Newly Admitted International Students

Welcome to Orange Coast College
We are excited to welcome you! In your acceptance email, you should have received a link to join the New Student Checklist in Canvas. This invitation will also be sent to your OCC email address. Please join it and work through all the steps in the modules in the Canvas system.

We have included a more simplified new student checklist below in case of technical difficulties, but for best results, you should use the Canvas new student checklist if at all possible.

Please check for any breaking news that may impact you:

ICE NEWS UPDATES: Breaking News affecting F-1 Students

I'm accepted to OCC! What do I do next?

Complete all the steps on the New Student Checklist.

You should join the Canvas New Student Checklist and work through all the steps in the modules. There is a link to the checklist in your acceptance email and the invitation to the Canvas New Student Checklist will also be sent to your OCC email address.

We have provided a simplified web version of the New Student Checklist here, but the Canvas New Student Checklist is preferred, and will contain more information, videos, and multimedia.

This form should be completed by all NEW F-1 students immediately after arriving in the U.S. to verify your U.S. address and phone and report your arrival. This step is required to receive a continuing attendance I-20 and maintain status.

F-1 New Student Check in form.
Applying for a Visa

The New Student Checklist has instructions on how to receive your I-20 and apply for your F1 visa. Click on the semesters above for which you have been accepted to view the New Student Checklist.

For more detailed information about applying for visa, refer to the Visa Application Information page.

You can also view our pre-recorded webinar with detailed instructions on the F1 visa application process. We will review each step, tips, and answer any questions you have about the visa application process and planning during a global pandemic.

Once you have your visa please check it for errors and review the documents required for traveling to the U.S. Our dedicated Global Engagement Center staff is here to assist you so that you have a smooth transition into academic and social life in the U.S.
Helpful Resources for All New Students
1. Find and download I-94
2. Housing & Homestay webpage
3. Enrollment Services
  - Class Registration Guide to help you register for your classes on MyCoast
  - How to Register Video
  - How to Use the Course Schedule Video
  - How to Read the Course schedule Video
4. Tuition
  - PayMyTuition online payments
  - Deadlines to pay tuition: Non-payment Drop Policy
5. Login Issues
  - Use the Microsoft Password Reset to change your password.
  - Canvas and MyCoast Support | Orange Coast College
  - Visit Coast Information Services for more information.
  - Watch MyCoast Dashboard: First Time Login Experience
  - Need help with your MyCoast account? Call us at (714) 438-8111.
6. Current Students Guides
How to Update Your Personal Information on MyCoast
All F-1 International Students at Orange Coast College (OCC) are required by federal regulation to update OCC within 10 days of changing their U.S. or foreign address, phone number, email, and name.

New international students must update this information within 10 days of arriving in the U.S. Please follow the instructions below to update your information on MyCoast.

To keep your MyCoast account accurate and ensure you receive important communications, you can update your personal details online.
1. Log in to your MyCoast account.
2. Go to the “Banner Self Service” tab.
3. Select "Update Personal Contact Information"
4. Enter your current U.S. address and phone number in the correct format:
  - Building number, street name, apartment number
  - City, state
  - Postal code (zip code)
5. If you’ve just arrived in the U.S., enter your current temporary address (hotel, friend’s home, etc.).
6. Click Submit to save.
7. To update emergency contacts, go to “Update Emergency Contacts” under the same section, add your contact details, and submit.
Tips
- Always check your student email (@student.cccd.edu) and MyCoast for official updates Orange Coast College.
- Keep your phone number current so you can receive text alerts about registration, holds, and deadlines.
- If you have trouble logging in, contact IT Service Desk at (714) 438-8111 or use the Microsoft Password Reset to change your password.
By updating your information regularly, you ensure you stay connected to OCC’s official communications and can access your services without delays.
Connect with us and other new international students!