As you come towards the end of your course of study, the prospect of returning home will probably be very much on your mind. There is much to consider, and you should start your preparations early, as you may well find that leaving the UK will take almost as much planning and organisation as your arrival did. Here are some practical things that you may need to consider:
It is important to book early, in order to get the best fares and make sure you get a seat on the flight of your choice. Fares can vary considerably so consult several travel agents to compare prices. You can get a listing of travel agents and their telephone numbers by searching in the on-line Yellow Pages directory at http://www.yell.com
If you've been in the UK for very long, you've probably accumulated quite a few possessions, and you'll need to decide which ones you want to take home. Don't leave this until the last minute because you might need time to sell a few things.
Do take out an insurance policy to cover your goods whilst in transit and check what it covers. This can be arranged through the freight company.
Allfreight International Removers Ltd.:
Website: http://www.allfreight.co.uk
Excess Luggage:
Website: http://www.excessluggageairsea.com
Going Home: Chapel Lane, Fishponds Trading Estate, St George, Bristol: Website: http://www.studentgoinghome.co.uk
Seven Seas Baggage Worldwide:
Website: http://www.sevenseas.co.uk
Tudor International Freight Ltd.:
Website: http://www.tudorfreight.com
Worldwide Shipping & Airfreight Co.:
Website: http://www.worldfreight.co.uk
Worldwide Shipping Services:
Website: http://www.aerofreight.co.uk
Various offices and services will want to know when you intend to leave, for example:
The College All international students are requested to the college before leaving the country.
The Bank: Discuss with your bank whether you should close your account before leaving the UK, or leave it open (to clear outstanding bills, etc). If they advise you to close your account, your bank will inform you of the correct procedure for doing this. Inform your bank if you have any Direct Debits or Standing Order payments you wish to cancel.
The Landlord: Notify your landlord or College accommodation office that you are leaving. Check your tenancy agreement to see how much notice you need to give. If you are in private residence arrange for the property to be inspected so that your bond/deposit can be returned to you before you leave.
The Utilities Companies: Make sure all utilities bills (gas, water, electricity, telephone) are paid up to date. If the bills are in your name, give notification that you are leaving, otherwise charges will continue to be made to you.
Rental Companies: If you are renting anything, such as a television, or telephone, check on the contract how much notice has to be given.
Check whether you can reclaim money on any of the following: Car tax; TV licence; travel cards; telephone rental; Income Tax if you have been working in the UK and paying income tax (request a P85 from the local tax office.
VAT refunds: You might be entitled to a refund of Value Added Tax (VAT) on certain goods that you bought in the UK, but only if you are taking them outside the EU within 3 months of the end of the month in which you purchased them.
It may be helpful to give your home address to a number of people, so that they can keep in touch with you and forward any correspondence or important information:
To help you in your professional life at home, you might wish to contact a few people who can comment on your abilities and work, such as an academic member of staff, or employer, and provide you with a written reference.
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