Self-service package lockers replace old package pickup system in Frist

Self-service package lockers have replaced the old package pickup system in Frist Campus Center. The new package lockers are located on Frist’s 100 level and have been in service since late this summer. Students can open lockers through self-service kiosks or directly from their smartphones through the Princeton Package Lockers app.

Previously, students had to wait in line during staffed hours to pick up packages. Now, students receive an email notification that includes a specific locker bank location. Students can use their University ID card or a specified PIN, which is included in the email notification, for their package.

The lockers are available 134 hours per week, compared to 59 hours per week of package availability through the old system.

Students who spoke to The Daily Princetonian said they have mixed feelings about the new package system.

Ashley Roundtree ’21 said she likes the lockers.

“They make getting packages more efficient and you don’t have to wait in line,” she said.

However, Roundtree experienced some technical difficulties when the system did not successfully scan her PUID. Instead, she had to use the PIN provided in the email that notified her of the package arrival.

Christopher Huh ’21 appreciated the convenience of the PUID, but he pointed out other difficulties with the new system.

He explained that he had to go to three different lockers for his three packages.

“It’s a little inconvenient to walk all over the place to pick up individual packages,” he said. “I would prefer if the packages were just stuck in one locker.”

After one business day, packages may be removed from the package lockers and moved to the Oversized Package Room in Frist 106.

Ariel Fonner ’19 had tried to retrieve her packages from the package lockers, but the packages weren’t there when she went to fetch them. Fonner said they had been sent to the OPR, which closes at 6 p.m. on the weekdays.

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Fonner said that because she’s only free after 6 p.m. on most days, she has had to wait a long time to receive her packages. Although Fonner has now received her packages, she explained that she did not experience such difficulties with the previous system, which allowed packages to be picked up until 9 p.m.

“I see the potential of this new system,” said Fonner, “but I would say there are still too many kinks for my liking.”

Employees at the OPR deferred their comments to mail operations manager Dave Balitz. Balitz was not available for comment at the time of publication.

Students can pick up packages from the OPR between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Frist mail room is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. The University’s Print & Mail Services website does not list the hours of the package lockers.