Returning home checklist
- Finalise your accommodation arrangements. Give adequate notice, organise to return your keys and request the return of your security bond. For more information visit the Accommodation Services website.
- Advise telephone and internet providers to disconnect your account on a given day and arrange for final payment of your account.
- Sell possessions that you don't want to take with you, or arrange to have them passed on to new arrivals.
- Fill out forwarding address forms at the Post Office or ask a friend to forward your mail to you.
- If you're taking a computer home, check with your freight company on packaging regulations, and fill out the necessary customs documents.
- Check with your airline for regulations on the weight and size of suitcases and excess baggage through to your final destination. Ask about baggage regulations for your intermediate stops.
- Confirm regulations on the size, weight and content of boxes if you are sending your belongings home by mail or freight. Compare costs of sending things by post, by air freight, and by hiring a shipping company.
- Consult your embassy or consulate on customs regulations you need to consider when taking your belongings home.
- Make arrangements to get to the airport early, especially if you have a lot of baggage. Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.
- Advise the University of your overseas mailing address via StudentOnLine.
- Pay library or parking fines so you can receive your transcript and graduate.
- Submit your Conferring of Award application form, if you've already received your Graduation Package.
- Ask lecturers for academic references and employers for professional references.
- Give notice to your employers and arrange to collect your final pay.
- Consider closing your bank account, or if you keep it open, investigate access from home, fees, minimum balance etc.
- If you have worked in Australia, complete a Taxation Return.
- Apply to register with professional bodies where appropriate.
- Finalise any medical bills or insurance (eg OSHC) claims still outstanding.
- Register with the La Trobe University Alumni organisation.
- Check with your doctor that any medications you are currently taking will be available in your home country. Ask about vaccinations if you're returning to eg a malarial area.
- Call or visit friends to say goodbye, and make sure you have their contact details!
- Notify your family of your arrival - they need time to prepare for your return home too!
