We've compiled a list of common topics related to accessing your room. If you have a question not answered here, please contact Housing & Residence Life at 434.924.3736 or housing@virginia.edu.
Please report all lost or stolen ID cards and keys online.
Watch our video showing how to set a PIN and use your University ID to open your room door at our Using Keyless Locks page.
How do I set the PIN for my keyless lock?
You can set or reset your 4-digit PIN on the CavCard website. You can access this page from a computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Simply enter and confirm your PIN, then click the blue "Reset" button.
You can also watch our video to learn about setting a PIN and using your University ID to open your room door:
My door has a keyless lock. How do I use it?
The video below will show you how to set your PIN and open your room door using your University ID.
- Use your University ID -- either a mobile ID in your Apple or Google Wallet, or a physical ID card.
- Place your University ID flat against the keypad. The embossed Rotunda on the card should be centered at the 4-5-6 numbers on the key pad. You may need to make a slight left/right movement with the card.
- The lock will beep and red and green LED lights will alternate back and forth.
- Enter your PIN followed by the pound sign (#). The lock should beep after each key press. The PIN and # must be entered before the red and green lights stop flashing.
- The green LED light will flash once, indicating you may use the door handle to open the door.
What do I do if I forgot the PIN for my keyless lock?
You can set or reset your 4-digit PIN on the CavCard website. You can access this page from a computer, tablet, or mobile phone.
Simply enter and confirm your PIN, then click the blue "Reset" button.
Can I use my phone to open my keyless lock?
Yes! Residents can choose to add their University ID to their Apple or Google Wallet on their mobile phone.
Please visit the Mobile ID Wallet page on the Cavalier Card Office website for more information about adding your ID to your phone wallet.
Please note that if you choose Mobile ID Wallet, and you have a physical ID card, your existing physical UVA Academic ID card will be deactivated, and can no longer be used to unlock doors. That said, residents who would rather use a physical ID card to access their room may continue to do so.
What do I do if I'm locked out?
If your door has a keyless lock, you may be able to use your mobile phone to unlock the door - see Access Control from your Phone. If you are not able to use your phone to unlock the door, please call Systems Control at 434.924.3053. A member of the facilities staff will be dispatched to your location.
If your housing has a physical key and are locked out of your room, please call Systems Control at 434.924.3053, and a member of the facilities staff will be dispatched to your location.
Whether you have a keyless lock or a physical key, if you contact Systems Control you must present a student ID or other photo ID (driver's license, state ID or military ID) in order for facilities staff to let you in. If you do not have your ID, another student who has their student ID may vouch for you.
What do I do if I lose my key (physical keys only)?
In accordance with our security policy, all affected locks must be changed if your housing operates with a physical key, and that key is lost. Lock changes will occur regardless of the circumstances surrounding the key loss.
- Residents in Undergraduate housing (the Lawn) and Graduate housing (Copeley Hill, Faulkner Drive, Piedmont, and the Range) should report the lost key(s) using the online lock change request. Your student account will be billed for each lock changed.
Stolen keys should be reported to the University Police. The lock change will be made at no charge to the victim as long as a copy of the police report is provided to the Housing & Residence Life Office within seven (7) business days.
Locks are usually changed on the same day or on the following business day. You and your apartment-mate(s) will need to come to the Housing & Residence Life office and must present photo IDs to pick up your new keys.
What do I do if I have lost my physical ID card?
You must immediately report your lost ID. If you prefer to use a physical ID card, you should then go the Cavalier Card Office to purchase a replacement ID. Please refer to the Cavalier Card Office website for information.
If you are locked out after Cavalier Card Office hours, some keyless locks can be operated using your mobile phone -- see Access Control from your Phone. This will require you to switch to using a mobile ID rather than a physical ID card in the future.
For all other keyless locks or if you are not able to use your mobile phone, you can use the emergency blue phones to call a roommate to let you in or call Systems Control (434.924.3053).
Do you have temporary mail keys?
No, mailbox locks must be changed if you lose a key. Residents in Graduate Housing should report lost mail keys using the online lock change request.
My room/apartment door lock is not working properly. What should I do?
Place a work order to report the problem during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. If your lock is not working after business hours, or on a weekend or holiday, please call 434.924.3053. Your call will automatically be forwarded to Systems Control for response by emergency callback staff.