When my daughter went to Yale (08), many students had problems with UPS deliveries that were addressed to residential colleges ending up in various locations on campus which took a lot of time and effort to track down. When I spoke to the IT department over summer (we considered shipping a computer) the guy told me he would never ship anything valuable because too many problems occur with UPS deliveries at Yale. The problem isn't with shipping that you know is USPS. The problem is that UPS packages do not always reliably end up in one place -- or at least that is what the problem once was and what someone confirmed can still be a problem. And that becomes an issue with online shopping because you can't always know how they will ship things. Maybe the Yale Postal Station is now starting to accept UPS deliveries in order to simplify things for students as online shopping becomes more commonplace.
fogfog, I totally agree with you regarding the importance of developing independence, figuring out the logistics, like where to do laundry, etc. You make an excellent point, and I agree that our kids are capable of so much more than we even think. I started fostering this independence in middle school with do-your-own-laundry, call-to-schedule-your-own-doctor-appointments, etc. Now that she is in college, I am confident in her abilities and have not even asked my freshman D what classes she is taking (she has mentioned 2 in excited conversation). If D ever mentions a logistical challenge she's having, I'm more than likely to reply with a sympathetic "Wow, good luck with that, honey" and let her figure it out on her own.
For us, at least, the mailing situation is different. I tend to draw the line at getting involved where the issue affects me directly. Being on a limited budget, I have asked D not to buy textbooks at the campus bookstore, but to spend time shopping for the cheapest she can find online. We are paying for books, and she respects this and will hunt for bargains. But it's in my best ($$) interests to help untangle the shipping issue so that buying textbooks this way doesn't become more difficult or protracted than necessary. In addition, I needed to understand the mailing system so that I could mail to her without too many problems. Everyone draws the line where they are comfortable. For me, since it's a family issue that we can't afford for her to buy textbooks at the store, it's a family issue to facilitate alternative methods of purchasing.
To all those ^^ having trouble with delivery, yes, here too. I mailed a 2-day priority package a week ago. Still hasn't shown up, but I am not sweating it, as obviously they are overrun right now.
That mail is the biggest (only?) of our problems at Yale right now is something I am immensely grateful for. Also very grateful for all the help from other parents on this forum.
Why doesn't Yale make the shipping instructions clear to all students and families long before the kids have to stress out, hoping they receive their books in a timely fashion? I simply cannot understand why this is so confusing and the information so inconsistent. Why should we be learning the correct mailing address on CC, rather than the Yale website?
The correct shipping instructions ARE on the Yale website, are in the information given to freshman etc etc...
These are college students--accepted to Yale--with great GPAs and SATs....
They have grown up with the internet and surely can read...
I think it is a matter of following directions...??
We too are on a budget and our student receives aid. All books are purchased second hand, whether through Amazon, Abe, or the bulletin boards.
We have a Prime acct that I use here at home and simply added K1's dual address as suggested above. Have used that for last year and this year without fail.
I'm sorry, but the Yale website is not correct. The zip code on the main mailing/shipping page is a different zip code for DS's RC than the zip listed on the RC's page. I called to confirm which zip code was correct and pointed out there was an inconsistency which they were unaware of. Also, they assured me the package would get to the Master's Office if I used that address and it was shipped UPS Air. It did not. It was routed elsewhere. So what they say happens and what actually happens are not the same thing. As far as my kid goes, he's not the one shipping himself stuff. If I am shipping something, then it's my responsibility to have a correct address whether it's to him or to anyone else. I'm the sender. If I order something to send him -- e.g. the birthday treats I sent him -- then I am the one who needs the information. Clearly, the reason for all this discussion has been that people who did follow the instructions on the website ran into issues and problem-solved ways around those issues. Also, the website says nothing under, "When you don't know what service an online merchant will use to ship do this to cover your bases." And that's where most of the confusion lies. And, if I am the one spending money to send something, I want to do everything on my end to make sure it gets there, no matter who I am shipping it to.
And I think another part of the complaints here (including mine) is the time for "priority mail" to reach a PO Box. I was quoted a Thursday delivery date (from Tuesday) from 60 miles away. It reached her on Monday.
I work for the USPS and Priority is not guaranteed so any date they give you is just an ESTIMATE. See below:
Typically two to three days to most locations in the US (Specific delivery standards may be available when postage is calculated). This is not a guaranteed service.
If you want to insure it arrives within two days you need to send it Express Mail. Personally, if it was only 60 miles away I would have driven there and dropped it off.
Kdog
that would be fun--drive by, drop off stuff, catch coffee/lunch/dinner and then drive back
We' are 2 plane rides away so no go for a drop-in
We use the zone boxes... Love them!
I guess K1 has just gotten " lucky" with all of the books for 3 semesters now.......
and I used the same info on the Yale website--for all of our shipping to the campus. Easy to find.
Maybe the postman likes K1 better
When my daughter went to Yale (08), many students had problems with UPS deliveries that were addressed to residential colleges ending up in various locations on campus which took a lot of time and effort to track down. When I spoke to the IT department over summer (we considered shipping a computer) the guy told me he would never ship anything valuable because too many problems occur with UPS deliveries at Yale.
Wow, mimk, sounds like this has been an issue for a while. Good to know. I'm just practicing patience!
Quote:
Also, the website says nothing under, "When you don't know what service an online merchant will use to ship do this to cover your bases." And that's where most of the confusion lies.
Yes, exactly. That, and the fact that there seem to be several recommended and conflicting "solutions," including dual address and the form that students can fill out at the PO to use the street address of the Yale Post Office for receipt of their private carrier items, among others.
donnaleighg, I feel you. It's not always an easy thing to find that kind of time in a busy schedule. My D is within driving distance too. I know that we are lucky they are close, even if we can't always make it there to see them when we or they would like. I hope your D had a happy birthday regardless of her cookie delay! I'm sure it meant something to her that you tried to get them there on time.
Thanks Hooray. Besides, I think showing up to say happy birthday 5 days after we dropped her off might have set off some "clingy parents" alarms among her suite-mates! I'm going to send some more treats shortly, when I have some confidence they'll arrive in a more timely manner. It is actually my abiding faith in the USPS that makes me surprised at the delay, and more willing to blame it on Yale than on USPS.
Donna...
Have you seen Cookies, Desserts, Gifts - Cheryls
You can send all kinds of cookies in all kinds of shapes.
I sent my mother a bouquet with flowers, butterflies and bumble bees.
Another parent I know sends her DD these and they have been happy with them
