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Shipping and Storage

These are just a few of the questions we know you want answers to and should be used for general planning purposes.

When do I need to arrive on campus?

New students should plan on arriving to campus during an assigned move in time on the morning of Tuesday, August 29, 2023 . Students arriving from the west coast may need to plan to stay in a hotel or make other lodging arrangements if they arrive prior to your assigned move in time. Please note that there will be no early arrivals, outside of the designated move in period, for the Fall 2023 semester.  International students should be in contact with Jennifer Marks-Gold (jgold12@swarthmore.edu)  and varsity athletes should be in contact with their coach to discuss their individual arrival dates.

What if I need to drop off my stuff earlier?

Unfortunately, we do not have storage space to store student belongings prior to your assigned move in time. You might want to speak with local shipping companies (e.g. USPS, FedEx) about storage or delayed shipping options. The College works closely with the College Butler, a premier student storage option to assist students with their summer storage needs.  They may also be able to assist with shipping and holding items.  Please visit the College Butler for more information.

How shall I get my stuff there?

You can bring it, mail it, or UPS it to the College Post Office. Continue reading to learn how to ship items to campus. It should not arrive until the week before Move-In.  We kindly ask that you not mail packages to arrive earlier than Monday, August 15th, 2022. All types of deliveries go through our central post office in Parrish Hall; individual deliveries to the dorms are not permitted through UPS or USPS. You will access these items through the post office during regular business hours (8am-4pm) and are responsible for transporting items to your assigned residence hall.

What is my address?

All mail and packages go through the College post office. You will be assigned a mailbox each year, but the box number is not needed on the address.

Your address is:

Your Name '27
Swarthmore College
500 College Ave
Swarthmore, PA 19081

What do I do with my stuff over vacation times?

Students may leave their items in the residence halls over the winter break period, so long as they are returning the following Spring semester. If a student is moving rooms they will be required to pack their room before leaving for winter break.

During the summer, you must take all of your items home with you or place in private storage. The College does not offer storage for personal items. Due to the limited availability of storage, we encourage you to pack lightly! Please do not bring furniture—the residence hall rooms come equipped with a bed, dresser, bookshelf, desk, and closet. You will move a minimum of 4 times during your time at Swarthmore; to make this process as easy as possible, please think carefully about what you bring and coordinate with your roommate during the summer before your first year.

Swarthmore College works closely with the College Butler, a premier student storage option through the UPS Store to assist students with all of their storage needs.  They also assist with shipping and holding items.  Please visit the College Butler for more information.

What about insurance for my belongings?

Students are responsible for their own insurance for lost or damaged belongings. College insurance does not provide coverage for student belongings. Some insurance companies allow students’ belongings to be covered through an additional rider on their homeowner’s insurance. Please check with your insurance agent if you are interested in this option.