Graduation checklist

We will email you important updates from January 2026 to all eligible graduates.

Please ensure that you have your most up to date contact email(s) in your Portico account as this is where all graduation related information will be sent.

We will confirm your graduation period in January 2026.

If you register your interest to attend on Portico, we will email your ceremony date and time by the end of February 2026.

Your ceremony will take place at the Royal Festival Hall.

Plan your journey in advance using Transport for London's Journey Planner.

We will email your student and guest tickets as QR codes about one week before your ceremony. 

• Download your QR codes before you arrive.
• Mobile signal at the venue may be limited.

You and your guests must check in at registration to have your QR code scanned and collect paper tickets.

• Your check in period will be confirmed to you via email about 1 week before your ceremony.
• You must have a paper ticket to enter the auditorium.
• If your guests arrive separately, send them their QR codes in advance.
• Ask guests to arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony.

Friends and family can watch your ceremony online.

• Ceremonies are streamed live.
• Recordings will be available on demand.

Download the UCL Go app and select the graduation section.

• Get updates and reminders about your ceremony.
• No login is required.
• Guests can use the app.

If you already have the app:

• Log out and select 'Graduation' to access the content.

Follow instructions from staff

Staff will guide you throughout the ceremony.

Sit in your assigned seat

Sit in the seat shown on your ticket so names are called in the correct order.

Prepare to cross the stage

When called:

• Confirm your name with staff.
• Follow instructions as your move towards the stage.

Get ready

• Wear comfortable, secure shoes.
• Do not bring items on stage.

On stage

• Follow the purple carpet.
• Keep moving forward when directed.
• You may start walking before your name is called.

Capture the moment

• Smile for the photographers.
• Take your time, but keep moving.

Stay calm

You have worked hard to get here.

Follow instructions and enjoy the moment.

Celebrate with your guests and take photos to mark your achievement.

You can buy tickets for your guests.

• Tickets cost £35 each.
• Each graduate can book tickets while the Graduation Portal is open.
• Guests sit separately from graduates.
• You can buy extra tickets on the day at the venue, subject to availability. Only card payments are accepted. Tickets bought on the day will not be seated with tickets booked online. Only graduates may purchase tickets on the day; guests cannot buy tickets unless the graduate is present.

Private boxes

• £269 for up to 4 guests.
• Upgrade existing tickets at the helpdesk on the day, if available.
• Maximum 4 guests per box.

Seating

Guests must sit in their allocated seat. All guest tickets bought on the portal will be seated together.

Children can attend, but ceremonies are long and formal.

• Only graduates walk across the stage. Children must sit with another guest.
• Buggies are not allowed in the auditorium. Leave them outside the doors.
• Children 3 and under can sit on a guest’s lap. You still need to buy a ticket.
• Children over 3, or who need their own seat, must have a guest ticket.

Graduates must wear the correct academic dress.

• Gowns on the Graduation Portal are provided by Marston Events at Royal Festival Hall.
• Collect your gown only during your designated registration period upon arrival.

Cost

• Pre-booked online: £39.
• On the day: £49, subject to availability.
• Extended hire is available if you want to keep your gown longer.

Returning your gown

• Return on the day unless you have booked extended hire. Ceremonies scheduled at 3pm or later are able to keep their gown and return them to the on campus drop off point by 12pm the following day.
• Drop-off points are located at Royal Festival Hall during graduation week and on campus at the Rajani Room in Wilkins. On-campus drop off is available:
  •    Monday 18 May, 2pm to 6pm.  
  •    Tuesday 19 May to Friday 22 May, 8am to 6pm..
• Late returns may incur extra fees.

Need help? 

Contact Marston Events from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (BST).

• Email: uclgrad@marstonevents.com
• Phone: +44 (0)1293 822211

Professional photographers will be available on the day for official graduation photographs.

• Photography sessions take place during your designated registration period, before the ceremony.
• Please arrive in good time if you have booked photography, as sessions close approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony start time.
• You must bring your Marston Events order confirmation number with you.
• Photography packages should be pre-booked via the Graduation Portal.
• If you would prefer to choose a package on the day, you must still book a photography session in advance.
• Additional products available include:
  • A professional photo of your moment crossing the stage
  • A 15-second video of your stage moment
  • A full recording of the ceremony

Need help? 

Contact Marston Events from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (BST).

• Email: uclgrad@marstonevents.com
• Phone: +44 (0)1293 822211

Buy souvenirs and gifts to remember your day.

• Stall at Royal Festival Hall (open all week).
• Items include: clothing, notebooks, certificate holders, gifts, and the Jeremy Beartham Teddy Bear.
• Order online from The Hanger and collect at 25 Gordon Street or the Pop-up on South Quad.
• Card payments only.

Only bring essential items with you.

