Graduating this summer? Congratulations! Want to know where to find the essential information? No clue what to expect? Our handy little guide will tell you what to expect no you can ensure your day goes as smoothly as possible.
Finding your graduation date and booking tickets for you and family/friends: In April time, the graduation office will send you an email confirming your academic school’s date, and a link to book tickets for your friends and family. Most ceremonies will allow for up to 3 guests, and you can go into a lottery for more guests – however, there is no guarantee that you’ll get more than three tickets. If you’ve got family and friends who can’t get tickets to the ceremony, there’s normally a link where they can livestream it, so they don’t miss your moment.
Organising your gown & hat: Ede and Ravenscroft are the official gown suppliers for graduation. After you’ve confirmed your place at graduation, the graduation office will be in touch with details of how to hire your gown and cap. Hiring just a gown and cap starts at £45, with an increase if you want to buy it. You can also add official graduation photos for an additional cost.
Planning the day (accommodation / time with friends / time to take pictures / food / evening entertainment): Our recommendation is if you need accommodation, book it as soon as your know your official graduation date to ensure you’ve got somewhere to stay. If your lease has finished, you’ll also need to account for yourself staying somewhere. There’s lots of hotels and B&Bs in Norwich and the surrounding area, so book in early.
You can arrive up to 2 hours early for your graduation ceremony and will get about 90 minutes afterward before you have to return your gown. This is the perfect opportunity to take photos around campus, so coming with a list of people to take photos with and places to take photos can speed up the process.
In the actual graduation zone itself, they’ll be a selection of food stands and beverages which you can buy, alongside music from a local band. However, once you know your date and time again, it’s probably worth booking a bigger lunch or dinner in the city either before or after your ceremony.
Grad Ball: Grad Ball will be happening on 21st July this year – it's a fun-packed night for you and your friends to celebrate everything you’ve achieved at UEA.