Being a Guest at Graduation: What you should know
For many different students, graduation is a whole new, often overwhelming, mostly exciting, experience. They might have never seen a family member or friend graduate, and this is often true for their family members, friends, and community members as well.
We want this guide to help you understand what graduation is, what to expect on the day, and how you can best support your graduate during what is often a very emotional and important milestone in their life.
Why Graduation Matters
For all students, graduation is a time to recognise the hard work and sacrifice involved in completing a course of study. For some (such as first-generation, care-experienced, estranged, or displaced) students, this also includes overcoming financial, social, or personal barriers. It can also include learning how to navigate unfamiliar environments and systems, often independently, balancing their studies with work or caring responsibilities, and managing feelings of self-doubt or ‘not belonging’. This makes graduation so much more than just receiving a degree. It is a celebration of resilience, persistence, and achievement against the odds. Graduation is a huge accomplishment for all students, whether they have perfect grades and a fully planned future post-graduation or not.
For family and friends, graduation day can likewise carry enormous emotional significance. Parents may feel proud, overwhelmed, emotional, or surprised by watching their child participating in traditions they have never experienced. Grandparents, siblings, partners, and even community members may feel their own sense of accomplishment in response to the success of the student graduating. This can make the day an important one for everyone involved, not just the graduate.
Understanding UK University Graduation
University graduation ceremonies in the UK can appear highly formal, traditional, and prestigious. Traditional language, special clothing, and long-established customs are used that can seem confusing at first. Understanding the basics beforehand can make the day feel much less intimidating and make it easier to focus on celebrating your friend or family member’s achievement.
A graduation ceremony is a formal event where the university and its academic community, plus the family and loved ones of students, celebrate students who have completed their degree or qualification. Although students often complete their courses well ahead of the ceremony itself, graduation is the symbolic public celebration of that achievement.
You may have seen ‘commencement’ ceremonies in American television or film, but there are some differences between UK and USA graduations. In the UK, graduation ceremonies tend to be a little more formal, may have a more traditional structure, and are shorter than their American counterparts. Many UK universities are hundreds of years old and have traditions connected to their history. Even newer universities often follow a similar ceremonial style.
Graduations often include wearing academic gowns and hoods, formal processions, the use of Latin phrases or ceremonial language, senior university officials in elaborate robes, and structured seating and timing. While this can feel unfamiliar and even uncomfortable, it is not intended to be exclusionary. Instead, it is meant to show respect for the significance of students’ achievements and the traditions of higher education.
It is worth noting that graduations typically happen in very formal and elaborately decorated halls on the university campus. These may be spaces that are reserved almost exclusively for formal occasions and may feel overwhelmingly fancy at times. Be assured that you are welcome in that space and you and your graduate belong at the graduation ceremony.
Before Graduation Day
Before graduation day, the university will tell students how many tickets they are automatically allocated (usually 2) and how many additional tickets they can request. They will also be told whether tickets will be physical or digital. Do not assume you will have a ticket to graduation. There is very limited space and it will likely be difficult for your graduate to decide who to allocate tickets to. The good news is that, even if you can’t physically be in the room, most universities livestream the ceremony so you can still watch and celebrate.
If you need to travel from far away, you will want to book your accommodation and travel early. Parking on university campuses is difficult on regular days and is likely to be even more difficult during graduation. Make a plan for getting to and from campus that keeps this in mind. If you have accessibility needs, have your graduate communicate this to the university so they can accommodate you on the day and ensure you can be present at the ceremony.
Think about what you plan to wear. You may be sitting or standing for extended periods of time, so dressing comfortably is important. However, you will want to balance this with dressing appropriately for the occasion. There is no need to go out and buy expensive clothing, but you will want to look smart or wear your ‘Sunday best’. Wearing clothing that is formal to your community or culture is absolutely fine, even if this is different from what other attendees may wear (for example: kilts, saris, shalwar kameezes, etc.) Graduates are encouraged to wear culturally appropriate clothing as well.
What Happens During a Typical Graduation Ceremony?
Before the ceremony, graduates usually collect their gown and hood, register their attendance, take photographs, meet family and friends, and line up with other students from their course. You may have an opportunity to see your graduate prior to the ceremony, but this is not always the case. As a guest, you will want to arrive early, ensure you have your ticket(s), go through any ticket checks, and find a seat in the ceremony hall.
There is sometimes a formal academic procession at the very beginning of the graduation ceremony. This will usually begin with university staff and senior academics, who may process while music plays. Guests may be asked to stand during the procession. You can then expect a few short speeches given by university leaders which welcome you as guests and congratulate the graduating students. There may be guest speakers or the awarding of honorary degrees.
The main part of the ceremony focuses on the students and places them centre stage – literally. Students will line up on one side of the stage and have their name called as they walk across the stage to shake hands with a university official and to receive their certificate folder or symbolic recognition. The student may have a professional photo taken at this moment. In Scotland, it is at this point where students may be ‘capped’, by having a traditional and historic bonnet tapped on their head. Families and friends usually clap as each student crosses the stage. Don’t be afraid to clap louder (or even give a little cheer) when your graduate crosses the stage.
Once all students have crossed the stage, final congratulations are given and the academic procession leaves. Guests are often asked to stand again, and the graduates are released to reunite with friends and family. It can take a few minutes to do so as all the students file out of the room.
How Long Does Graduation Last?
Most UK graduation ceremonies last between 60 and 90 minutes, although the full day can be much longer because of gown collection, photography, gown return, traveling between venues, social events, and celebrations. Graduation day can be busy and tiring, so it’s best to wear comfortable shoes, be patient, and bring water and snacks.
Understanding Academic Dress
One of the more noticeable parts of a graduation ceremony is the clothes. Students (and university and academic staff) wear ceremonial gowns that are usually black, a coloured hood representing their degree or university, and if in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, will also have a cap or mortarboard. Different universities use different colours and styles to represent degree level, faculty or subject area, and academic status. This is a tradition that dates back centuries and is one of the most recognizable parts of graduation culture in the UK.
Money and Hidden Costs
There are often overlooked costs associated with graduation that may not be immediately clear to the graduate or their friends and family. These include the cost of hiring their graduation regalia, professional photography on the day, travel and accommodation for the graduate and any guests, celebration meals, and flowers or gifts.
Gifts for the Graduate
Gifts are not required, but some graduates may receive flowers, cards, or small gifts as part of their graduation celebration. This is perhaps more likely when there is a celebration meal associated with the graduation day (usually organised by family or friends).
Cultural Graduation Differences in Other Countries
You may worry that your traditional cultural celebration methods may feel ‘out of place’ at a UK graduation ceremony. However, UK universities are highly multicultural and will include graduates from many different countries and cultures. Whether your community celebrates quietly, emotionally, loudly, formally, religiously, or with humour and excitement, what matters most is recognizing your graduate’s achievement and supporting them during an important life milestone.
