Graduation day guide: What to do, wear and bring

After the late-night study sessions, countless assignments and years of hard work, it’s time to celebrate! Graduation day is a ceremony that shines a light on your uni achievements, so you’ll need to gear up for the big event. Grab your gown and get ready to toss your cap to success with our graduation ceremony planning guide.

What happens on graduation day?

Graduation day is a formal ceremonial event where students receive their graduate diplomas from their university. On the big day, you’ll collect your cap and gown and take professional photos with your family and loved ones. Then it’s off to the hall for the main event.

The ceremony will likely open with welcome speeches from senior lecturers and staff. Afterwards, each student is invited onto the stage one-by-one to collect their degree certificate. In most cases, your real degree is posted to your address a few weeks after the ceremony.

Graduation day can last anywhere between 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the speeches and the size of your class. Some ceremonies may also include a religious service or music sung by a choir.

What to do before graduation

There can be a lot of preparation leading up to graduation day. You’ll need to plan in advance to make sure the day goes as planned. But, don’t worry, your uni will normally help you to organise all the important bits.

Here are some items to tick off your graduation day to-do list before the big event:

Make sure you’ve ordered your gown

Your graduation gown should be ordered at least three weeks before graduation day to guarantee availability. Make sure you order the right size and height and know where to collect it on the day.

Book professional photography

There’s a high chance your family will want to remember the big day. Most unis will offer professional photography services, which you can book in advance to save time and money.

Invite your loved ones

Graduation day is a shared celebration with your loved ones – but, unfortunately, you can’t bring everyone. Some unis limit the number of seats per graduate, so book early on to guarantee your spaces. Make sure your guests know the arrangements on the day so they don’t miss your special moment.

Book accommodation if you need it

If you or your guests are planning to stay the night before or after graduation day, it’s a good idea to arrange accommodation a few months prior. You can find a hotel or apartment to share with loved ones.

Make plans for after the ceremony

Graduation day festivities don’t stop after the ceremony! Consider where you’re heading next and make arrangements. Whether it’s a celebratory meal or an event, book early and make sure everyone is aware of your plans.

Be prepared

Graduation is a big deal, so your university won’t leave you to fend for yourself. Make sure you’re checking all emails and guidance shared with you during the runup to the day. That way, you’ll know what time it starts, where to go and what’s happening.

What to wear for graduation

There’s no better excuse to dress up than graduation day! Aside from your gown, have a think about what to wear for graduation. You’ll want to look the part, so dust off that suit or dress and practice your award-winning smile in the mirror.

The occasion calls for formal wear, which means no jeans or joggers. Graduation day usually takes place over the summer, and it can get hot under the cap and gown, so make sure you dress for the weather. If you can, avoid dark colours as they absorb the heat.

Shoes are another important consideration. You’ll be walking across the stage to collect your certificate in front of a large audience, so think twice before wearing your highest heels. Aim for comfortable, stylish shoes that can last all day.

If you’re wearing a graduation hood, remember they’re specially designed to fit underneath a tie. So, if you’re wearing a dress for graduation day, make sure to pin the hood in place to avoid any slips. You might want to do the same for your mortarboard (graduation cap) too, as they love to move around!

On graduation day

With all the preparations in order, you’re ready for graduation day. But, before you take the stage to collect your certificate, there are a few things to bear in mind.

Make sure you look your best

Get ready to look your best for the flashing cameras. If you’re wearing makeup, consider long-lasting products that’ll photograph well. A fresh manicure is also a great idea, especially for close-up photos of you holding your diploma. You’ll also want to plan your hairstyle around your mortarboard.

Check the weather forecast

British weather can be unpredictable at the best of times. Make sure you check the forecast before you make your way. You’ll likely have to stand outside for a while, so it won’t hurt to bring an umbrella or coat depending on the weather.

Arrive with plenty of time

As with any event, it’s best to arrive early – at least one or two hours before the graduation day ceremony kicks off. Running late means you might miss out on sitting with friends, meeting people beforehand, or even the ceremony itself!

Collect your gown

You can’t graduate without your trusted cap and gown. Most unis will set aside a special area to collect your outfit and put it on. You can expect a queue here, so arriving early is a good idea. If you’re struggling to get everything on, uni staff will be on hand to help.

Document the day

You don’t need to rely on professional photography alone on graduation day. Take your own photos and videos to share with loved ones. Get some snaps alone and with friends and family. It’s your day after all – so make it count! Afterwards, share your favourites on social media and watch the congratulations pour in.

Keep your certificate safe

All your hard work has led to this moment, so don’t treat your certificate lightly! Store your degree in a safe place, like a portfolio folder in a secure drawer. It’s an important document and replacements can be expensive.

Celebrate afterwards

Keep the buzz of graduation day going with a post-ceremony celebration. Whether it’s dinner with the family, a night out with friends or a graduation party, celebrate your success in style!

Graduation guide for parents, family and loved ones

Graduation day is a big deal for everyone involved, so guests will also need to prepare. If you’re a family member or a loved one attending the ceremony, you’ll want to keep the following in mind.

Make sure you know the plan

Your invite will likely have all the information for the graduation day ceremony, but it’s always best to double-check. Talk with the person graduating well in advance so you know the arrangements, including the date, time, and seating plan.

Think about booking accommodation and a restaurant

If you’re travelling from out of town or looking to stay nearby, think about accommodation. Hotels and Airbnbs near the uni will be busy, so book in advance to avoid disappointment. You’ll also want to get celebration plans in order – will you need to book a table at a restaurant or elsewhere?

What to wear to a graduation ceremony as a guest

Knowing how to dress on graduation day is just as important for guests. It’s a formal event, after all, so aim for smart attire such as a suit or dress. It’s always better to be over-dressed than under-dressed, especially for professional photos.

Take lots of photos

Uni graduates will no doubt document the big day, but they won’t have time to catch everything. Take lots of photos and videos to share with family and for keepsakes. And don’t forget to capture that special moment when they collect their certificate!

Give them some time with their friends

Although you’re there to share the day with the lucky graduate, remember that they will want to celebrate with their fellow students too. When possible, give them some space to chat and take pictures with their friends.

Think about a gift

Say congratulations and mark the occasion with a thoughtful gift. You may want to give the graduate a card, flowers or jewellery. Luckily, there are plenty of graduation day gift ideas out there to choose from.

Enjoy yourself!

Graduation day is a time for celebration, so make the most of it! If it’s your first time visiting the university, you may want to have a walk around campus. Or, extend your trip to visit the graduate’s favourite haunts and hotspots.