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Graduation Ceremonies

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Gowns and photography

Everything you need to know about booking your gowns and photography for the 2025 graduation ceremonies.

UCL graduate with family, flowers and photographer

 

One of the most special parts of graduation is the wearing of academic dress (cap and gown) in recognition of your qualification. Everyone crossing the stage is required to be wearing the correct academic dress.

Pre-booked gown hire will open on the Graduation portal to those who have submited their interest on Portico to attend their graduation. You will be able to order your gown for collection at the venue on the day. Marston Events will ensure they match you up with the correct gown for your award.

See below for more information on gowns and on photography.. 

 

Regulations and Awarding Bodies

The academic dress (robe) you wear reflects the qualification you are receiving in your graduation ceremony and the institution making the award. Although UCL received awarding powers in 2005, there are still some students who will receive a University of London award.

    Clothing on the day

    Graduation ceremonies are formal occasions and therefore smart dress is appropriate. Remember that your clothes can be seen under your academic dress (robe).  While Robes are designed to be worn with shirts, students are welcome to wear any smart clothes they are comfortable in and are welcome to wear traditional or national dress.

    Please wear appropriate footwear for walking up and down the steps.

    Please note that shorts, denim and trainers are not appropriate attire for a graduation ceremony.

    Please note that flowers are not allowed in the auditorium and will have to be left outside the auditorium at your own risk, so we recommend not bringing them to the venue.

    Gowning

    You can pre-order your gown on the Graduation Portal from our supplier, Marston Events. You are also provided with the option of extended gown hire or purchasing a gown. Please note that you are only able to collect your gown during your designated registration period, normally opening 2 hours and 15 minutes before your ceremony start time. You will not be able to pick up your gown before this time. 

    If you have pre-ordered your gown, you can collect it on the day at your graduation ceremony from the Royal Festival Hall after you have checked-in during your registration period. There will be people on hand to help you dress into your gown to make sure you’re ready to take to the stage for your special moment. If you don't book a gown, you may be able to rent one on site, though this will be at a cost of £49 and will be subject to availability.

    There will be several drop-off points throughout the Royal Festival Hall after your ceremony if you have rented a gown from our supplier. There will also be a drop-off point on campus so you don’t have to travel back to the venue to return your gown if you head there to continue your celebrations.

    Please note that gowns, unless you have booked extended hire, must be returned on the same day as your ceremony. If your ceremony is at the end of the day (from 3pm onwards) you can return your gown on campus the following day by 12pm. Please note that if you do not return your gown on campus or at the venue on time, you may be subject to additional fees. Please see the Graduation Checklist for further information about gown drop off including timings and locations as these may vary depending on your ceremony date and time. 

    Please contact Marston Events directly if you have any questions regarding your order or gowning as they will be best placed to assist. You can reach them Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (BST) via the following channels:

    Photography

    We will have professional photographers on the day who can take your official graduation portraits. This happens after you have checked in and collected your gown and before your ceremony starts. You can see which photography packages are available on the Graduation Portal. Please note that you must pre-book any photography you would like to have on the day. You can either select a package, or if you are not sure what package you would like and want to decide on the day, you must book a session with the photographer for £15. 

    Please note that all photography takes place prior to the ceremony, so if you have a pre-booked photography session or are hoping to secure a session, please arrive 2 hours and 15 minutes before your ceremony to allow ample time for this.

    Our supplier will also be offering the opportunity to purchase a photo of the all-important moment you walk across the stage, as well as a 15-second video of this. Or if you’d prefer, you can also purchase a full recording of the ceremony.

    Please contact Marston Events directly if you have any questions regarding your order or photography as they will be best placed to assist. You can reach them Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (BST) via the following channels: