Leaving the UK

Introduction

Last updated November 08, 2024

Travel and shipping home

Last updated November 08, 2024

Travel

To get the cheapest tickets, you have to book early. Look on the websites of either travel companies or the airlines themselves. Shop around and compare for the best price.

Shipping

If you have been in the UK for a long time, you probably have more things now than you could carry on a plane or other form of transport. Check with the travel agent or airline about weight or size limits for luggage. Paying for excess luggage on the plane can be very expensive. Sending it by ship or by rail is often cheaper, but be careful to choose a company which has a good reputation and is reliable. Ask friends or your student adviser for suggestions; or consult the British Association of Removers. Check if the price includes insurance to cover any loss or breakages. If you have items you do not need or do not want to take home, such as furniture, textbooks, or equipment, you could sell these to other students, or online; or give them to a local charity shop.

Refunds and Deposits

Last updated November 08, 2024

Who needs to know?

Last updated November 08, 2024

You will need to tell various people and offices that you intend to leave the UK.  It may be useful to give some people your forwarding address.   

• At your institution, notify your academic department, housing office, Registry, alumni office.
• Give utility companies and other services plenty of notice of when you will be leaving, so they can calculate any final bill and refund any overpayment or deposit: electricity, gas, water, broadband, landline, Council Tax billing office (if you pay Council Tax), rental firms (if you rent any equipment), subscriptions.
• Others you may need to notify include your doctor, dentist, your child's school.
• It is best to contact organisations at least a month before you leave to find out about deadlines and what you need to do.
• Think about all the direct debits and standing orders that go out of your bank account, and decide when to stop them.
• Check if there is a specific period of notice for your accommodation and find out how you can get your deposit back before you leave, or you will be charged rent even after you have left.
• Pay all bills and overdrafts before you leave the UK. Remember that UK banks have agreements with banks in many other countries, which could enable them to collect debts from your home bank. Also, your institution may refuse to give you your degree or other academic qualification until you pay any money you still owe for your tuition fees, accommodation, or library fines.

Forwarding address

You can arrange for the Royal Mail Redirection Service to forward your UK mail to your address in your home country. There is a fee for this. You may also wish to give your home address to a number of people, so that they can keep in contact with you and forward any correspondence or important information.

Career plans

Last updated November 08, 2024

Keeping in touch with referees

To help you in your professional life back in your home country, it can be very helpful to have references from the UK. At least a month before you leave, contact a few people who can comment on your abilities and your work (such as an academic supervisor or employer) and ask them for a written reference.

Access to careers information & advice

You might also want to buy or subscribe to specialist publications that you cannot find at home, or to join a professional organisation to help you keep your knowledge up-to-date.   

Your institution’s Careers Service may be able to help you research potential employers in your home country (or elsewhere) and to subscribe to systems which will notify you of job vacancies.  You can also find information on resources such as the Prospects graduate careers website.

Reverse culture shock

Last updated November 08, 2024