Graduation Checklist

All the essential information for your 2024 graduation journey.

We are so excited to celebrate with you at your graduation ceremony from UCL! Please read each section below for further details and information regarding your ceremony: before, during and after.

Before your graduation ceremony

Make sure you are receiving emails about your graduation ceremony

You should be receiving emails about your graduation ceremony if you have expressed your interest in attending on your Portico.

For students graduating this year, the first one you should have received was a confirmation email, sent to you 24 hours after you submitted your interest on Portico. This was sent to the email address that you registered with on Portico.

If you haven't received any emails, please check your junk folder. If you still aren't receiving emails from us at all, please contact ceremonies@ucl.ac.uk. If your contact details are incorrect, please update them in Portico.

Ceremony confirmation email for 2024

For students graduating this year, we have sent confirmation of your graduation date and time. For those graduating in July, student registration is now closed. For those graduating in September ceremonies, you will receive the graduation portal details in mid-July. The graduation portal will be open for a specific length of time – please check the email inviting you to the portal for your deadline.

The email you used to register on the portal will be where you receive all future communication regarding your graduation.

Find out how to get to the venue

Your ceremony will be held at the Royal Festival Hall - full details on the venue. Plan your journey using Transport for London's Journey Planner.

Order UCL graduation merchandise

You can order from our range of UCL-branded clothing, notebooks, scroll holders and Jeremy Beartham graduation bears in advance from The Hanger. You can then pick up on your graduation day. There will also be merchandise available to purchase on the day of your ceremony. Please note that only card payment is accepted.

Get your ticket collection QR code

You will receive your student ticket as well as any guest tickets you may have purchased on the graduation portal as a QR code shortly before your ceremony. It is essential that you download these prior to arriving at the venue, as signal is limited at Royal Festival Hall.

When you arrive at Royal Festival Hall, you and your guests must check in with us at registration to pick up your paper ticket. If you do not have a paper ticket, you will not be allowed into the auditorium which may affect your ability to graduate.

Whilst we highly recommend that your guests arrive with you on the day, if you know they are arriving separately, please send them their individual ticket collection QR code. Guests arriving separately will need to check in with us at registration to retrieve their tickets.

Let family and friends know they can watch remotely

The ceremonies will be streamed and subsequently available on demand. Share this link to watch the ceremonies live or on demand.

Your graduation essentials

Guest tickets

Based on the venue's capacity, tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, we will make sure all graduates have the chance to secure some guest tickets while the graduation portal is open, regardless of the time of booking. Please note that guests and graduates are seated separately. Guest tickets are £35. You are also absolutely welcome to purchase additional guest tickets on the day of your ceremony at the venue! This is subject to availability, but we are keeping plenty of tickets for those last-minute guests on the day, so come and see us when you arrive to purchase these.

You can also book a private box for up to four guests. These are £249 and will be available until they are sold out. You can visit the helpdesk upon arrival to upgrade any guest tickets to a box if there is availaibility on the day.

All guests will have allocated seats in the Royal Festival Hall and we ask that guests sit in the seat number provided on their ticket. All guest tickets bought on the portal will be seated together. Please note that only card payment will be accepted on the day and any additional tickets purchased on the day will not be sat with any tickets you have booked previously on the graduation portal.

Bringing children as guests

Children are able to attend, but we note that the ceremonies are long, formal events which may not be comfortable for some children. Only our graduates cross the stage so children must be seated with another guest whilst you have your moment! It is also not possible to take any buggies into the auditorium but there is space to leave them outside of the auditorium doors before you enter. If they are young enough (three and under), they can sit on another guest’s lap. If they need their own seat, you must purchase a guest ticket for them.

Gown hire

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. UCL’s gown supplier, Marston Events, will make sure they match you up with the correct gown for your award and will be on site at Royal Festival Hall for you to collect your gown before your ceremony.

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. There will even 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 will be able to rent one on site, though this will be at a cost of £49.

