Travel for your journey home

Travel arrangements for your journey home 

There are many pressures on you as you come towards the end of your study period – exams or a dissertation to complete; vacating accommodation; arrangements to ship baggage and possessions back home; and travel plans to finalise. There may be additional unexpected happenings that could disrupt the planning process. It is important that you think ahead and anticipate what needs to be done - most importantly, keep your RSO fully informed on progress.

Question

What kind of things do I need to focus on when the end of my stay in the UK approaches and I prepare to return home?

Answer

Leaving the UK will take almost as much planning and organisation as getting here in the first place took. In addition to making all the arrangements to get yourself (and your family) and your belongings back home you should also think about the following:

- close your bank account.
- terminate utility bills if these were in your name (electricity, gas, telephone etc).
- inform your local tax office (if you had a job – you might be entitled to a tax rebate).
- inform your landlord of your intention to vacate accommodation – under your contract, how much notice do you have to give?
- inform your academic supervisor and other college or university authorities.
- be sure that you leave no unsettled bills or debts or overdrafts – your college/university might withhold your qualification or your UK bank may be able to collect the money from your home bank. On top of this, submission of your thesis or examinations may be taking place round about the same time so it can be a busy and stressful period.

Question

Will I get any assistance in planning my return home?

Answer

All scholars on courses over three months receive an email from their Award Administrator at least eight weeks before their departure from the UK giving information about the final scholarship payments, and requesting information from you regarding your departure arrangements and your course end date. You are expected to plan your own return home; if your scholarship includes flights to and from the UK, you should use your Departure allowance to purchase your flight home. 

Question

When do I get my final allowances?

Answer

It is very important during the last few weeks of your period in UK that you contact your Award Administrator and keep them informed of your plans. You can discuss what you can expect to receive with your Award Administrator who will explain in detail what the final payment is intended to cover. If the Departure allowance is included in your award, there might be, for example, an element in the departure payment to cover a small amount of excess baggage. You may need to consider what items you may wish to sell and what you might prefer to take home with you. Remember - you can always advertise items for sale in the 'Buy and Sell' section of the 'Scholars Network'. 

Question

My dissertation is progressing slowly and I don’t want to commit myself to a firm date to return home. Can I wait until nearer the end of my award date?

Answer

Many flights around August/September are booked up very early. Flights during the Christmas/New Year period are also booked up very early and can be more expensive. The final month’s stipend is not normally paid until a departure date is provided to your Award Administrator. You should try to agree a provisional date (for later confirmation) so that any remaining stipend can be paid into your bank account at the beginning of the last month.

Question

I would like to make a stopover on my way home. Is this permitted?

Answer

Booking an air ticket with a stop-over should not be a problem although please bear in mind that even if it is significantly more expensive you will not be eligible to receive any additional allowances to cover the cost.You must make your own arrangements to meet any local visa regulations.

Question

I want to stay on in the UK for a short holiday before returning home. Can I defer my return flight?

Answer

You will need to check with your Award Administrator if this is OK and they may need to clear this with the overseas office (usually no problem). You will also need to take into account the date when your "leave to remain" expires (if applicable). No extra allowances can be paid so you will need your own funds.

Question

Although I am studying in Manchester, I would like to fly home from London. Can I do this?

Answer

Yes, this is possible. You will be paid a fixed Departure allowance (if including in your scholarship) intended to cover the cost of your flight home. The exact details of the journey are up to you to arrange. Remember, under the terms of the Chevening programme, the scholarship only covers your costs and not those of your family.

Question

How much baggage can I check in and what do I do with the rest of my luggage?

Answer

The baggage weight allowance will be printed on your air ticket. There are freight companies that specialise in the student market and offer good rates. It depends on how much weight you want to send home. You might prefer to send items as "unaccompanied" freight at a cheaper rate than excess baggage – it is up to you. Your award may contain an element for excess baggage and this can be used to contribute towards the costs of shipping your luggage home. As with most other allowances it is up to you how you spend the money. You do not have to provide any receipts. Your Award Administrator can confirm whether you are entitled to an excess baggage allowance.

Question

Will my Departure Allowance cover the cost of a direct flight home?

Answer

This depends on the costs. Whilst for some journeys a reasonably priced direct flight may be available, the Departure Allowance is not actually calculated to enable you to pay for a direct journey; it is designed to cover the cost of a cheap economy class airfare. It is usually unavoidable that you may have to change flights at least once on the journey. It is recommended that you search around both online and high-street travel agents to find the best deal.