Life at Batten Batten Life Our Community and Culture Small by design, the Batten community is a tight-knit collaborative of curious, purpose-driven leaders concerned with one question: How do we lead the world to positive, lasting change? Garrett Hall, home to the Batten School, is located in the heart of UVA's historic Grounds and serves as a home base for students, surrounding them with endless opportunities to explore, connect and learn. United We Learn. United We Lead. Our students champion organizations that keep our community curious, engaged, and provoke exploration into areas of passion and potential. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Many Backgrounds. One Ethos. Batten strives to be a community where intolerance is not tolerated, prejudice is rejected, and public service is an expectation. Part of a Groundbreaking Legacy In 1819, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia and inaugurated a bold experiment – a public university designed to advance human knowledge, educate leaders and cultivate an informed citizenry. Today, UVA is an iconic public institution of higher education, boasting nationally ranked schools and programs, diverse and distinguished faculty and proud history as a renowned research university. The University's culture is enriched by active student self-governance, sustained commitment to the arts and a robust NCAA Division I Athletics program. LEARN MORE Life in Charlottesville Located in Central Virginia just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains and about 100 miles south of D.C., Charlottesville offers something for everyone. Named “Happiest City in America” by U.S. National Bureau of Economic Research and “Best College Town in America” by Travelers Today, the city of Charlottesville consistently receives accolades for its natural beauty, vibrant arts and music scene, restaurants, wineries and breweries, and more. Learn More Additional Resources Housing, Dining and Transportation Student Safety Student Stories UVA Events Upcoming Events View All