Graduation ceremony guide

Your graduation ceremony is one of the most rewarding parts of finishing your studies - it’s a time to celebrate your achievements and hard work with your loved ones and fellow graduates. 

Preparing for the big day can be a bit nerve-wracking, but don’t worry—this guide breaks down everything you need to know about getting ready for your graduation day. 

What is graduation day?

A graduation ceremony occurs at the end of a student's time at university. It’s when a student officially receives their degree after successfully passing their course. You've come all this way from your university placement, you should be proud!  

For undergraduate students, graduation day is held around July. For postgraduate students, it’s slightly later and is hosted in December or January. This is usually because postgraduate semesters are longer and students are still completing their final dissertations. 

You’ll likely get the details for your graduation day dates and times via email or student portal. Graduation day consists of several key events, including renting your degree-specific gown and cap, getting your graduation photos taken and crossing the stage to receive your degree. 

Graduation day is a momentous occasion, with family and friends attending from all around the world to celebrate the students' amazing accolades. Next steps will be finding a graduate job to put your knowledge to work!

How long does a graduation ceremony last?

How long your ceremony lasts will depend on your university and what’s been included in the agenda. 

A graduation ceremony usually takes one to two hours. The size of the graduate cohort crossing the stage and the length of the speeches could ultimately lengthen the ceremony. 

Some universities have events before or after the ceremony, such as welcome drinks or meet and greets, which could also add a few hours to your graduation day - and don’t forget to leave plenty of time for taking pictures

What to expect on your graduation day

Once you know the date and time of your graduation ceremony - it’s time to get ready. This includes brainstorming your graduation ceremony outfit, figuring out who’s going to attend and what to bring on the day. 

What to wear to a graduation ceremony

A graduation ceremony is a formal event and a chance to really dress up and feel your best. 

When choosing an outfit, we recommend selecting something smart and comfortable. Of course, it’s also a chance to wear something that reflects your personality or culture so don’t feel as if you have to dress traditionally formally.

Perhaps you’d like to wear a suit and blazer or just a button-up shirt or blouse with smart trousers. Maybe a cute cocktail dress or skirt is more your style. For shoes, consider sleek dress shoes, kitten heels or chic brogues.

If you’re stuck and need outfit ideas for the graduation ceremony, try looking on Pinterest or chatting to your student representative for ideas. You can also rent a graduation ceremony dress or suit from some retailers. 

One thing to remember is that you will have to wear a gown and cap during the ceremony - which may restrict how much of your outfit is seen. On graduation day, you’ll have to pick up your gown and cap, which is different for each degree, and return it at the end of the day. 

Make sure to take how far you may have to walk into consideration. Plus, check the weather forecast before you leave home. 

Professional graduation photos

One of the most memorable moments of graduation day is getting your professional photo taken. The photos will most likely be taken after you cross the stage at the end of the ceremony. 

This photo is taken of you wearing your gown and cap, and holding your degree. Sometimes you get to take photos with your guests, so you can all remember this special moment. You’ll be able to choose which photos to buy later on, so you can focus on looking your best on the day and worry about who to send photos to later.

During the graduation ceremony

Before you enter the hall for your ceremony, make sure to put on your cap and gown. You’ll then be guided towards your designated seating area - your guests will be seated in another area. 

The ceremony will likely start with an academic procession and a welcome speech by the university chancellor. 

After that, the presentation of awards begins. Each graduate will be called one by one to cross the stage. You’ll walk across the stage, shake hands with your head of faculty and/or chancellor, accept your degree and then walk back to your seat. 

Congratulations! You’re officially a graduate. After the ceremony, you’ll be guided out of the hall and free to enjoy the rest of your special day with your loved ones.   

After the graduation ceremony

After the ceremony, you’ll most likely be guided towards the space where professional photos are being taken. Post-ceremony celebrations are different between universities. 

Sometimes there are celebratory drinks hosted by the university. On other occasions, you’re allowed to relax and mingle with fellow graduates and guests. 

What to wear to a graduation ceremony as a guest?

As a guest, make sure to check if there is a specific dress code for the graduation ceremony. If there isn’t any specific dress code, we recommend dressing formally or smart casual. 

Consider a nice blouse or button-up shirt with a blazer that’s paired with smart trousers. Alternatively, a dress or skirt is a good option. If you’re feeling fancy, accessories like fascinators are a popular option for graduation ceremonies in the UK. 

You may have to walk quite a bit, so wear comfortable shoes or pack some walking shoes in your bag. 

What should I bring to a graduation ceremony?

There’s so much to prepare for before your graduation day and the pressure is on to not forget anything. We think it’s a good idea to keep a small bag with you, which you can give to your guests to keep before you cross the stage. 

• Student ID
• Tickets for your guests 
• Hairbrush and hairpins 
• Makeup for last-minute touch-ups 
• Comfortable walking shoes 
• Tissues 
• Camera (or you can take photos on your phone) 
• Water and snacks 

Who can attend a graduation ceremony?

You can bring anybody to your graduation day, but you may be able to only purchase a limited number of tickets. 

Sometimes, universities restrict the attendance of young children, so make sure to check the age limits before buying tickets. 

To help prepare your guests for your graduation day, explain where the best place to park is, how to find their seats for the ceremony and the general agenda for the day. 

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