Photography

We will have professional photographers on the day who can take your official graduation photographs. Your photography session can only take place during your designated registration period, before your ceremony. Therefore, photography opens 2 hours prior to the start of your ceremony. It is essential that you bring your order confirmation number from our supplier, Marston Events, with you.

You will need to prebook a photography package via the Graduation Portal and 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. 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.

On the day of your graduation ceremony

Check you have everything you need

Please only bring the essential items below with you. It is important to note that when you are called up to cross the stage you will not be allowed to bring anything with you. We suggest you bring a small bag if needed which you are comfortable with leaving at your seat whilst you cross the stage, or alternatively, you can leave your items with any guests you may have before you enter the ceremony hall.

Ticket collection QR code, downloaded onto your device or printed.
UCL Student ID or another form of photo ID e.g. passport, driving licence.
Email containing your order number for your academic dress (robe) and/or photography package.
Camera (no flash photography is permitted during the ceremony and please only film those you have permission to film, without obstructing the view of others).

Arrive in good time for your ceremony

Arrive in good time for your ceremony – normally around 2 hours 15 minutes before the ceremony starts and no less than 60 minutes before your ceremony, otherwise you may be marked as not in attendance and your name will not be read out.

We are expecting around 2500 people for each graduation ceremony, and 2 hours will give you plenty of time to check you and your guests in, receive and try on your gown, and have your professional photos taken. Please look out for further information in the emails you receive in the lead up to the event in terms of timing advice for your ceremony.

We recommend that guests arrive with the graduate if at all possible. There are several of fun photo opportunities throughout the venue which you will have access to whilst you wait for your ceremony to begin.

If guests are arriving separately to the graduate, we recommend that they arrive in good time to be able to check-in, receive their paper ticket and make their way to their seat before the ceremony begins. Please forward the guests their QR code ticket ahead of arriving at the ceremony.

Accessibility information

For any guests or students who require an accessible entrance, we ask that your guests arrive at the Mandela Entrance at the Royal Festival Hall (what three words: ///palace.enter.valley). Our team will be able to check you and your guests in and assist you with anything further you need at this entrance.

Upon booking through the graduation portal, you will have had the opportunity to specify any accessibility requirements for yourself or your guests. A member of our graduation team should have already been in contact with you to discuss how we can offer the best support to you and your guests and agreed any arrangements. You can view further details about accessibility at Royal Festival Hall here.

If there's any information we can provide now to help you feel more comfortable about attending, please don't hesitate to let us know how we can assist.

Check-in at the registration desk

It's time to celebrate! On arrival to the Royal Festival Hall, please head straight to the registration desk. When you arrive at Royal Festival Hall, you and your guests must have your QR code scanned to pick up your paper ticket. If you do not have a paper ticket, you will not be allowed into the auditorium and your name will not be read out to cross the stage.

Only graduates can register themselves – guests cannot do this on behalf of a graduate.

It is essential that you download or print your ticket collection QR code prior to arriving at the venue, as signal is limited at Royal Festival Hall.

What to wear on the day

Make sure you are dressed to impress! 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.

Collect your gown from the gowning station

After you have checked in, you will go to collect your gown from the gowning station at the Royal Festival Hall. Make sure you bring your email confirmation of hire.

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.

You can drop your gown off after your ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall where there will be several drop off points located throughout the venue.

We've also arranged a drop-off spot in the Wilkins Garden Room on campus which is open 1.30-6.30pm on Monday 8 July. If your ceremony is at the end of the day (from 3:00pm onwards) you can return your gown on campus at the Wilkins Garden Room from 8.30am-12pm the next day (Tuesday 9 July). 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.

Have your official picture taken

Get ready to strike a pose! Once you have collected your gown, there is an opportunity to have formal photographs taken in a studio before your ceremony. Your photography session can only take place during your designated registration period, after you have been gowned and before your ceremony. Therefore, photography opens 2 hours prior to the start of your ceremony. It is essential that you bring your order confirmation number from our supplier, Marston Events, with you.

Kindly be aware that photography services are available exclusively for those who have pre-booked on the graduation portal. Failure to pre-book photography services will result in being unable to partake in the service.

