Hello
I am facing a very serious situation. I have been a full time student for 2 years all the while being on a non-terminated H1. The following are the details:
Initial F1 5yrs - Jul 06 to Jul 11
Master's graduated Dec 2007
H1 - applied April08, approv 8May08

Changed my mind and returned to school for PhD
PhD - admitted Aug 2008 - I20 (Aug 08-Aug 13)

Employer did not terminate H1. so, SEVIS got terminated on Oct 2008.

my questions:
can if I get admit in another school, get new SEVIS id activated, will automatically terminate my H1 and change to F1?
Would it be best to leave and re-enter with "initial attendance" I20?
I so, do I need to go to consulate to get a new F1 Visa? What documents would I need?