First-Year FAQs

During our Marlin Days Orientation in August, you'll meet with your assigned faculty advisor. First-year students are paired with an advisor trained to provide guidance from a multidisciplinary approach. If you've already declared interest in a particular major, you'll be matched with an advisor in that discipline. Advisors will have access to your records so you can discuss the specifics of your schedule.

You'll meet with your advisor during New Student Orientation to build your schedule and register for classes. You can adjust your schedule during Marlin Days and through the add/drop period during the first week of classes.

Visit the University Store website and search for your courses under the Textbooks section. If no books appear for a class, the instructor may not have updated the list yet — you can email them directly or wait until the first day of class, when required materials will be noted on the syllabus.

For help, contact the University Store at 757.455.3100.

Yes. First-year students are permitted to have cars on campus. The parking decal fee is $250 for resident students and $150 for commuters, charged to your student account. You'll register your vehicle online and pick up your decal from the Campus Security Office.

First-year students receive their ID cards at New Student Orientation. Upload your photo in advance through your online enrollment account — or have it taken at the Campus Security Office in Bray Village during Orientation. Once you pay your deposit, you'll receive an enrollment letter with your Batten email address and login credentials.

After New Student Orientation, Residence Life will send instructions for StarRez, an online housing preference portal where you can set preferences and request a roommate. Both students must request each other for the pairing to work. Your assignment and roommate information will be available in August.

Single rooms are assigned by seniority, so upperclassmen have priority. Some singles may become available to first-year students — particularly in the Bray Village area — but availability is limited.

Our Residence Life team maintains a helpful guide: What to Bring, What Not to Bring.

With over 50 student clubs and organizations, intramural sports, outdoor adventures, campus recreation facilities, and a full calendar of events, there's no shortage of ways to get involved. Visit the Student Engagement and UREC websites to explore your options.

Commuter students are welcome to use all campus facilities except the residence halls. A dedicated commuter student lounge is located in the Batten Student Center, and a limited number of day-use lockers are available throughout campus.

Commuter students receive their ID cards at New Student Orientation in August. Upload your photo in advance through your online enrollment account, or have it taken at the Campus Security Office. Once your deposit is paid, you'll receive your Batten email address and login credentials.

Everything residential students have access to. With over 50 clubs and organizations, intramural sports, campus recreation, and a full events calendar, commuter students are part of the same community. Visit Student Engagement and UREC to explore.

Batten employs full-time security officers available around the clock. A security officer is stationed at the DeFord Gatehouse — the campus's only vehicular entrance — at all times. Officers patrol by foot, bicycle, and vehicle 24/7 and maintain a working relationship with state and local law enforcement. Campus Security can also help with services like jump-starting a battery, after-hours escorts, and parking decals. Learn more on the Campus Security website.

Batten uses the LiveSafe mobile app to communicate directly with students, faculty, and staff during emergencies. The app also allows community members to report safety concerns to Campus Security in real time. Download LiveSafe from the App Store or Google Play, select Batten University as your local agency, and enable push notifications.

For login issues, email access, or any technical assistance, contact the Malbon Center for Technology Help Desk at 757.524.5900.