Residential Living
Residential Living

Keys and Switch Tech Locks

Your safety and security are our top priorities. Depending on your residence hall, your room will be secured with either a traditional key or a Switch Tech digital lock. If you ever have trouble accessing your room, the Harbin Key Room is here to help with lockouts, lock changes, and equipment rentals for all on-campus residences.

residentialkeys@georgetown.edu | 202.687.4593

Harbin Key Room

The Harbin Key Room serves all Hilltop residential communities for help with lockouts, lock changes, and equipment rentals. 

Location & Hours

After-Hours Assistance: 

For lockout assistance when the Key Room is closed, please contact your RA or GUPD and ask to be transferred to the Community Director on Duty.

Switch Tech Locks

Many of our residence halls feature electronic SwitchTech locks for added safety and convenience. Unlike traditional keys, digital credentials can be quickly issued or revoked, ensuring secure access when you need it. Credentials are accessed directly through your smartphone, with advanced encryption keeping your access protected. Plus, with mobile credentials, there’s less worry about lost keys… And if you lose your phone or have trouble with the app, the Harbin Key Room is within reach!

Switch Tech Residence Halls

  • New South
  • Village C West
  • Village C East
  • Darnall
  • Reynolds
  • Kennedy
  • McCarthy
  • Harbin
  • Ryan & Hawkins
  • Arrupe
  • LXR
  • Copley

Instructions

Setting up your phone with the Switch Mobile Access app

  1. Download the Switch Mobile Access app from the Apple App Store (Apple devices) or Google Play (Android devices).
  2.  “Allow” the Switch Mobile Access app to use Bluetooth on your phone if prompted.
  3. Enter the phone number associated with your phone to enroll your device, and “accept” the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
  4. Enter the 6 digit SMS verification token that is sent to your device.
  5. Your phone is now set up with the Switch Mobile Access app.

If you get a new phone: A new 16-digit code is needed to activate your new device with the Switchtech app; you can request a new code by submitting a ticket through UIS through their Service Center Portal.

Setting up Your Phone as Your Residence Room Key

  1. Open the Switch Mobile Access app and select “Select a key” at the top of your device screen. The screen should display “no registered keys.”
  2. Select the “+” symbol at the top right of your device screen, and enter your 16-digit registration token that you received. Select “Submit.”
    • NOTE: you only need to set up your phone once. If you move residence from one Switchtech space to another, your app will update with your new residence based on the date you are eligible to move into the space.
    • New Phone? A new 16-digit code is needed to activate your new device with the Switchtech app; you can request a new code by submitting a ticket through UIS through their Service Center Portal.
  3. Your device should process the registration code and depict a “claimed key” with a check mark next to it. You can then select “cancel” at the top left of the screen, and you will be returned to the app home screen.
  4. There should be an “activate” button in the middle of the screen. Your phone is now set up to use the Switch Tech lock on your Georgetown residence door.
App Set-Up Video Guide

Using your phone to access your Switch Tech lock

  1. Approach your residence room door lock and open to the Switch Mobile Access app on your phone. Ensure your phone is connected to wifi and bluetooth.
  2. Touch the Switch Tech door lock to “wake it up.” Tap the “activate” button in the middle of the app screen. The door lock should flash blue to demonstrate that it is “awake” and attempting to communicate with your device.
  3. If you have access to the door lock, it will flash green. You now have 5 seconds to turn the lock and enter your residence room.
  4. NEW PHONE? A new 16-digit code is needed to activate your new device with the Switchtech app; you can request a new code by submitting a ticket through UIS through their Service Center Portal.  You can also go to the Harbin 104 Key Room and scan the QR code requesting a new code.
Lock Use Video Guide

Lockout Information

If you get locked out of your room, the Harbin Key Room staff can assist you from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.

If you need access outside these hours:

Lockout FAQs

For All Residents:

All lockouts handled by the Harbin Key Room staff are free of charge during Key Room Hours. Lockouts performed by the staff on duty after 10:00 p.m. are $10. 

For Residents with Physical Keys:

For students who live in buildings where physical keys are still used, a free, temporary lockout key will be issued for a forty eight -hour window. You will need to complete the lockout form via Hoya Housing and pick up your lockout loaner key from the Harbin Key Room during their operating hours. 

If a lockout key has not been returned after 48 hours, a lock change will be submitted on the resident’s behalf and the student will be charged $150.

For Residents with Switch Tech:

Residents with Switch Tech can either go to or call the Harbin Key Room to request lockout assistance and a Key Room staff member will assist.

Lockouts performed by the staff on duty after 10:00 p.m. are $10. 

Yes, you always need to show your GOCard to gain access to your residential space.

If you don’t have your GOCard, you must be able to provide a proof of identity. If you cannot produce your GOCard a driver’s license or passport are also accepted.

If a lockout key has not been returned after 48 hours, a lock change will be submitted on the resident’s behalf and the student will be charged $150 for physical key locations.

Lock Change or Lost/Broken Phones FAQs

  1. Login to Hoya Housing
  2. Click Forms
  3. Select the Lockout/Lock Change form
  4. Complete the form according to the instructions provided on each page
  5. Once you have successfully completed the form, a Request Received page is viewable and a confirmation email to sent to your NetID email address
  6. Report to the Harbin 104 Key Room during operating hours (8AM-10PM, 7 days/week) to pick up loaner key
  7. Return loaner key to the Harbin 104 Key Room during their operating hours (8AM-10PM, 7 Days A Week)

For Residents with Physical Keys:

Please maintain the physical loaner key until a note from the locksmith is placed on the outside of your door that indicates the locks have been changed. Each individual roommate must come to the Harbin Key Room to pick up their new room key, and return their old key.

For Residents with Switch Tech:

Temporary access fobs are issued for 5-days at a time, and will expire at 11:59 pm on the fifth day. If a student requires an extension due to delays in getting the Switchtech app re-registered on a new device, they must bring the fob back to the Harbin Key Room for a new activation. 

A new 16-digit code is needed to activate your new device with the Switchtech app; you can request a new code by submitting a ticket through UIS through their Service Center Portal.

Physical Key Locations: $150

Lost Access Fobs: $100

The temporary access fobs are free to a student for a 5-day window of time.