Returning home checklist for international students

When

What

Task

Tick box

Start planning early

Graduation

Apply to graduate the semester before your final semester

 

Visitors’ visa

If your visa expires before your graduation ceremony in Australia, apply for a visitor’s visa

 

Transcript

If you need a copy before graduation, buy a transcript using WES or from Monash Connect

 

Passport

Ensure your passport and visa are valid.
Have the right visas if stopping over in other countries

 

Flights

Book your flight home and confirm travel arrangements

 

Packing

Allow 6 weeks to sort through and pack your belongings

 

Tax

If you have earned an income and paid tax, lodge a tax return

 

Children

Notify the school or childcare centre when you are leaving

 

Pets

Organise to take pets with you or give them away to a good home

 

Renting

Notify your landlord or estate agent in writing at least 4 weeks before you plan to move out of your house/flat

 

About a month

Freight/shipping

Check freight costs and organise how to send your things home

 

 

Check customs and quarantine rules to see what you can take home

 

Fees

Pay any unpaid university fees or fines

 

Health cover

Submit any outstanding Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) claims or apply for a refund

 

Postgraduate research students

Organise how thesis corrections and binding will be handled

 

Renting

Book professional cleaners or hire carpet-cleaning equipment to clean your rented property

 

 

Organise the landlord or estate agent to inspect the house/flat before you return the keys.
Request the return of your bond

 

 

Arrange to have the phone, gas, water and electricity disconnected. Pay all outstanding bills

 

Last few days

Contact details

Update WES with your overseas address

 

Mail

Ask the post office to forward your mail. Fee applies

 

Keep in touch

Register your details with the Alumni Relations office

 

Bank accounts

Close your bank accounts

 

Borrowed items

Return borrowed items (eg library books, videos or household items)

 

Goodbyes

Make time to say goodbye to friends and university staff