Can the Front Desk Help Me with That?

For most Asian international students, renting an apartment is the first step toward settling down in the State. But soon after moving in, many of us run into the same confusion: “Wait… what exactly does the front desk do here?”

In some other countries, we’re used to seeing building staff or guards who handle everything: from package deliveries and maintenance calls to late-night lockouts and even moving help.

But in the U.S., the front desk has its own rule. Let’s break down what they might help with and what might not.

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🧩 1. What the Front Desk Actually Does

Not all U.S. apartments have a front desk. Still, their basic responsibilities are quite similar:

✅ Receiving and Holding Packages: They can store packages temporarily until you pick them up. Some will email or text you when your package arrives. If you need to move a big box, ask if they have a cart you can borrow and most apartments provide one for free with ID! But they won’t carry your boxes upstairs or open your package for you.

✅ Guest Check-In and Access Issues: Expecting friends, a cleaning service, or movers? The front desk usually helps with visitor check-in or temporary building access. If you forget your key, they may help you get back in. But note: Some desks close after business hours, and a few charge extra for lockout assistance.

✅ Maintenance Requests: If your light burns out, the faucet leaks, or the A/C stops working, the front desk will pass your request to the maintenance team. You’ll usually submit the request through an online portal. They don't do the repairs; they are just the coordinators.

✅ Elevator Reservations for Moving: When moving furniture or receiving large deliveries, you’ll often need to reserve the elevator in advance through the front desk. Skipping this step may result in a fine or a complaint notice.

✅ Lease and Resident Support: Questions about renewing your lease, moving out, or noise complaints? The front desk can guide you to the right person (eg. leasing office) or form. But again: they don’t control your rent, roommate assignments, or move-out deposits.

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🙅 2. What’s Not Their Job (Even if It Feels Normal Back Home)

In the U.S., some of these requests are considered “beyond their responsibility”:

❌ “Can you help me carry this upstairs?” → No. Staff can help if they don’t mind personally but they aren’t responsible for handling residents’ personal items. (Grab that cart instead! It’s for free!)

❌ “Can you sign for my friend’s delivery?” → Nope. They can only release packages to the recipient listed on the label.

❌ “Can you print or mail this for me?” → Only luxury apartments might offer that. Ordinary ones usually don’t.

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🌏 3. Why the Difference Exists

In China, you can call the 物业阿姨 anytime; in Korea, the building ajeossi might fix your lightbulb; in India, your watchman bhaiya may help you carry boxes upstairs.

But in the U.S., roles and responsibilities are strictly defined. Understanding that difference saves you frustration (and sometimes embarrassment)!

🩵Stay with HIPOND, we are here to help you better settle into life in the U.S.

HIPOND/ Claire Kuang🖊️