Graduation season is here. As you pack your bags and prepare for the next chapter of your journey, it is easy to overlook a few practical matters. To help ensure a smooth transition, here is a checklist of important tasks to complete before leaving China.

1. Manage your digital accounts

University email services are typically discontinued after graduation. Before that happens, make sure to:

• Back up important emails, including academic correspondence, grade notifications, transcripts, recommendation letters, and application materials, to a personal email account or local storage.
• Update account information for online platforms registered with your university email address that you plan to continue using after graduation, such as academic databases, job-search websites, and professional networking services.

2. Review your payment accounts and bank cards

Before departure, take time to review your financial accounts and payment services:

• Check balances in Chinese mobile payment services such as WeChat Pay, Alipay, and UnionPay. Deactivate any payment services you no longer use.
• Cancel unnecessary subscriptions and automatic payments, including video streaming memberships, shared-bike passes, and automatic mobile phone bill payments.

For example:

On WeChat: Me → Pay and Services → Wallet → Payment Settings → Auto-Renewal

On Alipay: Me → Settings (the gear icon in the top right corner) → Payment Settings → Auto-Renewal

• Review your Chinese bank accounts and keep relevant account information securely stored if you plan to continue using them.
• Settle or cancel any services linked with your bank cards to avoid unexpected charges.

3. Handle your Chinese mobile number

Your mobile number may be linked to a wide range of important accounts and services. Consider the following:

• Apply for a number-retention service if you plan to keep your Chinese phone number while living abroad.
• Close your mobile account properly if you no longer need the number. You will need to visit your carrier’s service center with your original passport. If there is a remaining balance in the account, you can usually apply to have it refunded to your bank account or transferred to another number under the same carrier.

For specific requirements and service channels, refer to your carrier’s official information or consult service center staff. You may also contact your carrier's customer service hotline in advance:

China Mobile: 10086

China Unicom: 10010

China Telecom: 10000

• Update linked accounts by changing login methods or replacing your Chinese phone number with another active number, such as an overseas mobile number, before departure.

By organizing your digital accounts, financial services, and mobile number before leaving China, you can avoid unnecessary complications and move on to the next stage of your journey with greater peace of mind.

Source: Official WeChat account of the China Scholarship Council