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Graduation Ceremonies

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Graduation Checklist

All the essential information for your 2025 graduation journey.

New grad photo
 

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

For students graduating in 2025, you should have already received several emails from our team.

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 as this is where all communication regarding graduation will be sent.

Ceremony confirmation email for 2025

For students graduating this year, your confirmation of time and date has been sent. 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. 

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.
 

UCL Go App

Download the UCL Go app on your phone and head to the graduation section! This will provide you and your guests further information regarding the upcoming ceremonies. There will also be alerts to remind you about important information for your upcoming ceremony. 

No username or password is required so friends and family can also use the app. If you already have UCL Go, to Access the Graduation information, log out of the app and choose 'Graduation'.  To log out on Apple devices tap Settings in the bottom navigation bar and scroll down to 'Logout'. On Android devices tap the three lines in the top right and then tap the 'key' icon. 

Helpful videos and top tips

Video- Crossing the stage

Watch the video below to learn what to expect when you cross the stage. While it might seem daunting, a dedicated team will be on stage to guide you and let you know exactly when to start crossing. Please note that they might instruct you to begin walking before your name is called—this is completely normal!

MediaCentral Widget Placeholderhttps://mediacentral.ucl.ac.uk/Player/iBEh04h1

 
Video- Your day at Royal Festival Hall

Watch the video below to learn what to expect when you arrive at Royal Festival Hall, including a walkthrough of your big day! It covers everything from your arrival and picking up your gown to what happens after the ceremony concludes.

MediaCentral Widget Placeholderhttps://mediacentral.ucl.ac.uk/Player/76FBch5i

 
Top tips for crossing the stage

We know that your walk across the stage may seem daunting, but our dedicated team is there to help make your experience great! Below are our top tips to help you prepare for your all important moment as you cross the stage.

  1. Choose comfortable shoes: While it’s natural to want to look your best, make sure to select footwear that’s comfortable and secure to ensure a smooth walk across the stage. You’ll need to navigate some stairs, so be certain that whatever shoes you choose allow you to move with ease.
  2. Sit in your assigned seat. The event team has carefully arranged seating to ensure each name is called in the correct order. Please take your designated seat, as indicated on your ticket, so the ceremony flows smoothly. You will be asked to confirm your name as you are called up to get ready to cross the stage, ensure that you check that your name is the one being asked so that our team can make sure you are where you are supposed to be!
  3. Listen to the teams instructions. Our dedicated staff is here to assist you in crossing the stage seamlessly. You’ll interact with several team members who will verify your name and provide directions. Follow their instructions, and if you’re unsure about anything, feel free to ask!
  4. Don't bring anything with you on stage. Avoid bringing any items with you when you step up to cross the stage. Keeping your hands free will allow you to focus fully on the moment and avoid the risk of dropping anything.
  5. Follow the purple carpet and keep moving forward in line. On stage, you’ll be guided by staff and directed when it’s your turn to cross. To keep the flow going, continue moving forward along the purple carpet, which marks your path across the stage. You may be told to start walking before your name is called, this is completely normal and is done so that your name is called as you are centre stage!
  6. Smile! You have just accomplished an amazing achievment and its your chance to celebrate! There will also be photographers on the side of the stage taking your photograph as you cross, so be sure to smile.
  7. Dont be nervous. You’ve worked hard for this day, so there’s no need to be nervous. Follow the team’s instructions, walk across the stage with confidence, and don’t hesitate to wave to your friends and family cheering you on!
 
Video- Register your spot on the Graduation Portal

This video will give you a step by step walk through of how to register on the Graduation Portal and secure your spot at graduation. Please note that you are only invited to register on the Graduation Portal if you have completed your expression of interest. You are not confirmed to attend your ceremony until you have registered on the Graduation Portal and your award is confirmed, if it hasn't been already. 

MediaCentral Widget Placeholderhttps://mediacentral.ucl.ac.uk/Player/31jE8A8a

 

Your graduation essentials

Guest tickets

Based on the venue's capacity, tickets are available and may be limited to a specific number per graduate. 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. Guest tickets are £35 each. Please note that guests and graduates are seated separately. 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 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 and you will need to purchase a ticket. If they need their own seat or are over three years of age, you must purchase a guest ticket for them. 

