Unlock your Dorm Room

For some bizarre reason, Res-life doesn't like it when you prop your doors open. I've asked, and they claim that it has to do with fire codes, but I have yet to find the specific fire code they are referencing (if you know something I don't know, leave a comment below). Res-life also gets grumpy when you use the deadbolt to keep the door semi-open. Here's a quick and dirty way to temporarily "unlock" your door so anyone can enter.

Like most hotel room doors, the two door handles on our locks are slightly different. The handle on the inside (dorm-side) is directly linked to the latch on the side, while the handle on the hall side is usually disconnected from the latch. This is why you need a key to enter from the hallway, but not to leave from the room itself.

You can take advantage of these mechanics by simply hanging a heavy object, such as a water bottle or backpack off of the dorm-side handle. The weight of the object will pull the handle down, unlatching the door, and effectively unlocking it. To enter from the hall, just push on the door, and it will open.


The benefits of this are that if you just need to run down the hall to grab some laundry, or are expecting a visitor while you're out, you don't need to fuss with your ID card. The downside is that, well, your room is truly open for anyone to enter, and your laptop would make a pretty penny on the black market. So, if you choose to do this, use with caution.