Between cramming for tests, staying on top of your assignments, trying to land that internship… Oh, and part-time jobs you have to work to stay afloat. Your time is valuable, don't waste it on managing mail.
But here's the problem…
Students are receiving more packages today than ever before. In fact, 91% of college students made an online purchase in the last year.
And, the worst part is, 54% of students have had packages lost, stolen or even delayed due to misplacement.
Ugh. Super annoying, right?
But here's the kicker… There is a solution to this problem that most students don't even know exists.
In this guide you'll discover:
- Why Students Struggle With Mail Management
- How Virtual Addresses Solve Student Mail Problems
- The Top 5 Benefits of Using a Virtual Address
- Getting Started With Your Virtual Address
Why Students Struggle With Mail Management
Let's be real here…
Managing mail as a student is terrible. You are always moving between dorms and apartments. Even when you aren't traveling for school, you still find yourself going home for summer and winter breaks.
This means each time you move, you need to provide a new address to every organization you deal with.
That means your bank, car insurance companies, online retailers, family and friends, and even government agencies. Forgetting to update even one of these can result in missed mail and lost opportunities.
But that's not even the real issue most students have… Campus mailrooms are overwhelmed. Not only do they have all the college and university mail to deal with, but students are receiving more packages than ever today.
The result is that students experience long wait times, lost packages, and the never-ending stress of wondering if an important letter or document made it to them at all.
How Virtual Addresses Solve Student Mail Problems
Enter the virtual address for students.
With a virtual address, you no longer need to worry about keeping every organization updated with your address. You get one permanent address that you can use for the rest of your life, no matter how many times you move.
Here's how it works:
Your mail is sent to a secure location. Then, the envelope or package is scanned and uploaded to your online account. You can access and manage everything, seeing each piece of mail in the cloud. You can view your mail from your phone or computer in a matter of minutes after it's delivered.
Pretty simple, right?
The best part of all of this? You have full access to and control of your mail, no matter where you are. Whether you are studying abroad, interning out of state, or just moving to a new apartment… Your mail will arrive digitally.
The Top 5 Benefits of Using a Virtual Address
Let's now break down exactly why virtual addresses are a game changer for students…
Never Miss Important Deliveries Again
Remember when you nearly missed that scholarship application deadline because the letter arrived in your mailbox two weeks ago and you didn't check it?
With a virtual address, you can get notifications the minute mail arrives. No more checking physical mailboxes and dealing with the campus mailroom hours. You can access your mail 24/7 from any internet-connected device.
Most virtual address providers even scan your mail within hours of arrival, allowing you to review important mail the same day it's delivered.
Save Money on Package Forwarding
College students are on a budget. No matter how hard we tell ourselves we are adults and can spend our money as we please. The truth is, it's a free college, tuition does not exist for anyone we know.
Virtual addresses save you money by consolidating packages into one shipment. Instead of forwarding each individual package you receive, you can group them together.
This is especially useful for semester breaks, study abroad programs, summer internships, and even moving after you graduate. Some students even save hundreds of dollars per year in shipping fees alone.
Keep Your Personal Address Private
Signing up for that student discount online? Entering a contest? Buying textbooks from who-knows-where?
Every time you share your home address, you put your privacy at risk.
A virtual address will protect your real location. You can use it for shopping online, job applications, social media accounts, and even business registrations.
This keeps your personal residence private and reduces your risk of identity theft.
Access Mail From Anywhere
Oh you're studying abroad in Spain? Need to check that US bank statement?
No worries.
Virtual addresses give you global access to your mail. You can access your account and all of your mail from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection.
This is especially useful for international students, study abroad programs, remote internships, and even gap year travel. No matter where your education takes you, you can stay connected to all of your important correspondence.
Stay Organized With Digital Mail Storage
Physical mail piles up in no time.
Before you know it, your dorm room is a paper warehouse. Virtual addresses solve this by digitizing your mail.
All of your mail is stored securely online. You can search for specific documents in a matter of seconds, organize your mail into folders, archive important mail for years to come, or simply delete junk mail without having to touch it.
No more digging through mountains of paper to find that one important form.
Getting Started With Your Virtual Address
Setting up a virtual address is easy.
Most providers have online sign-up processes that take less than 10 minutes. You pick your preferred address location, select a plan that meets your budget, and provide the necessary paperwork.
Here's what you'll typically need to provide:
A valid form of ID, USPS Form 1583 (many providers assist you with this process), and your payment information. After you are all set up, you can start using your new address right away.
Many students pick a major city address to make their resumes more professional. While others pick locations closer to family in case they want package pickup options.
Managing Your Mail Like a Pro
After you set everything up, managing your virtual mailbox is a breeze.
Log in to your account, and you will see scanned images of all of your mail. From there, you can request full scans of important letters, forward packages anywhere, shred junk mail, or simply store items for a later pickup.
Most providers also have mobile apps, allowing you to access and manage everything from your smartphone between classes.
Wrapping Things Up
Virtual addresses are a game changer for students when it comes to productivity.
They free up your time by taking the stress out of mail management. Virtual addresses save you money on forwarding costs and give you complete access and control over your correspondence from anywhere in the world.
With the growing number of packages being delivered to students today, having a system to easily manage your deliveries is no longer a matter of convenience…
It's become a necessity.
Whether you are moving between dorms and apartments, studying abroad, or just don't want to share your personal address. Virtual addresses solve these problems and many more.
The setup takes minutes. The benefits last you through your entire education and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can students use virtual addresses for official documents?
Yes, virtual addresses work for the vast majority of official correspondence including bank statements, government documents, and university mail. Simply double check with the specific organization if they have any known restrictions.
How much does a virtual address cost for students?
Plans generally range between $10-30 per month depending on the features and locations. Most providers offer student discounts, making it even more affordable for young adults.
What happens to packages sent to a virtual address?
Packages arrive at the secure facility, are logged into your account, and you are notified. You can then choose to have them forwarded, held for pickup, or stored.
Is a virtual address the same as a PO Box?
No, a virtual address provides a real physical street address that many organizations require. PO Boxes have restrictions on mailings and don't provide mail scanning or digital access.
