Congratulations on completing your course.
Before you leave the University, there are a few important things to do. Use this checklist to make sure you're ready for graduation and your next steps after university.
If you're leaving before completing your studies, see our guide to withdrawing from the University.
- Check your University finances
- Leaving University accommodation
- Your University account and access to learning resources
- Save your files and emails
- Return books and borrowed equipment
- Graduation, certificates and transcripts
- References
- Further study
- Jobs and careers
- Alumni benefits
- Return your student ID card
- Celebrate
1. Check your University finances
Before you complete your studies, make sure you've paid any outstanding debts to the University. Unpaid debts may prevent you from attending graduation or receiving your degree certificate.
Check for outstanding:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation fees
- Library charges and overdue items
2. Leaving University accommodation
If you're moving out of University accommodation:
- Read our guide to leaving your accommodation
- Check information about receiving your accommodation deposit
3. Your University account and access to learning resources
Your University account will close six months after the leaving date shown on your student record.
After your account closes, you'll no longer be able to access:
- Canvas
- University email
- OneDrive
- Other University systems and services
Make sure you save any files, coursework and emails you want to keep before your account closes.
4. Save your files and emails
Before you leave, download or transfer anything you want to keep, including:
- Coursework and files stored in Canvas
- Files stored in OneDrive
- Important emails from Outlook
- Teams files you've shared
- Zoom cloud recordings
Once your University account closes, we cannot recover your files or emails.
5. Return books and borrowed equipment
Before you leave, return any items borrowed from the University, including:
- Books
- Laptops and other equipment
You can:
- Return items to either Learning Resources Centre (LRC)
- Use the free UK postal returns service if you're unable to visit campus
International students who have already left the UK should contact the Helpdesk for advice.
6. Graduation, certificates and transcripts
Find information about:
- Graduation ceremonies
- Tickets
- Robe hire
- What to expect on the day
Degree certificate
Once your award is confirmed, your certificate will be posted to the home address shown on your Student Record.
Make sure your address is up to date.
International students should keep their home-country address on their record for visa compliance and data accuracy purposes. Further information about your Graduation certificate.
Transcript
Your transcript will be produced after you complete your course.
Depending on your course, you'll either:
- Collect it from campus, or
- Receive it by post
Information is also available on requesting a replacement transcript.
7. References
You may need references for employment or further study.
Consider asking a member of academic staff if they would be willing to provide a reference.
If you need official confirmation of your award, contact the Exams and Awards Team to request an Award Verification Certificate.
You can also access free careers support for up to four years after completing your studies.
8. Further study
If you'd like to continue studying at Herts:
- Explore University courses
- Speak to a member of academic staff
- Contact the Doctoral College if you're interested in research opportunities
9. Jobs and careers
You can continue to access careers support after graduation.
Find out more about:
- Finding a graduate job
- Careers support for graduates
- Working after your studies if you hold a Student visa
10. Alumni benefits
Alumni benefits
After graduation, you'll become part of the Herts alumni community.
Alumni can access a range of benefits, services and networking opportunities through the Alumni website.
11. Return your student ID card
When you complete your studies, you must return your student ID card.
You can hand it in at:
- Any Ask Herts Hub
- College Lane Main Reception
- de Havilland Main Reception
If you're unable to return it in person, you can post it to Ask Herts. If this isn't possible, please destroy the card.
12. Celebrate
Completing your studies is a major achievement.
Take time to celebrate everything you've accomplished and good luck with your next steps.