Take your seat

The auditorium doors will open approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony start time. You must make sure you sit in the exact numbered seat on the paper ticket that is provided to you at registration. This is so you are called up on stage in the right order. All graduates will be seated together in these numbered seats, and your guests will be seated separately. Please make sure you’re in your seat at least 20 minutes before the ceremony. If you are sat in the wrong seat, this may affect your experience and ability to cross the stage at the right time.

During the ceremony and your walk across the stage

It is time for your big moment! The ceremony will last approximately 1 1/2 hours in length. The ceremony will start with a few opening videos, then the platform party procession, followed by a speech from your Presiding Officer. Then, a member of staff will collect you in rows accordingly, so it is important that you sit in your assigned seat and stay in order to ensure your name is called whilst you are crossing. Your name will be checked as you leave your seat. You will then be directed to another member of staff at the stage door, where your name will be checked again, and then to the stage, where someone will do the final check and direct you across the stage.

Once on stage, your name will be announced and you will be invited to cross the stage, where you can shake the hand of your ceremony's Presiding Officer, who will acknowledge your achievements. Please note that you may start walking prior to your name being called – this is completely normal! If you do not want to shake hands do not extend your hand when you approach the Presiding Officer and simply put your hand on your heart or nod and they will acknowledge you accordingly.

Photographs will be taken as you process across the stage so make sure you are showing off your wonderful smile as you cross. You will then be guided back to your seat by our graduation ambassadors to enjoy the rest of the ceremony.

We want to ensure you and every graduate in attendance has the best time celebrating and has their special moment as they cross the stage. We've reviewed feedback from recent graduations and would ask that you are respectful to your fellow graduates by following the guidelines when it is your time to cross the stage. This means please do not take any items with you when you leave your seat. To clarify, this means mobile phones, cameras etc are not allowed on the stage and selfies whilst crossing are prohibited. It slows down the procession order and has been known to spoil someone else’s moment as they cross the stage after you.

End of ceremony

The ceremony will conclude and the Platform Party will process out up the stairs. One the Platform Party has exited you will leave the auditorium and you will meet up with your friends, family, Platform Party members and any other guests in the drinks reception on the 4th and 5th floors.

Enjoy the drinks reception

Time to meet up with family, friends and fellow graduates for a glass of bubbles! Join us at your drinks reception on the 4th and 5th floors of the Royal Festival Hall. Guests are invited alongside our graduates to enjoy a complimentary drink (non-alcoholic options will also be available) and a sweet treat in our reception spaces. Why not use this time to take lots of photos with your friends and family? The reception will last approximately 45 minutes and will begin immediately after your ceremony concludes. We recommend to pre-arrange with your guests where you plan to meet after the ceremony has concluded so you are easily able to locate them after. The signal at Royal Festival Hall is limited and can be dificult to connect.

The photograph and short video of you crossing the stage will be available during the drinks reception for you to purchase and take home.

Return your gown

There will be several drop-off points throughout the Royal Festival Hall after your ceremony. There will also be a drop-off point on campus at the Wilkins Garden Room which is open 1.30pm-6.30pm on Monday 8 July, so you don’t have to travel back to the venue to return your gown. If your ceremony is at the end of the day (from 3pm onwards) you can return your gown on campus at the Wilkins Garden Room from 8.30am-12pm the next day (Tuesday 9 July). 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. It is crucial to drop off your gown at the designated spots within the specified times and deadlines. If you leave your gown at these locations outside the provided times or unattended, it will not be collected, and you will incur the cost of the gown.

After your graduation ceremony

Receive your photographs: You will receive an email from Marston Events, where you ordered your photography packages, a week after your ceremony date. You will be able to select which photos you would like to purchase. If you have any questions regarding photography, please contact Marston directly at uclgrad@marstonevents.com.
Participate in the UCL Alumni community: Congrats! You are now a UCL Alumnus! UCL's Alumni team will be at the graduation ceremony and will be able to tell you about all of the opportunities available to you as a member of UCL's worldwide alumni community. To find out more, please visit the Alumni homepage.