Your step-by-step guide for getting ready to start at Occidental!
This checklist outlines everything that first-year students need to complete before move-in and orientation—organized by when each task is due. You can begin as soon as you activate your Oxy account.
You don’t have to memorize every date—just start early and check back often. The New Student Guide and your Oxy email will provide reminders and updates throughout the summer to help you stay on track.
May - Get Started
- Early May: Activate your oxy.edu account and set up your Oxy email address
- Early May: Sign into RAFTR app to connect with classmates (invite will arrive by email)
June - Complete Key Forms
- June 12: Submit housing application
- June 12: Submit request for housing accommodations (if applicable)
- June 12: Submit meal plan selection form
- June 12: Submit a photo for your student ID card
- June 22: Submit the MSI Application (optional)
- June 22: Submit advising information form
- June 22: Register for your First-Year Seminar (FYS)
- June 22: Take online placement exams (if applicable)
- June 22: Submit request for academic accommodations (if applicable)
July - Health & Billing
- July 1: Set up your e-billing account and add authorized users
- July 1: Accept financial aid offer
- July 1: Submit new student health forms
- July 1: Sign up for or waive Oxy student health insurance
- July 1: Ask your high school or counselor to send your final, official transcript to the Office of Admission
- July 15: The first e-bill for the Fall 2026 semester is emailed
August - Arrival & Orientation
- August 1: First payment due for tuition, fees, housing, and meals
- Submit FERPA Privacy Rights form (optional)
- Review your clearance form in myOxy
- August 20: Final deadline to sign up for or waive Oxy student health insurance
Important Dates
- August 13: International student move-in day
- August 13-16: International Student Orientation
- August 17: Move-in day for new students
- August 17-18: New Family Orientation
- August 18-24: New Student Orientation
- August 24: Convocation
- August 25: First day of classes (Fall 2026 semester)