/Office of the Registrar
Winter Session

Getting Started at Stony Brook University?

If you are new to Stony Brook University, the information below is designed to prepare to attend courses for the upcoming session, whether you are starting in Summer or Winter. 

Taking these steps early will set you up for a smooth and successful experience.

Application Instructions for Non-Matriculated Students

What type of student are you?

If you are not already an active student, refer to the registration instructions within our Register menu. Choose what type of student you are to proceed. 

Setting Up Your Account

Upon your application having been processed, you will receive an email from our IT Department with next step instructions:

  • SBU ID# - Upon your application processed, you will receive your SBU ID# and instructions on how to navigate to SOLAR to enroll. SOLAR is Stony Brook University’s student portal where students can register, view their bill, grades and more. 
  • Net ID - All students are issued a login credential that is used to access resources such as Brightspace, your SBU email account and other platforms. This is sent out typically 1-2 days after your SBU ID# is sent to you, and comes from our IT Department to your personal email on file. 

Typically a Net ID will consist of all caps and a combination of your first and last name. 

Students will be prompted to set up a password and set up authentication methods. More information can be found on the Net ID Resource Guide page. 

Contact the IT Help Desk for assistance if needed. 

 

Registration Instructions

The below instructions can be referred to for all semesters, including Fall, Spring, Summer and Winter sessions. Please refer to the Academic Calendar for the semester/session you are seeking to enroll for important dates and deadlines. 

*Visiting Students can only enroll in Summer and/or Winter Sessions. 

Check out our course registration guide for students, based on your student type on our Registrar's site.

Next Steps after Registration

Accessing Your Courses

  • Stony Brook University utilizes Brightspace for online learning
  • By default, Brightspace courses are NOT available. Your instructor needs to make the site available.
  • This typically occurs in the days leading up to the course starting. If your instructor has told you that Brightspace will be used and you do not see the course when you log in, contact your instructor.
  • Notifications and emails sent from Stony Brook's Brightspace automatically go to your Stony Brook Google account. 
  • Not familiar with Brightspace? Our student technologists have compiled a Getting Started with Brightspace for Students guide for you.

Cost & Billing 

Tuition and billing statements are not automatic, and will be posted to your SOLAR account over the coming days/weeks. You can follow up with the Bursar's Office with any billing related questions.

Phone: (631)-632-2455

Email: studentbilling@stonybrook.edu

Grading and Academic Policies

Academic policies apply to all visiting students, so please take the time to explore our Undergraduate Catalog for more details.

Non-matriculated students should refer to policies outlining credit limits, GPA requirements, enrollment limits within our Admission for Non-Degree Study page. 

Transfer of Credits/Transcripts 

Students seeking to enroll and transfer their credits earned here at SBU should first confirm with their home institution before enrolling to confirm its acceptance. Requests for official transcripts can be made through Parchment. 

More information on transcripts can be found on our Registrar site.