What I wish someone told me before my Graduation Day
Graduation day has a funny way of sneaking up on you. When I graduated, it felt like I had only just handed in my dissertation. The next minute, I was getting ready to walk across the stage. If you’re getting ready to throw your cap in the air soon, here’s everything you need to know: months before, weeks before, the night before and on the day itself - so you can spend less time stressing and more time actually being there for it.
What is graduation day?
It's the day you’ve been waiting for since you set foot on campus, right!? Graduation day is a ceremony where your university officially hands you your degree. You’ll wear a cap and gown, have your name read out in front of everyone, walk across the stage, and then shake hands with someone very important-looking.
When it takes place depends on your university, but you can guarantee it will be a few months after your results come out. Most universities run several ceremonies over a few days, split by department or subject (one to check ahead of time!)
What do I need to sort before the day?
Okay, this is the bit people mess up - not because it’s hard, but because life happens and you assume it’ll sort itself out. Let's make sure you aren’t that person. Here’s what to get done and when.
Months before
RSVP to your ceremony.
Confirm your attendance via your university's graduation portal. Here, they’ll also ask you to check that your details are correct, as well as confirm the pronunciation of your name.
Book guest tickets
Tickets for family and friends go fast - often within hours of opening. Have an idea of how many tickets you’ll need (usually it's two to four per student) and act quickly when booking opens. Depending on availability, they may sell more tickets closer to the time.
Hire your gown
Use your university's recommended hire company. Confirm your cap and hood type - these vary by degree level and subject. They’ll ask for measurements, so make sure to have a measuring tape handy!
Book your professional headshots
There’ll be hundreds of students wanting photos done, so you’ll need to book your space asap.
Book accommodation and travel
Trust me, if you go to university in a town as I did, accommodation around graduation sells out fast and gets more expensive the longer you leave it. Treat this as a reminder to go and book it (after you finish reading this, of course).
Check for outstanding debts
Depending on your university, things like unpaid library return fines or other fees can block your attendance. Don’t let this stop you from going to your graduation! Log on and check now.
Deadlines for things like attendance, guest tickets, hiring a gown and photography can be quite strict, and if you miss one, you could end up paying a lot more. So set reminders on your phone!
Leaving uni and stepping out into the world can feel like a lot. Here's how you can navigate that, from actual graduates who've been where you are now.
The Realities of Leaving UniversityWeeks before
Read the pre-ceremony information pack
Your university will send through detailed joining instructions - venue maps, parking, timing, and where to pick up your gown. Read it!
Plan and try on your outfit
You’ll wear your gown over your suit or dress.
Plan the post-ceremony logistics
Where will you meet friends and family after? Are you going to book a restaurant? Is parking sorted for everyone? Have a loose plan to avoid any chaos afterwards.
Check for any ceremony updates
Universities sometimes shift timings or send last-minute venue notes. Check your university email regularly in the weeks running up to the day.
The night before
Lay out everything you need - Gown/cap if you’ve collected it before the day, guest tickets downloaded on your phone, student ID, bobby pins and safety clips (you never know).
Charge your phone and camera
Double-check your timings and venue
Send any family members/friends not attending the virtual link to watch you walk across the stage.
On the day
If your ceremony is in the morning, make sure to have breakfast - on my graduation day, I didn’t end up eating until like 3pm
Make sure to bring water! You’ll be sat for a while, and there's nothing worse than feeling nervous and not having a drink
Arrive earlier than you think you need to
Collect your gown and get robed
Remember to walk slowly across the stage - enjoy the moment.
Is graduation day as nerve-wracking as it seems?
Honestly, it can have its moments, but not in the ways most people expect. The main sources of stress on the day are almost all logistical.
You might worry about getting there on time, forgetting a guest ticket, the gown not fitting, tripping on stage, hearing your name called out incorrectly, emotions catching you off guard.
The reality is universities have organised graduations hundreds of times. Staff are helpful. The stage walk takes about ten seconds. Everyone is rooting for you. It almost always feels better than you feared.
The emotional side can be more surprising. Like me, you may feel a sudden rush of relief or pride; you might even cry a little. It’s all very normal.
The better you prepare, the more opportunities you have to truly live in the moment. If you’re graduating soon, you should be so proud of yourself!
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I'm Grace, Marketing Executive here at Higherin! I recently graduated with a Business Degree from Bournemouth University, and have returned as a graduate after completing my placement year with Higherin. I'm here to share real insights into placements, student struggles, and now graduate life. I've been there, so I know how to ensure you get the help and support you need to achieve your career goals.
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