• You cannot take anything on stage when crossing.
• Suggested: a small bag to leave at your seat or with guests before entering the ceremony hall.
• Bring:
  • QR code ticket (printed or on your device)
  • UCL Student ID or another photo ID (passport, driving licence)
  • Email confirmation for gown hire or photography package
  • Camera (no flash photography during the ceremony)

• You must arrive and check in at least 60 minutes before your ceremony, otherwise you will be marked as not in attendance and your name will not be read out.
• Your check in period is emailed approximately 1 week before your ceremony. If you arrive before you check in period, you will be asked to wait.
• Photography closes approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony start time.
• Both graduates and guests enter via Southbank Centre Square Doors, Level 1.
• Guests should ideally arrive with you. If arriving separately:
  • Arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony.
  • Bring QR code ticket for check-in.
  • Make your way to your seat.

We can support any graduate or guest with accessibility needs.

• Accessible entrance: Mandela Entrance, Royal Festival Hall.
• Use external lift near Artists' Entrance on Southbank Centre Square to reach Mandela Walk, Level 2.
• Notify us of any accessibility needs when booking on the Graduation Portal. Early notice is essential.
• Accessible seating is limited. Some guests may need to be seated separately, but companions will be accommodated.
• A team member will contact you to arrange support and seating.

• Head straight to the registration desk on arrival.
• Graduates must check in themselves; guests cannot check in on their behalf.
• Graduates must show your QR code and photo ID to collect your paper ticket.
• Do not arrive before your registration period. Early check-in is not permitted.

• Graduation is a formal ceremony. Wear smart clothing under your gown.
• You may wear traditional or national dress.
• Wear footwear suitable for walking up and down steps.
• Not appropriate: shorts, denim, trainers.

• Collect your academic dress at the gowning station after check-in.
• Bring your email confirmation of hire.
• Gowns reflect your qualification and awarding institution.
• Drop-off points are available at the Royal Festival Hall after your ceremony and on campus at the Rajani Room in Wilkins Building. 

• Photography is available after you collect your gown.
• Sessions are pre-booked only via the Graduation Portal.
• Bring your order confirmation number. This will be from Marston Events.
• Photography opens 2 hours before the ceremony. Arrive early to allow time.
• Photography closes approximately 30 minutes before the ceremony time.
• Photos are taken in a studio; no photos are taken after the ceremony.

• Auditorium doors open around 30 minutes before the ceremony.
• Sit in the seat number on your paper ticket.
• Graduates are seated together; guests are seated separately.
• Be in your seat at least 20 minutes before the ceremony.

• Ceremony lasts approximately 90 minutes.
• Starts with videos, platform party procession, and Presiding Officer’s speech.
• A staff member will guide you in rows. It is exrremely important to stay in assigned seat order.
• Name will be checked multiple times before crossing the stage.
• On stage:
  • Shake hands with Presiding Officer (or nod/hand on heart if preferred)
  • Photography captures your stage walk
  • Return to your seat afterwards

Important: Do not take mobile phones, cameras, or any items on stage. Selfies are prohibited.

• Ceremony ends with the Platform Party procession.
• Exit the auditorium to meet guests at the drinks reception on the 4th and 5th floors.

• Complimentary drinks for graduates and guests (non-alcoholic options available).
• Reception lasts approximately 45 minutes.
• Pre-arrange a meeting point with your guests, as mobile signal is limited.
• Take photos and enjoy celebrating.

• Drop-off points are available at Royal Festival Hall after your ceremony and on campus.
• Exact locations and opening times are emailed before the ceremony.

The on campus drop off location for May graduates is in the Rajani Room in the Wilkins Building. 

Opening times: 
•    Monday 18 May, 2pm to 6pm.  
•    Tuesday 19 May to Friday 22 May, 8am to 6pm.

After your ceremony, you and your guests are welcome to continue celebrating on campus in the newly renovated Quad and Wilkins Building.

As part of UCL’s 200th anniversary celebrations, there will be special activities on campus this year. Registered graduates will receive full details by email a few weeks before their ceremony.

Live illustrations

Take home a free illustrated portrait as part of your graduation day.

Illustrators will be in the Quad Monday to Friday, 12pm to 6pm.

Portraits are offered on a first come, first served basis. Sessions are timed and availability may be limited during busy periods.

Portico photo opportunity

Mark your graduation with a professional photograph in front of the UCL Portico.

You can choose:

• an individual portrait
• a group photo with friends and family

Printed and digital packages are available. Printed photographs will be ready on the day. Digital copies will be sent to the email address you provide.

We recommend booking in advance. Walk-ins are welcome, but availability cannot be guaranteed during busy periods.

Book your Portico photo slot in advance and secure your place. May Graduates can book online now.

• Within 5 working days of your ceremony, Marston will send a link to your proof photos.
• Choose your favourite photos based on the package you purchased.
• Printed photos will be dispatched within 28 working days to the address on your order.

Need help? 

Contact Marston Events from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (BST).

• Email: uclgrad@marstonevents.com
• Phone: +44 (0)1293 822211

• Congratulations – you are now a UCL alumnus!
• The Alumni team will be at the ceremony to tell you about opportunities as part of UCL’s worldwide alumni community.
• Find out more and get involved at the Alumni homepage.