If you have any issues regarding guest tickets or have any questions regarding your order, please contact the supplier, Marston Events, directly. You can reach them Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (BST) via the following channels:

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. Please note that you will only be allowed to collect your gown during your designated registration period and not before.

Gown hire is £39 if pre-booked on the Graduation Portal. 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 for a fee of £49. If you've chosen extended gown hire, you can keep your gown for a longer period after your ceremony, but you cannot pick it up before your ceremony registration period.

There will be several drop-off points throughout the Royal Festival Hall after your ceremony. There is also a drop-off spot on campus at the Student Centre Mezzanine level. The drop off is available on:

  • Monday 12 May from 2pm-6.30pm
  • Tuesday 13 May-Friday 16 May from 8.00am-6.30pm

Your gown should be returned on the day of your ceremony (unless you have booked and paid for extended hire with Marston). If your ceremony is at the end of the day (from 3:00pm onwards) you can return your gown on campus at the Student Centre Mezzanine level by 12pm the next day for no additional charge. 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.

If you have any issues regarding gown hire or have any questions regarding your order, please contact the supplier, Marston Events, directly. 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 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 so please arrive in good time if you have photography booked. 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 if you would like professional photography. 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.

If you have any issues regarding photography or have any questions regarding your order, please contact the supplier, Marston Events, directly. You can reach them Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (BST) via the following channels:

UCL Graduation merchandise

You can buy from our range of UCL branded clothing, notebooks, certificate holders, gifting items and of course our iconic "Jeremy Beartham" Teddy Bear from our Merch stall at the ceremony at Royal Festival Hall which will be open on all week. You can also order from The Hanger website and collect from the shop on campus at 25 Gordon Street, or the Pop-up on South Quad opposite Print Room Cafe. Please note that only card payments are accepted.

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. You will be sent the exact time your registration period is open in an email approximately one week before your ceremony. If you arrive before your designated registration period, you won't be allowed to check in and will be asked to wait until it opens.

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 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). You can use the external lift near the Artists' Entrance on Southbank Centre Square to reach Mandela Walk, Level 2. 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. Please arrive at check-in only during your designated registration period.

Only graduates can register themselves – guests cannot do this on behalf of a graduate. You will be required to show photo ID when checking in as 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 several 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. Please note you will not be allowed to collect your gown earlier than your designated registration period. 

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.   

There will be several drop-off points throughout the Royal Festival Hall after your ceremony. There is also a drop-off spot on campus at the Student Centre Mezzanine level. The drop off is available on:

  • Monday 12 May from 2pm-6.30pm
  • Tuesday 13 May-Friday 16 May from 8.00am-6.30pm

Your gown should be returned on the day of your ceremony (unless you have booked and paid for extended hire with Marston). If your ceremony is at the end of the day (from 3:00pm onwards) you can return your gown on campus at the Student Centre Mezzanine level by 12pm the next day for no additional charge. 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 and we suggest to arrive early if you have purchased photography. 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, please ensure you are confirming your name as this will be the final chance to get you in your correct spot so you cross the stage at the right moment. 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, you will be invited to cross the stage and your name will be announced, 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 difficult to connect. 

Return your gown

There will be several drop-off points throughout the Royal Festival Hall after your ceremony. There is also a return spot on campus at the Student Centre Mezzanine level. The drop-off is available on:

  • Monday 12 May from 2pm-6.30pm
  • Tuesday 13 May-Friday 16 May from 8.00am-6.30pm

Your gown should be returned on the day of your ceremony (unless you have booked and paid for extended hire with Marston). If your ceremony is at the end of the day (from 3:00pm onwards) you can return your gown on campus at the Student Centre Mezzanine level by 12pm the next day for no additional charge. 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.

On campus

Whilst graduates and guests are more than welcome to head back to campus to explore, take photos and continue their celebrations, it is important to note that there are several significant works taking place on/around campus in preperation for UCL200. During this time several locations on campus will be inaccessible including the Portico. We will keep graduates informed of any possible on campus activity via email as it is confirmed. 

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 Events directly. You can reach them Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (BST) via the following channels:

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.