Navigating through your final year at university elicits a whirlwind of emotions and a heap of responsibilities. Whether you are about to dive into the working world, planning to travel, or contemplating other ventures, there are several crucial tasks to complete before bidding farewell to your university days. This guide aims to assist final-year students in the UK by providing a comprehensive checklist to smoothly transition from campus life.
Addressing Academic Matters
Handling Library Responsibilities
Begin by returning all borrowed items to the university library. This straightforward but essential step prevents unnecessary fines for overdue books, marking a clean closure to this academic chapter.
Preserving Your Academic Work
Throughout your university journey, your computer has undoubtedly stored a wealth of essays and projects. It is wise to safeguard these valuable pieces by saving them to reliable platforms like external hard drives or cloud storage services. Not only might these documents prove beneficial for future job applications, but they also serve as cherished reminders of your hard work and accomplishments.
Organising Your Email Account
With graduation looming, your student email account faces potential deactivation. Prioritise saving significant emails and crucial documents that have been sent or received through this account to avoid losing indispensable information.
Utilising Print Credits
Many students often overlook remaining print credits. If you have unused credits, consider printing important or useful documents before these credits expire.
Collecting Your Mail
Ensure you’ve retrieved all parcels and letters from the university’s mailroom. Additionally, remember to update your address for all subscriptions, mailing lists, and online shopping accounts to ensure continuous and accurate delivery.
Getting References
Engage with your lecturers to discuss potential job references. Inform them of your career aspirations and politely enquire if they would be willing to provide a reference. Expand your network of references by also approaching leaders of clubs, societies, or volunteer groups you were part of during your time at university.
Preparing Accommodation Exit
Leaving Your Accommodation Tidy
Before vacating your university accommodation, restore its appearance to the condition at the time of your arrival. Taking care of necessary cleaning and minor repairs, and returning your keys ensures the full refund of your deposit.
Transitioning into Employment
Engaging with Alumni
Many universities facilitate connections between current students and alumni. Leverage this opportunity to glean invaluable advice and possibly uncover job openings from those who were once in your shoes.
Building Connections on LinkedIn
Add your peers on LinkedIn. This platform allows you to maintain contact and monitor the professional progression of your classmates, fostering a supportive community as you all venture into your respective careers.
Creating Lasting Memories
Take a day to capture photographs around campus, immortalising memories of significant locations and experiences during your university years.
Managing Financial Affairs
If you opened a bank account specifically for your university tenure, investigate the necessary steps to close or modify the account as you move into the next phase of your life.
Getting Ready for Graduation
Ensure you have enrolled in your graduation ceremony and have your cap and gown organised for the occasion.
Organising Post-University Living Arrangements
Planning Your Next Living Situation
Once your time at university concludes, your next living arrangement is a crucial consideration. For those intending to move into a flat or house, begin your search early. Familiarise yourself with the rental market in your desired location, considering factors like cost, proximity to work or further studies, and the amenities provided. If you’ll be having flatmates, engage in open conversations about expectations, responsibilities, and shared expenses to foster a harmonious living environment.
Alternatively, moving back home with your parents is also a viable option that many graduates choose. This decision often provides financial relief as you navigate the initial stages of your career or explore further education opportunities. If this is your plan, open a line of communication with your parents or guardians about your return. Discuss and establish clear expectations regarding your living arrangements, responsibilities, and contributions to the household. Engaging in these conversations early promotes a smoother transition and helps to avoid misunderstandings or conflicts in the future.
Concluding Tasks
Arranging Travel Plans
Plan your journey meticulously, whether returning home or relocating, especially if you are an international student requiring more intricate travel arrangements.
Bidding Farewell
Take the time to express your goodbyes to friends, lecturers, and other significant individuals in your university life. If circumstances permit, consider hosting a farewell gathering to celebrate and conclude this monumental chapter with your friends and classmates.
Special Considerations for International Students
Navigating Through Travel Plans
International students face a unique set of challenges when planning their departure from the UK, so meticulous planning is imperative for a smooth transition. When arranging your travel, ensure that you account for any visa requirements, travel restrictions, and quarantine measures that may be in place due to ongoing global situations, like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding Visa Regulations
Familiarise yourself with the specific regulations and expiration terms of your student visa. If you plan to work or continue studying in the UK, you may need to apply for a different type of visa or extend your current one.
Seek advice from your university’s international office or a legal expert to understand your options and responsibilities in maintaining legal status in the country.
Financial Planning for International Travel
Returning to your home country or moving to a new destination can be a costly affair. Begin by reviewing your finances and setting a reasonable budget for your travel expenses. Consider the costs of flights, excess baggage fees, accommodation, and transportation. If your journey home requires a layover, plan for any additional costs and necessary visas for the countries you’ll transit through.
Shipping or Storing Belongings
International students often accumulate belongings that are too substantial to take on a flight. In this case, consider shipping services to send your possessions to your home country. Alternatively, if you plan to return to the UK, several companies offer storage solutions for students over the summer months. Compare prices, read reviews, and book these services well in advance to secure space and potentially save money.
Staying Connected to the UK
Leaving the UK doesn’t mean losing touch with the friendships and professional relationships you’ve established. Engage in alumni groups, connect with friends and mentors on social media, and consider joining international groups associated with your university or course. These networks can provide continued support and open doors to global opportunities in the future.
Accessing Support and Resources
Your university’s international student office can be a valuable resource during this transition period. They offer support and guidance on a range of issues, including visa advice, travel planning, and accessing alumni networks. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance, as these services are designed to support you in navigating the complexities of international student life and transitioning smoothly into the next phase of your journey.
Conclusion
Exiting university life is a significant transition, accompanied by a plethora of considerations and tasks. This guide has been crafted to ease your stress, offering a structured approach to the practical elements required for a smooth departure from university. Congratulations on reaching this milestone, and we wish you the best in all your future endeavours!
Featured image by Timur Weber from Pexels
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