Student Visa - I swapped the completion date on my form, but leave in 3 months

I just noticed today that when i filled out my Student Visa form, this time last year (while in the US) I put the end of my course wrong, I was supposed to have my visa valid through October 10th, (US 10/08/05) (UK 08/10/05), but I filled out the form wrong and haven't noticed until now.  The problem is that I will be heading to France for two weeks after my visa has expired, will I be able to get back in as say just a visitor?  I will only need to be here for 3 weeks or so before I return home to the US, and I already have my tickets for that return trip.  So I guess my question is can I travel as just a visitor in the UK w/out having returned back to the US?  Also do I have to worry about some sort of fine when leaving after my visa has expired?  Thanks, wish I had seen this earlier.

-Scott Flanagan

It is something you need to sort out before leaving the UK.  And yes, you need to worry about it.  You won't have to pay a fine, but you face a real good possibility of refusal at port...

Get it sorted and THEN go on holiday...