

Olive Conteh 212-854-7823



Director of Mail & Document Services, 13 Milbank:

Alan Anderson 212-854-8775