You need to consider not only the practical aspect of leaving the UK but also how leaving the UK might affect you and any family members emotionally.
Preparing to leave the UK
You must first check the expiry date of your visa as you must leave the UK on or before the expiry date on your visa. Remaining in the UK after this date is illegal.
Once you know the date you are leaving the UK, you can start to make your travel plans such as checking for plane ticket prices and transporting your belongings.
If you have worked in the UK, you may be entitled to an income tax refund. You can find out more about this scheme on the HM Revenue and Customs website.
Make sure that you have paid all bills, credit cards or overdrafts before leaving the UK. Debts owed to the University of Liverpool must also be paid, or your qualification will be withheld.
Consider speaking with the Careers and Employability service about employment options before you leave.
Before leaving the UK
You must inform any company you have a contract or relationship with that you will be leaving the UK.
They may request a forwarding address so that they know where to send any important information if they need to contact you.
You should inform the following of your departure details and also your new address:
- The University
- Your bank
- Your employer
- The local council tax office (if you are in private accommodation)
- Your doctor or dentist
- The police (if you were required to register with them as a term of your visa).
This list above is not exhaustive, please think carefully about who you pay money to or are in regular contact with.
The Royal Mail offers a redirection service for your post. If you provide them with your new address they can ensure that any mail sent to your UK address is forwarded to your new address. You can enquire about this service at your local Post Office.
Reverse culture shock
When you arrived in the UK, you probably found that you needed time to adapt to the British way of life. Many students experience a similar situation when they return home.
Being aware of this and accepting that you may experience it can help, and here are a number of things that you may become aware of.
Personal changes
While in the UK, you may have found that your personality and opinions have changed a lot due to the community that you have lived in.
There may be more freedom in the UK to explore your interests, make new friends and being responsible for your own choices.
When you return home, you may find it difficult if decisions are no longer made by yourself, or if you are more restricted in pursuing your interests.
You should also be aware that some people at home may have changed too, and may not be as you remember them.
Remember, it is not just you who needs to adjust to your surroundings; other people such as family and friends may also have to adjust to the new you. Talking about what you did in the UK may help, especially some of the most enjoyable parts of your time here.
Employment
Your attitude and expectations of employment may be different after living in the UK.
Some of your colleagues may have unrealistic expectations of you or are suspicious of your new knowledge from working in a different country.
Speaking about this with them may help them understand what you have experienced and how things are different in the UK.
Political conditions
Every country is different in its own way, and you may find that things are different both economically and politically. This can be very difficult to accept, especially if you have become familiar with the UK system and how things operate in this country.
It may help to read online about changes in your country or remind yourself of how things will be when you return home.
Cultures
When you first arrived here in the UK, you may have found that you needed time to adjust to the British culture and understand how people communicate.
You may need time to adjust to your own country’s customs and ideas and should consider what differences there are. This can be from things such as the types of clothing people wear, the different food which they eat or how it is prepared, the tolerance of minority views and also male or female roles in society.
Children
If you brought children with you to the UK, you should be aware that they may find it more difficult to adjust to leaving the UK.
They may have problems adjusting to things such as their school system, teaching methods, or even daily tasks or events. They may also miss their UK friends.
It is important that you take time to talk with your children and answer questions that they might have.
Minimising reverse culture shock
You can reduce the possibility of reverse culture shock by speaking with your friends and family on a frequent basis. This will enable you to settle back with them when you return.
You should also keep in contact with friends you have made while studying here. Be sure to take their contact details before you leave but be aware of any restrictions on communication in your own country.
Stay in contact with other students returning home at the same time. You will be able to talk with them and share concerns about issues you are having and ideas on how to readjust.
As a graduate, you can register with the University of Liverpool alumni. This is a global community of past students and can help you keep in touch with information about events occurring in your home country.
Additional information and support
You may find the following websites useful for returning home:
Speak to a International Advice and Guidance advisor
If you are unable to find an answer to your query on our web pages email iagteam@liverpool.ac.uk or book an online confidential one-one appointment.