Graduation day at a UK university isn’t just a ceremony-it’s the culmination of years of late nights, caffeine-fueled essays, and friendships forged in lecture halls and student unions. For students, it’s the moment everything clicks: you made it. But behind the caps and gowns, there’s a lot to sort out-planning the day, inviting the right people, and making sure the photos actually capture the moment, not just a blurry smile in front of a brick building.
Planning the Day: It Starts Weeks Before
- Check your university’s graduation portal. Most UK universities, like Manchester, Bristol, or Edinburgh, have a dedicated section on their website where you book your ceremony slot, order robes, and select how many guest tickets you get. Don’t wait until the last week-slots fill fast, and some ceremonies run over multiple days.
- Guest tickets are limited. Most students get four to six tickets. If you’ve got a big family, you might need to prioritize. Grandparents? Parents? Best friend who helped you through finals? Decide early. Some universities let you buy extra tickets if there’s space, but don’t count on it.
- Book accommodation if your guests are coming from abroad or another city. University towns like Oxford or York get packed on graduation weekends. Airbnb and local B&Bs fill up months ahead. Pro tip: check if your university has a list of recommended hotels-they often have negotiated rates.
- Order your gown and hood. You’ll usually rent these through the university’s supplier. Make sure you know your size. Gowns are one-size-fits-most, but hoods vary by degree. A BA hood looks different from a BSc. Get it right-you don’t want to be the one holding up the line because your hood’s inside out.
Who to Invite: It’s Not Just Family
Graduation isn’t just about blood relatives. It’s about the people who showed up when you needed them. That flatmate who brought you soup when you had the flu during exams? Invite them. Your tutor who stayed late to help you rewrite your dissertation? They’re welcome too. Some students even invite their barista from the campus café-the one who remembered their order and gave them a free biscuit on bad days.Don’t feel guilty if you can’t invite everyone. You’re not hosting a wedding. A simple text or email works: “I’m graduating on June 12th. Would love for you to be there if you can make it.” Keep it warm, keep it real.
Some universities let you bring children. If you’ve got a toddler or a pet dog (yes, some allow therapy dogs), check the rules. Most venues are accessible, but not all have stroller access or quiet zones. If you’re bringing kids, plan for breaks. The ceremony can last two hours.
Photos: Capture the Real Moment, Not Just the Pose
You’ll have a professional photographer taking your official portrait. That’s fine. But those photos are formal-stiff smiles, straight gowns, and the same backdrop as 200 other graduates. The real magic happens outside the ceremony.- Bring a phone charger. And maybe a portable battery. You’ll be taking dozens of photos.
- Find the iconic spots on campus. The clock tower. The library steps. The quad where you had your first coffee. These places mean more than the stage.
- Ask a friend to take candid shots. Laughing while adjusting your hood. Hugging your mum. Jumping in the air with your friends. Those are the photos you’ll look at in five years.
- Don’t forget the small stuff: your name on the graduation program, your department pin, the handwritten note from your professor tucked in your gown pocket.
Some students hire a photographer for the day. It’s expensive-around £200 to £400-but worth it if you want high-quality, natural shots. Look for someone who’s shot university graduations before. They’ll know how to work around the crowd, the light, and the tight schedule.
What to Wear: Comfort Over Fashion
Your gown is the uniform. What’s underneath matters too. You’ll be standing for hours. Walking across a grassy field. Maybe even dancing at the after-party.- Wear flat shoes. Seriously. Heels are a trap. You’ll be on cobblestones, uneven lawns, and maybe even a stage with no grip.
- Choose breathable fabrics. Gowns are hot. A cotton shirt or light blouse under the gown helps. Avoid thick sweaters or turtlenecks.
- Bring a small bag. Your phone, tissues, lip balm, maybe a snack. Most universities don’t let you take bags onto the stage, so stash it with a friend or leave it in your car.
- Women: avoid skirts that are too short. You’ll be walking up and down stairs and sitting on benches. Practicality beats trends.
The After-Party: Keep It Simple
Most universities don’t host official after-parties. That’s up to you. A pub lunch. A picnic in the park. A quiet dinner with your closest people. Some students rent a house for the weekend. Others just go home and sleep for 12 hours.Don’t feel pressured to throw a big event. The real celebration is already over-it happened when you walked off that stage with your degree in hand. What comes after is just icing.
What to Do When It’s Over
The ceremony ends. The photos are taken. The guests have left. Now what?- Save your graduation program. It’s a time capsule-names of your classmates, your course title, the chancellor’s speech.
- Upload your photos to a shared album. Google Photos or iCloud. Let your guests download their own copies.
- Write a short note to your university. Thank your department. Send it to your academic advisor. They remember you.
- Give your gown away. Donate it to a student who’s just starting. Or pass it to a sibling. It’s not just fabric-it’s a symbol.
Graduation day isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence. The messy hair, the crooked hood, the cousin who cried during the national anthem, the friend who forgot to charge their camera-it’s all part of it. These are the moments that stick.
What to Expect If You’re an International Student
If you’re coming from overseas, graduation might be your last time on campus before heading home or starting a new job. Plan ahead.- Check visa rules. Some countries require you to leave within 30 days after your course ends. Graduation doesn’t extend your visa.
- Book flights early. Airfare spikes in June and July. If you’re flying from Asia or the Americas, you might need to arrive a week early to avoid delays.
- Ask about translation services. Some universities offer interpreters for non-English-speaking guests. It’s not always advertised-ask your student services office.
You’re not just a graduate. You’re a global citizen now. And your graduation day? It’s your passport to the next chapter.
How many guest tickets do UK universities typically give for graduation?
Most UK universities give between four and six guest tickets per graduate. Some, like the University of London or King’s College London, may offer up to eight if you’re graduating with honors or in a larger faculty. Extra tickets are rarely available, so plan who to invite early.
Can I bring my pet to graduation?
Generally, no. Most UK university graduation venues don’t allow pets. Exceptions are made for registered service or emotional support animals, but you must notify the university in advance and provide documentation. Therapy dogs are sometimes permitted at smaller ceremonies, but never on the main stage.
Do I need to buy my graduation gown?
No. Most UK universities rent gowns and hoods through approved suppliers like Ede & Ravenscroft or Graduation Robes. You’ll pay a fee-usually £30 to £70-when you book your ceremony. You return the gown after the event. Buying your own is possible but expensive and unnecessary unless you’re planning to wear it again.
What’s the best time to take graduation photos?
The best time is right after the ceremony, before the crowds leave. Most students rush to the main quad or library steps for photos. Try to get them done within 30 minutes of the ceremony ending. Late afternoon light (around 4-6 PM) is ideal for outdoor shots. Avoid midday sun-it creates harsh shadows.
Can I walk in a different graduation ceremony if I miss mine?
Yes. Most UK universities let you defer your graduation to the next ceremony cycle-usually in winter or the following summer. You’ll still receive your degree certificate on time, but you won’t walk until the next available date. Contact your student services office to arrange this. You won’t need to pay again.