Before you leave

• Obtain official copy(ies) of your transcript and diploma.
• Notify your landlord in writing of your departure, at least 30 days before you intend to leave. Discuss how you will pay your last month's rent - if you will use your security deposit or if that will be returned in whole or part, depending on the condition of the apartment.
• Notify telephone, electric, and gas companies when to discontinue your service. Make arrangements to have any deposits refunded.
• Leave your forwarding address with all companies with which you have credit cards, subscriptions, utilities, and any other dealings.
• Leave your forwarding address with the post office and the University Registrar.
• Pay all outstanding bills, including credit cards, loans, library fines, and any university obligations.
• Return all borrowed books and articles.
• Consider donating usable items you are not taking with you to a local thrift shop, church, synagogue, or homeless shelter.
• Obtain passports for any children born in the United States.
• Complete an OISS departure form.
• Obtain insurance for any belongings you are shipping to your home country, as well as personal insurance to cover yourself during your travel.
• If you earned any income in the United States and are departing the country, make sure you communicate with the IRS about how to file your tax return from home.
• Get the address and subscription information for professional journals so you can arrange to receive them after you get settled.
• Get complete address, fax and telephone numbers, and e-mail for faculty, staff and friends.

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