Keys and Card Access

whitney hall

Campus Housing Service Desk

The Campus Housing Service Desk is the central hub for all things related to Campus Housing and residence hall keys. We're here to help students, families, and staff with a variety of housing needs and questions.

Who We Serve

  • Students: Visit the Service Desk for help with keys, including getting new keys for a room change, moving in mid-semester, or checking out of housing. We can also assist with general housing questions.
  • Families, Faculty, and Staff: We're available by phone or in person to answer any questions you have about living on campus.

Location and Hours

  • Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Accessible Entry: If you need an accessible entrance, please call 860-486-2926. The accessible entrance is located through the parking lot behind Whitney Hall.

Mailbox Keys & Package Information

Campus Housing is changing how residential students receive mail. We've seen a shift from paper mail to packages, so we're no longer providing mail keys to every student.

  • To pick up packages: You will receive an email to your UConn address when a package is ready. The mailroom staff will help you get your package during their hours of operation.
  • To request a mailbox key: If you need a mailbox for paper mail, you can request a key. Just log into your MyHousing Account, go to the "Applications" tab, and fill out the "Mailbox Key Request Form."

More Information on Student Mail: Resident Resources

Key Usage & Responsibilities

All residents are assigned keys upon arrival, which are used for entry to your room, suite, or apartment. Some areas also use mail keys or mailbox combinations. It is your responsibility to maintain these keys and understand their use.


Resident Responsibilities

  • Maintain Your Keys: Keep your keys in good working condition.
  • Lost or Damaged Keys: If your keys are lost, bent, or stolen, you must notify the Facilities Operations Center at 860-486-3113 or through their website, fo.uconn.edu. Please note that you are responsible for the costs of any required lock changes.
  • Do Not Share Keys: Never give your keys to other students or non-UConn persons for any reason.
  • Carry Your Keys: Always carry your keys with you when you leave your room to avoid getting locked out.
  • Return Keys: You must return all keys to the Service Desk within 24 hours of moving out of your assigned space. This includes room changes, housing cancellations, and moving out at the end of the semester.

Campus Responsibilities

Residential Life

  • Key Management: Residential Life provides a central location to pick up and return keys. We also routinely check keys to ensure they work properly.

Facilities Operations

  • Lockout Services: If you are locked out of your room, you can contact Facilities Operations for assistance. There is a $25 fee for each lockout service.
  • Lock Changes: Facilities Operations will perform necessary lock changes if keys are reported missing or are not returned in a timely manner.

How to Return Your Keys

Keys must be returned to the Service Desk within 24 hours of moving out to avoid a lock change fee. ⚠️

  • If you are moving out at the end of the semester, your Hall Director will provide you with specific move-out instructions.
  • If you are moving out mid-semester, follow these steps:
    1. Visit the Service Desk: You can return your keys in person at Whitney Hall during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.).
    2. Use the Key Drop Box: If you are moving out after business hours, you can use the secure key drop box located at the rear entrance of Whitney Hall, near the parking lot.

whitney hall key drop box

Key Drop Box Instructions: Use a key return envelope located to the left of the Drop Box and fill it out including your name, room information that corresponds to the keys you are returning, and the date and time that you are returning your keys. Take a picture of the keys you are returning showing the codes on the keys.  Once complete, place the envelope in the drop box and a staff member will process your keys during the next business day.

FAQs

Why is a lock change performed?

Lock changes are performed when keys are lost or not returned by a resident. Lock changes are required to ensure the safety and security of the residents in the room.
Learn more about Lock Changes and Appeals Here

How much does a lock change cost?

Lock changes are $100 per door, and $15 per mail key

I lost my key, who should I contact?

For lost mailbox keys, email livingoncampus@uconn.edu

For lost apartment/room/suite keys, call the Facilities Operation Center at 860-486-3113

Please note that lost keys will result in a lock change and will be billed to the resident's account.

My key does not work, who should I contact?

For mail keys that do not work, speak with your mailroom or email livingoncampus@uconn.edu

For apartment/room/suite keys that do not work, contact the Facilities Operations Center at 860-486-3113

Can I return keys by mail?

We are not able to accept keys returned via mail due to the slow timeframe of mail services and the possibility of keys being lost in transport.

If you believe you have extenuating circumstances email livingoncampus@uconn.edu

What do I do if my keys are bent/broken?

For bent or broken mail keys, email livingoncampus@uconn.edu

For bent or broken apartment/room/suite keys, call the Facilities Operations Center at 860-486-3113

You must keep your bent or broken key to exchange for your new key

Why don’t I have a mailbox key?

Charter Oak Apartments and South Campus  and New South Campus do not use mailbox keys. These spaces use combination code mailboxes. If you are in need of your combination code, please visit the Service Desk or your mailroom for assistance.

How can I get a bike room key?

Residents who live in an area with a locked bike room should visit their Hall Director’s office to inquire about a bike room key

Forms

Card Access
Complete this form to report an issue with residence hall card access.

Lock Change Appeals
Complete this form to appeal lock change charges.