Getting In
New Student Information
Congratulations on your admission to MiraCosta College!
Important Mandatory New Student Orientation Information
Download the New Student Pre-Arrival Booklet
Step 1 - After Admission Package Arrives by Mail
Step 2 - Prepare for Arrival to MiraCosta College
Step 3 - Upon Arrival to United States
Applying for a Student Visa?
Once you have received a SEVIS I-20 Form from MiraCosta College, you can begin the student visa application process. Download the F-1 visa application guide.
Here are the steps for applying to the F-1 visa:
- As of October 27, 2008, new applicants for an F-1 visa must pay a one-time fee of $200 BEFORE you can apply for the visa.
- The fee is called a SEVIS I-901 Fee and is collected by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The fee can be paid by mail or online. The fee can be paid by the student or by someone else (family member or friend) inside or outside the US. For more information on how to pay the SEVIS Fee, please visit the Department of Homeland Security Website.
- After you have obtained your receipt of SEVIS fee payment (receipt is called I-797), contact the United States Embassy located in your country to make an appointment for receiving your F-1 visa. All appoinments must be made online. Please read the online appoinment instructions.
- To prepare for your visa interview, find the important 10 points to remember.
- Take the SEVIS I-901 payment receipt, entire I-20 and original documents showing proof of financial support to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you made the visa appointment for. It is taking more time for the U.S. Embassy to process visas, so please start this process immediately. You can visit the Bureu of Consular Affairs for approximate wait times by embassy location. If approved, the visa will be placed in your passport. See sample below.
Housing Information
Find housing information for local host family.
Housing is the responsibility of the individual student and/or sponsor. MiraCosta College does not provide dormitories or college-approved housing for students. Below are listed some web sites and phone numbers of companies/organizations that can assist you with planning your arrival to San Diego County. MiraCosta College assumes no responsibility and has no knowledge of the condition of housing advertised or the character/reputation of housing providers. Information furnished is for your convenience only. It is compiled from and readily available on the internet.
Finding housing is an important step for new students. What should you consider before making a housing decision?
Step 1: Consider your budget
Host family A typical cost to stay with a host family is:
- $650 per month for a single room
- $100 per month for personal food
- $50 -$150 per month for some expenses like internet or other personal services
Private apartments and homes A typical apartment costs:
- $1000-$1200 per month for two bedrooms (most apartments are NOT furnished)
- $200 per month for utilities like electricity, heat, water, internet
- $200 + per month for food
*Nearly all housing will require a bus pass or private car to travel to school and shopping. A bus pass is currently $44 per month for MiraCosta College students.
Step 2: Decide how you will handle arriving to the United States
Finding the right housing option will be difficult from long distance. Finding an apartment, signing a rental contract, and deciding an appropriate location to live can take months. A homestay services can provide an immediate housing option and provide airport pickup from San Diego. If you would like to live with a host family either temporarily or permanently you can contact the following resources:
- Homestay Services International at Tel. 619/461-4764, Fax. 619/670-339
- Y.E.S. ESL International, Inc. at 619/450-4675 or email at info@yeseslinternational.com
Step 3: Learn about the neighborhoods around MiraCosta College
- Oceanside Chamber of Commerce web site offers information on relocation to the Oceanside area, local attractions, and area map, etc. You can also get information on temporary housing (hotels/motels) options. Use 92056 zip code to locate hotels/motels that are close to our Oceanside campus.
- Discover the cities and communities around MiraCosta campuses:
Step 4: Learn more about housing options
- MiraCosta Housing Information Online The Student Activities Office maintains an online service for students and community members wanting to find or advertise housing opportunities. Like all housing MiraCosta College assumes no responsibility and has no knowledge of the condition of housing advertised or the character/reputation of those seeking housing.
- Review the apartment list compiled by former international students.
Step 5: Understand rental contract and other matters
To rent an apartment or a room from a private home, you are required to sign a lease (rental contract) for 6 months to one year. Before signing a least, you should ask appropriate questions to understand what your responsibilities are as a renter.
Roommate is like a business partner. You need to know someone welll enough to trust them to pay bills, respect your belongings and yourself. Before committing to a roommate, you should ask how rent and expenses will be divided and how they are paid. When living in an apartment, you should expect to pay for all furniture and possible moving expenses. Besides rent, you should expect to pay for electricity, water/trash pickup, cleaning supplies, and other shared expenses.
