Each residence hall is locked 24 hours a day; 365 days a year. All doors except the primary lobby entrance(s) are alarmed on a 24-hour basis in order to control access to the residence hall. Only residents of a residence hall have card access to that building. Residents of any respective building may use their VSU 1Card to gain access the building in which they live. Residents are encouraged NOT to hold doors open for people entering behind them. Many resident unit entry doors are equipped with electronic locks where a resident may use their VSU 1Card in conjunction with a PIN to gain access to their room. Some resident unit entry doors are equipped with a hard key lock which is issued to the resident at the time of check-in. Some resident units are equipped with both an electronic lock and a hard key to gain entry to the room, suite, or apartment past the unit’s main entry.

Because guests don't have access to halls, they must make contact with the resident they wish to visit. The resident must meet the guest at the main lobby to check them in at the front desk which is staffed 24 hours a day. In order to check in and receive a visitation pass, all visitors must present a picture ID. Parents and siblings also must follow the check in process as would any other guest.