Have you just finished your course and leaving the University of Salford soon? Congratulations, you’ve done an amazing job – but before you wave goodbye, make sure you know the final steps you need to do and how to keep in touch.
What to do before you leave
A good place to start is looking at what you need to sort out and complete before you officially leave the University. Below we’ve listed the key things most students need to do. Make a note of the ones that are relevant to you and find time to action them.
1. Return university items
Have you still got those library books you used for an essay ages ago? Don’t forget to return them. There are lots of ways you can do it. You can head to one of the drop-off boxes or hand over your stash to the Library staff in the Clifford Whitworth, Allerton, or MediaCity Library. If you don’t return your books you will be charged a minimum of £15 per book!
If you’ve loaned equipment from our Disability Inclusion Service, such as a laptop or digital voice recorder, you need to return them too.
2. Use your £150+ Inspire credit
If you really want to keep one of those borrowed books, why don’t you use your Inspire credit to purchase one of your very own?
From September 2021, undergraduate and international students in years 1, 2 & 3, and Integrated Master’s students in their final year, are eligible to receive £150 online credit to spend on the Inspire store*. Your credit expires once you’ve finished your studies (which is usually before your graduation ceremony) even if you haven’t spent it all, so make sure you use the credit you have left.
You might have additional Inspire funds if you were eligible for one of our Cost of Living Bursaries. These bursaries expire on Sunday 30 June 2024 or when you complete your studies, whichever is earlier.
Don’t worry if books aren’t your thing – there’s lots to choose from on the website including clothes, digital gadgets and more. You can browse items, see if you’re eligible and check your credit on the Inspire website.
3. Update your details with us
We need to know how to contact you about graduation and where to send your certificate and transcript. Check and update your name and contact details now via the online portal (and continue to keep them updated with any future changes) so we can definitely get in touch.
Also, please ensure you are registered with the correct name. Once you submit your last piece of work we may be unable to change the name printed on your certificates. If your name requires amendment, please email student records at sa-studentrecords@salford.ac.uk and attach evidence of your full and correct name (e.g. passport, driving licence, deed poll).
4. Understand your certificate and transcript
You might need to show that you’ve completed your degree before you receive your certificate and transcript. Certificates are usually printed and sent to your home address within eight weeks following the confirmation of award at an examination board. Whilst you’re waiting, you can use your results letter as evidence that you have successfully completed your course.
5. Contact your Disability support team
As you reach the end of your studies, let any of your support workers know you have finished university. If you plan to continue your studies, contact our Disability Inclusion Service as soon as possible so we can make sure your support continues next year. You will need to review your Reasonable Adjustment Plan and may need to reapply for support funding.
Also, our Careers & Enterprise team can continue to support you with your next steps post-graduation. They can work with you to explore your positive attributes and skills, and provide guidance, acknowledging any barriers you may experience. Find out more about this in our Alumni section.
Alumni perks you need to know
Now you know what you need to do before you go, let’s move on to what you get once you’re officially a graduate! Your relationship with us doesn’t end once you’ve graduated – you’ll be part of our alumni community and continue to have access to key services and more.
1. Lifetime access to our Careers Service
Career development never ends. As you journey on your career path, there might be times when you need some support, whether it’s a quick CV check or advice to move in a new direction. You can continue to get the support you need to thrive with lifetime access to our Careers & Enterprise service. This includes access to our employability events, like the Career Fairs and weekly masterclasses. You can also continue to find graduate jobs on Advantage.
2. Special Library Membership
Do you find our Library buildings a great place to work? Great news! You can still come and visit if you apply for an Alumni Library membership card. With this free card you can use the wifi, explore the library and borrow up to four items at a time. A heads up though: there are some things you won’t have access to, including PC and laptops and printers.
3. FromSalford
Being a member of our alumni community is special. We want you to be able to connect with fellow graduates and the University, which is why we have our From Salford app. In just a few clicks you’ll be able to build connections with other graduates, access career resources and even find job opportunities. There’s also the opportunity to continue to be involved in university life by mentoring a recent graduate or volunteering your time on campus.
5. 20% discount on Postgraduate courses
Unsure about your next steps? A postgraduate degree could be the right option! With a PG degree, you could:
- Explore a new avenue – you can pick a course in a different area from what you’re currently studying
- Gain a competitive edge in the employability market by deepening your understanding of your current area of studies
- Gain valuable industry experience and make connections through placements and internships
We know further study is a big decision, that’s why we run Postgraduate Open Days, so you can find out if it’s the right step for you. You can also chat to Careers & Enterprise about your options.
