It is our tradition on the second day of orientation to take students to a local beach for some fun in the sun! Make sure to sign up to participate in the field trip by the end of the first day of orientation, then have a great time with the Peer Leaders, who will show you what California living is all about!
Packing Tips
Oceanside, CA has fabulous weather all year long, with occasional rainy days in the winter and spring. Students typically wear t-shirts and jeans or shorts most of the year, so pack accordingly! Don't forget to bring enough money to pay for expenses your first few weeks here and all of your travel documents (passport, I-20, etc.).
Are you ready to register for fall classes? Fall registration opens for everyone on July 10!
Step 1: Complete the Online Registration Form
As a new student, you must complete an online MiraCosta College registration form before you can register for classes. Start your online registration today before you arrive at MiraCosta College!
Here are tips to help you complete the registration form:
List your home address as your home and current address.
Leave the Social Security Number question blank if you do not have a United States Social Security Number.
Citizenship Status, select Student Visa
Step 2: Take ESL and Match Placement Tests
What is placement testing?
One of the most important elements of your success at MiraCosta College is to find and enroll in the right classes during your first semester. As soon as you arrive in Oceanside, please visit the International Office and complete a math and English placement test. You can review the test questions online before taking the placement tests.
Step 3: Meet with an Academic Counselor
After you complete the math and ESL placement tests, you will meet an academic counselor who can help you select classes for your first semester. You will also receive your MiraCosta ID number that is needed to complete online class registration.
Your Health Insurance Coverage
All international student enrolling at MiraCosta College, you are required to pay for health insurance fees at the time you select classes. For fall 2015, the cost is $708 covering from August 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016. You must pay the fees directly to Ascension Benefits & Insurance Solutions on their
website. When you are ready to make the payment, please make sure you have the following information available:
Email address: An active email address at which you can receive important messages. You can use your personal or school email address.
Credit Card: A valid Visa or MasterCard is required to purchase the insurance online.
Student ID: You will need your MiraCosta College student ID number.
The deadline for you to pay for fall 2015 health insurance is July 31, 2015.
Are You Still Looking for Housing?
All international students should consider applying to stay with a host family or arrange for temporary housing for your arrival. You can also check out the housing section on our website for information about finding a place to live near MiraCosta College.
Cash, Credit Cards or Traveler's Checks?
You should plan to arrive in the U.S. with enough money to cover your first semester's tuition and the first few weeks of housing and personal expenses - about $4000. Although a U.S. credit card (Visa or Mastercard) will be useful, be sure to check with your credit card company to make sure that you can charge $3500 to $4000 USD at one time to pay for tuition and health insurance. If you plan to carry cash, be sure to keep it safe and out of sight. Opening a bank account can take several days and receiving a transfer of money may take a week or more. For move in expenses, you will usually need to pay the deposit in cash, so plan ahead.
