Learning and Teaching Unit
You may use the following checklist to help organize your plans for returning home. Alternatively, you can use the following suggestions to create your own checklist. It will help you work more efficiently in planning to return home..
Check that they are current. REMEMBER to bring them with you!
Plan your departure dates. Check that your ticket includes departure tax. Notify your family of your arrival. Do not surprise them! They need time to prepare for your return home too.
Check regulations regarding packaging, transportation and customs.
The regulations can vary from country to country and by carrier. Check with your airline for specific regulations on the weight and size of suitcases, excess baggage, airfreight and costs. If you are not checking your baggage through to your ultimate destination be sure to ask what the baggage regulations are for your intermediate stops. (or: for any stopovers)
Arrange appropriate transportation for you and your luggage. Arrive at LEAST 2 HOURS before departure time.
Determine regulations on the size, weight and contents of boxes if using sea mail. Compare the costs of sending goods by post, by air freight, and by sea. Consider the length of time it will take, and any potential damage that may occur. (Unaccompanied luggage by air is faster but more expensive) Itinerary. If you will be travelling for more than a few days on the way home leave your itinerary with the student adviser on your campus and also a friend. If possible leave behind a contact number in case of an emergency.
Pay all bills for household services rent, etc. Advise suppliers of the date you will be leaving. Arrange disconnection of services if appropriate e.g. gas and electricity. Advise Telstra/Optus or other provider to disconnect your telephone and arrange for final payment of account.
Prepare your house/unit for a inspection by the landlord. Arrange return of your keys and request the refund of your bond.
Arrange the sale of any major items such as a car and furniture. Return borrowed household items to the place you borrowed them from. If you have items to pass on – donate them to other international students or ask your friends to share them with new arrivals.
Arrange with friends to collect your mail and forward it on to you. Australia Post does not re-direct mail overseas.
Close your account. Don’t take a large amount out in cash.
If you have been working, you should lodge a tax return with the Australian Taxation Office prior to your departure. Make sure you include your address in your home country. You will need to contact your employer to obtain a payment summary for your tax return. You may be able to claim a refund.
Finalise any medical insurance claims that are still outstanding. Friends. Be sure to express your thanks to your host family if you had one. Call and visit friends before you go home
Pay any monies due to the university so that your Academic Transcript can be released.
Return all library books and University equipment, including keys.
Give Campus Central your overseas mailing address for Alumni contacts and to receive your degree if you are not attending the Graduation Ceremony. Brochures. Take a supply of University applications, brochures and other materials from the Course Information Centre to give to your friends back home. Ensure that you have relevant web addresses so that your friends can access the University home pages. Assignments. If you wish to collect your assignments and other pieces of assessment materials, eg. art work, from your lecturer, you will need to arrange this before you leave.
For more information on preparing for the transition back to your home country please access the Going home online workshop.
