http://www.kcl.ac.uk/campuslife/services/student-advice-support/how/immigration/travel.aspx

Re-entering the UK after travel

Each time you re-enter the UK after travelling abroad you are likely to be questioned by immigration officers about your intentions in the UK. They will want to check that you are still a student here, as you will be trying to re-enter using your student visa.

You should ensure you carry with you a Confirmation of Studies letter to show that you are enrolled at King’s, and a bank statement to show that you are still able to support yourself while you are here, in case you are asked for these. You can obtain a Confirmation of Studies letter from the Compass.

Travelling at the end of your studies

Some students have raised concerns about travelling in and out of the UK on a student visa after their course has ended. Under the student visa rules, you are usually granted your visa for the length of your course plus an additional 4 months. These additional months are given to allow you to attend your graduation ceremony and make any necessary arrangements for leaving/staying on in the UK, such as clearing out your accommodation or applying for a new visa in order to work here.

As you will still have a valid visa during this period you are allowed to re-enter the UK if you have travelled abroad, but you should be aware that you may be questioned by the immigration officers as to why you are coming back to the UK. If you have already finished your studies, they will want to know your reason for re-entering using your student visa.

Returning to the UK after the end of your course, but before your results are released:

If you need to travel after the end date of your course you should ensure you get a confirmation of studies letter which confirms the date of your graduation, and, if possible, the approximate time that your results will be released. This can then be used as evidence that you have not yet formally completed your studies, so have not been able to apply for further leave in the UK. You should also ensure you carry with you a bank statement to show that you have enough money to stay in the UK. You can get the confirmation of studies letter from The Compass.

Returning to the UK for graduation after your results have been released:

We advise students not to do this if possible. This is because, if you have finished your studies, the immigration officer may think that should not be entering on your Tier 4 visa, since you are no longer entering for the same reason the visa was issued. They may stamp you in as a Visitor or refuse you entry. If this happens then you would need to return home and make any visa applications to return to the UK from home. Please be aware that for some visas the requirements are different when applying from outside the UK so ensure you check the guidance carefully to avoid refusal. If you are concerned, contact a Student Adviser before travelling. If you are entering on your Tier 4 visa for your graduation you should ensure you have a letter confirming the date and that you will be attending. You can order this when you book your ceremony tickets. For further information contact the Graduation team. You should ensure you also have with you evidence that you intend to leave the UK before your visa expires (e.g. a plane ticket) or that you intend to apply for another visa in the UK.