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Preparing to leave the University

If you’re leaving the University, it’s a good idea to do some preparation and planning, so you will be ready to move on to the next stage in your life.

If you’re thinking about leaving before the end of your studies, make sure you also read the leaving early support information.

Accessing University services after you leave

Informing other organisations

  • Tell your bank you’re leaving. If you aren’t closing your account, remember to change your address. You may need to transfer from a student account to a non-student account.
  • If you have a TV licence, or other contracts or memberships, tell the organisation that you’re leaving and check whether you can claim a refund for any unused months before your agreement expires.
  • If you have a job, give your employer the required amount of notice.
  • If you’re an international student who’s worked in the UK and paid income tax you might be entitled to have some tax refunded. Check information from HM Revenue & Customs and National Insurance.
  • If you have children that will be moving childcare provider and/or school after your studies end, let your child’s nursery or school know your leaving date in advance.

Moving accommodation

If you’re in University accommodation, check the information for residents who are leaving.

If you’re moving out of private-sector rented accommodation, make sure you:

  • Check your accommodation contract commitments and how and when your deposit will be returned.
  • Inform utility companies (electricity, gas, water) and your broadband provider, if these are in your name. Give them your leaving date, meter readings and a forwarding address for correspondence or to refund any credit you may be entitled to.
  • Contact your bank to cancel any standing orders or direct debits relating to your accommodation.
  • Decide whether to arrange for your mail to be forwarded automatically to your new address by the Royal Mail Redirection Service.

If you have any difficulties with moving out processes you can contact Leeds University Union Advice. 

Moving possessions and donating unwanted items

You might have more possessions now than when you first started your studies. Plan what you will do with items you can’t move with your usual transport; sending excess baggage if you’re leaving the UK; and giving away anything you don’t want to keep.

University of Leeds Sustainability and Leeds University Union help students find new owners for possessions they don’t want to take with them, and avoid 300 tonnes of left-behind items going into the rubbish.  

Check Sustainability’s student residents’ moving out information or ask the Help and Support team in Leeds University Union about charity shops and collection points where you can easily donate any unwanted items before you go.

Preparing to return to familiar places with a new perspective

Reflect on any ways you and your life have changed since you started University and what it will be like to return to familiar places. It may be difficult to fit into old routines and relationships with family, friends and colleagues. It’s normal for this to take some time.

The uncertainties of initially feeling out of place or no longer feeling ‘at home’ can be experienced by all students, not just those who have had an ‘international’ university experience.

Reading about 'reverse culture shock’ can give ideas of what to expect and how to help yourself settle back into life outside of university.

Studies