It’s a new school year, so that means drastic changes to the life you remembered having here the previous semester. I’m not just talking about the new Upper Commons layout or the closing of Hawk’s Nest. Now that I’m a senior and have survived almost four years of changes here at RWU, I have to say that our newest keycard system, the “JustIn” mobile app, comes with pros and cons.

According to an email sent out on August 21st, Derek Zuckerman, the Associate Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, said that this new system “increases campus safety with real-time access control through our RWU Public Safety and Facilities Offices.” I think this is convenient to have as a feature, but that is all I personally see. I’ve locked myself out of my dorm many times in the last couple of years, and having Public Safety come and get you out of that bind is a great gift.

I have my phone on me 24/7. There is no possibility of me getting locked out now, unless I run over to switch my laundry without thinking. However, my biggest issue with this new app is how much it saps the life out of Spotify, of all things, for me. Spotify is a necessity to me. Even without the app last year, Bayside’s iffy wifi gave me trouble whenever I wanted a specific song to listen to when I would be heading out to class. This app tends to overtake Bluetooth and keeps it until you close it. I’ve had many instances where I would have my headphones connected upon entering my room, and then I wouldn’t get a call. My phone would desperately keep connecting to my headphones, and it became a hassle. Regardless of my issues with Bluetooth, it’s still a decent keycard option.

I, for one, know it could absolutely be worse. Two years ago, during my sophomore year, I was given the short end of the stick with Housing. I was placed in Baypoint, which is an old hotel that was renovated into dorms during the pandemic. It’s just over the bridge in Portsmouth. To access your room, you were given flimsy hotel keycards that instantly deactivated when placed anywhere near electronic devices. Any alternative is better than what I had to deal with over there.

If you are worried about your phone dying before getting back on time, there are two charging stations free for all of campus now. RWU Housing stated that there is one in the Center for Student Development lobby, right near the entrance, and by the couches to the left. The other one is in the North Campus Residence Hall lobby, located at a desk to the right of the main door.

Although I find this method less convenient than the chips placed on our IDs last year, there is always a guarantee that you will get back into your room safely. I carry my ID in my wallet just as much as I carry my phone with me, so it is hard for me to argue either side. This change is in our best interest, so getting adjusted won’t take long.