Book your tickets Book your tickets Plan your day Plan your day On the day On the day Venues Venues

On the day

What to expect on your big day

Graduation is a day to celebrate everything you’ve achieved. Here’s how to make the most of it – from what to bring, where to go and what happens during your ceremony.

Watch our quick on the day guide

What to bring and wear

Bring printed or digital tickets for you and your guests.
If you forget your tickets, download them from My e-Ticket on My Student Record
We suggest you wear smart clothing, like you would for an interview.
The hood on your gown has a loop for a button and Velcro to hold it in place.
You might want to bring hair grips to secure your cap.
There are no cloakrooms, so only bring what you need.

Timings and venues

Head to Owen Building, City Campus for gowning and photography two hours before your ceremony.
Your ceremony takes place at Ponds Forge, a 10 to 15 minute walk from Owen Building. Aim to get there 30 minutes before your ceremony.
Once there, you can visit the information desk, grab refreshments and buy souvenirs.
To plan your travel, find out where our venues are and how to get there.

Gown collection and fitting

Collect your gown from Hallam View, Level 6 Owen Building, City Campus two hours before your ceremony. We’ll help you put it on.
Gowning is open from 8am with priority given to those graduating at 10am.
Lifts and stairs are accessible from the main entrance.

Photography

Got your gown? Time to head to Hallam Hall for your professional photos.
We recommend pre-ordering photos to skip the queue, but you can order them on the day if you prefer.
Photography is open 8am-6pm.
If you’re running late, we might ask you to come back later so you don't miss your ceremony.
The next day, we'll send you a link to view and select your photos.

Before the ceremony

The Graduation Hall at Ponds Forge opens 30 minutes before your ceremony.
Give your guests their own tickets as they'll enter through a separate door.
Make sure you’re in your seat at least ten minutes before your ceremony starts.
You’ll be seated alphabetically by course.
Your academic steward will greet you and give you your name card – keep this safe!
We'll give you a quick briefing, including how to doff your cap as you cross the stage.
If the ceremony has started you may not be admitted. See the graduation terms and conditions for more info.
Remember to put your phone on silent before you go in.

During the ceremony

University staff will lead a procession onto the stage.
After a short welcome speech, graduates will cross the stage as their names are read out.
If your name is pronounced differently to how it’s spelt, write it phonetically on your name card. You can also do this in advance on the My Certificate and Graduation tab in My Student Record.
You’ll be filmed and photographed as you cross the stage.
Once you leave the stage, head back to your seat.
The ceremony lasts around 90 minutes.
Please don't use your phone for video or voice calls during the ceremony.
Children are welcome but must be supervised. If they become unsettled, you may be asked to step outside. Children are not allowed on stage at any time.

Suggested schedule

This schedule gives you a rough idea of timing so you can plan your day. Just make sure you're in your seat 10 minutes before the ceremony doors close and you're all set.

Activity	10am ceremony	1pm ceremony	4pm ceremony
Gown collection and official photography Owen Building	From 8am	From 11am	From 2pm
Head to Ponds Forge	9.15am	12.15am	3.15am
Ceremony doors open	9.30am	12.30pm	3.30pm
Be seated by	9.50am	12.50pm	3.50pm
Doors close (no late entry)	10am	1pm	4pm
Ceremony starts	10.05am	1.05pm	4.05pm
Ceremony ends	11.30am	2.30pm	5.30pm
Take photos and celebrate!	11.30am-12.15pm	2.30-3.15pm	5.30-6.15pm
Official photography closes Hallam Hall, Owen Building	6.30pm	6.30pm	6.30pm
Return gown Ponds Forge or Owen Building	By 6pm	By 6pm	By 6pm