We’re on countdown to our #Classof2025 graduations and we can’t wait to help you celebrate.
We know there’s a lot to remember when it comes to your graduation, so we’ve pulled together a list of what you need to know in advance and where you need to be on the day.
Before your graduation day
- Keep an eye on your inbox – if you’ve not done so already, you’ll shortly receive a graduation itinerary email. This will guide you through all the essential timings for the day
- Read up about the dress code – your cap and gown are the iconic symbols of graduation day and once you pop them on your day really begins, make sure you’re familiar with our academic dress guide and general dress code ahead of time
- Have your gown confirmation number to hand – your order number is the ‘must have’ piece of information of the day, keep it handy as you’ll need to quote it on arrival at gowning
- Plan your travel – parking is really limited on campus as many of you will know. Nearby parking is available on Mount Pleasant and other options are available here
- Understand the formal part of graduation – your graduation is an official ceremony to admit you to your degree, here’s a reminder of the important documentation you’ll receive
On graduation day
Before your ceremony:
- Gowning in the Sports Centre – arrive for gowning in line with your timetable in your itinerary email
- Collect tickets, certificate and goodies – in the Sports Centre you will also collect your tickets (yours and your guests), your graduation certificate and brochure, a UoL pin badge and a tote bag to keep everything together (Your guests can relax and wait for you on campus in one of our many eateries or social spaces)
- Your formal portrait photo – official photography is also in the Sports Centre, if the queue is too long – especially if it’s before your ceremony – you can pop back later, just check with the Sales Desk when they close
- Allow time to walk to the Philharmonic – your ceremony in the Philharmonic Hall is about a 15-minute walk from campus and you need to be seated 45 minutes before your ceremony commences. Follow the times in your itinerary email to be safe
- Pass on your guest ticket(s) – before you go into the Philharmonic you need to have given your guests their tickets (make sure you don’t confuse the tickets and give them your one accidentally!)
- Live stream – any guests without a ticket to ceremony are invited to watch a live stream in the Courtyard within the Guild. Food and refreshments are available to purchase. (Note: an alternative room to watch the live stream in a quieter environment is available in the Library, first floor, Guild. Please note that alcohol is not permitted in this room. Refreshments are not available to purchase in the Library but guests are welcome to bring a tea, coffee or soft drink with them to enjoy while they watch the ceremony.)
During your ceremony:
- Be seated 45 minutes before your ceremony begins – doors open to your ceremony an hour before it starts and you need to be seated 45 minutes before it gets underway
- Go directly to your allocated seat – your seat will be clearly marked on your ticket and there will be staff on hand to show you the way if you’re unsure, do not sit in another seat as you may not be correctly presented for your degree
- Your moment on stage! – you will be directed by staff when it’s your turn to join the procession onto the stage and you will need to give your name to the officer before being called to proceed across the stage and have your degree conferred
- Stay for the full ceremony – you will be guided back to your seat by staff, your ceremony will last about 90 minutes, and you are required to stay for the duration.
After your ceremony:
- Relax and celebrate – once your ceremony has formally closed, it’s time to celebrate. If you have a ticket for your School celebration event in the Mountford Hall, head straight there. If not pop into the Courtyard, The Sphinx, The Augustus John or one of our campus cafes
- Photo time – with the VG&M scaffolding gone, the ultimate redbrick photo backdrop is back for #Classof2025! The UoL oversized letters in University Square are also a firm favourite and props will also be dotted across campus including in Abercromby Square
- Return your gown – once you’ve had your fill of photos, you can return your gown to The Street in the Guild. All gowns must be returned by 8pm.
Beyond graduation
- Stay in touch – update your details so you don’t miss out on your graduate benefits package which includes invitations to networking events, discounts and all the latest updates from us in your alumni newsletters
- Your careers support continues – just because you’ve graduated, doesn’t mean we stop being there for you! Let our Careers and Employability team help you with your next steps by completing this short form
- Be a part of our alumni social media family – make sure you follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and WeChat (利物浦Uni校友会).
More details about Graduation 2025 are available on our graduation webpages.