Temporary Housing
- The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce has a list of local hotels.
- Make sure you make the hotel reservation before arriving in Oceanside.
The list below has information for 5 hotels/motels located near MiraCosta College
Name |
Address |
Phone Number |
3708 Plaza Drive, Oceanside, CA 92056 |
1-760-439-1499 |
|
3190 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92056 |
1-800-500-6328 |
|
3170 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92056 |
1-800-718-8466 |
|
3240 East Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054 |
1-866-966-3043 |
|
937 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054 |
1-760-450-0730 |
Making Flight Arrangement
- First check the new student orientation dates listed on your I-20. You can arrive up to 30 days prior to the new student orientation.
- Consider flying to San Diego (SAN) or Carlsbad (CLD) for easier transportation to Oceanside.
- Coaster Train runs between downtown San Diego to the Transit Center in Oceanside
- Breeze bus lines offer convenient routes to take you from the Transit Center in Oceanside to neighboring areas.
- Another option is to fly to Los Angeles (LAX) and take public transportation to Oceanside.
- First take the Flyaway bus from the airport to the Los Angeles Union Station. This will cost you $7.00 (one way).
- Once you are at the Union Station, you can take the Metrolink Train directly to the Transit Center in Oceanside. This will cost you $15 one way. You can find more information on the train stations and train schedules at the Metrolink website.
- Airport pick-up services can be arranged directly with the Y.E.S. ESL Internatioal Inc. or Homestay Services International
Money Matters
Estimated Cost of Attendance for the first semester at MiraCosta College
Students should arrive to the U.S. with ability to pay for all first-semester (5 months) expenses. Download instructions on how to make online payment for the mandatory insurace coverage for the month of January.
|
$3,000 |
$675 |
|
| (insurance is mandatory) | |
|
$5,025 |
| (host family placement for 4 months + food estimated at $200 per month) | |
| $200 |
|
| (monthly bus pass for 4 months) | |
$500 |
|
|
|
Total $9,400 |
* Fees are subject to change without prior notification.
**Optional Fees
- Parking: All vehicles parking on campus are required to display a valid parking permit: four-wheeled vehicles--$35 per semester (during the summer session, it is $17.50); it is full price for a second permit. Exception: vehicles displaying a valid California disabled placard are not required to purchase a parking permit.
- Student ID card is $6. The student ID card supports a variety of college services such as using computer and language labs, and writing checks in the college bookstore. A valid student ID card serves as the MCC library card, expediting access to the library circulating collection and academic reserve collections. Students without a valid MCC student ID card will be asked to provide proof of current semester registration along with a government-issued photo ID and proof of current address. ID cardholders also receive discounts at various North County businesses such as movie theatres. ID cards and replacements are issued at the Student Activities Office on both campuses.
- Tuition and fees must be paid at the time of registration during the new student orientation.
- Students can pay tuition and fees using U.S. dollars, Master or Visa cards.
- The transportation estimated cost above does not include the cost purchasing a car.
- Living expenses varies based on housing option. Prepare a minimum of $1,000 cash for initial cost.
Please note:
What to Pack
- Appropriate clothing. (See Weather in Oceanside.)
- Carry your passport, I-20, money and all official documents in your carry-on luggage.
- If you have medical insurance valid in the U.S., bring proof of coverage in English. You must have insurance while attending MiraCosta.
- Money. A US credit card (Visa or Mastercard) will be useful in the U.S. You will need at least $4,000 USD for the initial expenses including tuition and housing fees.
- Cultural items. You may consider bringing traditional clothing or other small unbreakable items that help you share your culture with others. Many students enjoy wearing traditional clothing for special occasions such as the annual "International College Hour."
- Please note US electrical current is AC110. It may be better to buy small electrical appliances in the US if yours operate on direct current.
Arriving in the U.S.
- Important information regarding your arrival in the U.S.
- Upon arriving in the U.S., you will be given an I-94 card. Make sure to write your name, date of birth and nationality correctly on the I-94 card. An immigration officer will stamp your I-94 card with your arrival date and handwrite the F-1 and "D/S" (duration of status) notation.
- Please make sure all the information shown on your I-94 card is accurate. (See sample below).
Reporting to MiraCosta College
- After you arrive in Oceanside, the International Office would like to meet you and welcome you to the college! You should visit the International Office as soon as possible to begin class registration. The International Office is located in building 3400 in the Oceanside campus. See directions to MiraCosta College and the campus maps..
- Please bring the following documents with you when you visit the International Office:
- Passport & F-1 Visa
- Form I-20 & I-94
- Local Address Info
Download the Arriving to MiraCosta College guide to get ready for your first semester
Placement Tests
Before arriving to MiraCosta College, all new students need to complete an online MiraCosta College registration form. This form will assign you a student ID number for the college and prepare a registration date for you to enroll in classes. To complete the form:
- List your home address as your Current and Mailing address.
- Social Security Number, leave the questions blank if you do not have a United States Social Security Number.
- Citizenship Status, select Student Visa.
Click here to complete the online registration form: http://www.cccapply.org/applications/CCCApply/apply/MiraCosta_College.html
-
ESL Placement Test
- The TOEFL requirement is used for admission purpose only. All student attending MiraCosta College, American students and international students, will take an English placement test upon arrival.
- English placement test will determine what classes you can take.
- All international students should expect to take English classes when beginning college.
Math Placement Test
- Math placement test is required for all students interested in college degrees.
- MiraCosta offers 4 math tests. Each students selects one test to take upon arrival.
- The Academic Counselor will explain your math requirement.
A math review is available for each test online. Reviewing will help you brush up on your math skills before you come in to take the test. Click the links below to go to the review.
You may also purchase a math review packet (of the same material online) in our bookstore on either campus for about $2.50. They are available for each of the test levels: (1) algebra readiness, (2) elementary algebra, (3) intermediate algebra, and (4) pre-calculus.
New Student Orientation
Who must attend the Orientation?
All international students, regardless of whether you are a first-time student in the U.S. or a transfer student from another institution in the U.S., must attend the New Student Orientation. Prior to attending the New Student Orientation, It is recommended that you also complete Online Orientation and complete the quiz at the end to receive credit for this portion of matriculation. You may view this presentation as many times as you like. If you do not need credit for viewing our orientation, do not submit the quiz at the end.
Read the Technical Requirements section before viewing the presentation.
When should you attend the Orientation?
The New Student Orientation for Fall 2013 students is on August 6 & 7, 2013.
Why should you attend the Orientation?
- Transition is easier in a supportive environment.
- Finding your way around before other students arrive.
- Chance to meet other new and returning students, faculty and staff.
- By attending both the online and in-person orientation sessions, you will complete the requirement to become a matriculated student and can enroll in classes earlier.
Important Dates
| First Day of Fall Class Enrollment for New Students | 07/22/2013 |
| New Student Orientation Day 1 | 08/06/2013 |
| New Student Orientation Day 2 | 08/07/2013 |
First Day of Fall Classes |
08/19/2013 |
| New Student Late Orientation | 08/23/2013 |
| First Day of Spring Class Enrollment | late-November 2013 |
Last Day of Fall Classes |
12/16/2013 |
| New Student Orientation | 01/07-01/08/14 |
| First Day of Spring Classes | 01/13/2014 |
| Spring Break | 03/10-03/14/2014 |
| Last Day of Spring Classes | 05/19/2014 |
Class Registration
Step 1
- Get your password and ID to log in to SURF.
Step 2
- Taking the placement tests and schedule a counseling appointment to select classes.
| International students are required to demonstrate English proficiency before acceptance into academic classes. Because MiraCosta offers credit ESL classes to help non-native English speakers, our minimum TOEFL test score assumes students will take ESL classes while attending college. |
Sample class selections based on TOEFL scores
| If you have a TOEFL 46-60, you can expect to register for: | ||||||
| Sample FIRST Semester | ||||||
| English writing I | ||||||
| English grammar | ||||||
| English reading | ||||||
| math/computer class | ||||||
| If you have a TOEFL 61-79, you can expect to register for: | ||||||
| Sample FIRST Semester | ||||||
| English writing II | ||||||
| English grammar | ||||||
| Math/Science | ||||||
| university level class | ||||||
| If you have a TOEFL above 80, you can expect to register for: | ||||||
| Sample FIRST Semester | ||||||
| College Writing | ||||||
| English grammar | ||||||
| university level class | ||||||
| university level class | ||||||
Contact Us
Contact Information Location
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Mailing Address Office Hours |
