Guest information

Guests and graduates should enter via the Southbank Centre Square Doors (Level 1).

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the ceremony to allow time to check in and find your seat.

If you are not arriving with your graduate, bring your QR code ticket so staff can scan it and give you a paper ticket.

You cannot enter the ceremony hall without your paper ticket.

Your ticket will also include two vouchers for the reception after the ceremony.

The Royal Festival Hall is wheelchair accessible and includes hearing loops.

If you require step-free access, enter through the Mandela Entrance.

Graduates can indicate any guest access requirements when purchasing tickets. The ceremonies team will then contact them to arrange support.

Find out more about accessibility at the venue.

Ceremony doors open around 30 minutes before the ceremony.

Ceremonies last around 1 hour 30 minutes.

The ceremony includes:

• opening videos
• the academic procession
• speeches from university representatives
• the presentation of graduates.

Please remain seated during the ceremony and leave once the platform party exits the hall.

You are welcome to take photos of your graduate as they cross the stage.

However:

• no flash photography
• no tripods or selfie sticks
• please be respectful of other guests.

You are welcome to bring flowers for your graduate.

However, you cannot bring flowers into the ceremony hall.

A storage area is available, but you leave your items at your own risk.

Security bag checks will take place at the venue.

Bring small bags where possible to speed up entry.

The cloakroom costs £2 per item and luggage storage is limited. We recommend leaving large bags or suitcases at an external luggage storage service.

After the ceremony, join the reception on the 4th and 5th floors of the venue.

The reception lasts around 45 minutes.

Your ticket includes:

• one drink voucher
• one UCL graduation biscuit voucher

Set a meeting point with your graduate before the ceremony ends, because mobile signal inside the venue may be limited

Please keep your phone on silent during the ceremony.

Phone signal can be limited inside the venue, but free Wi-Fi is available.

The 2026 graduation ceremonies will take place at the Royal Festival Hall, part of the Southbank Centre in central London.

Ceremony periods:

• 18 May to 22 May
• 6 July
• 7 September to 11 September

Several ceremonies take place each day. Please check the exact date and time with your graduate.

The venue is easily accessible by public transport on London’s South Bank. Find more information about the venue, including directions and accessibility.

All guests must have a ceremony ticket.

Only graduates can buy tickets through the Graduation Portal.

Tickets include:

• entry to the ceremony
• entry to the reception after the ceremony.

Additional tickets may be available to buy on the day, depending on capacity. The graduate must be present to buy them.

Note:

• tickets bought on the day may not be seated with previously booked tickets.
• private boxes for up to 4 guests may be available to book through the Graduation Portal.

You may also ask at the help desk on arrival if box upgrades are available.

Children are welcome to attend.

However, ceremonies are formal events and last a significant amount of time, which may not be suitable for babies or very young children.

• Children under 3 can attend for free but must sit on an adult’s lap.
• Children over 3 must have their own ticket and seat.

If friends or family cannot attend in person, each ceremony will be live streamed online.

The recordings will also be available to watch on demand after the ceremony.

If friends or family cannot attend in person, each ceremony will be live streamed online.

The recordings will also be available to watch on demand after the ceremony.

If you are travelling to the UK, check the visa requirements on the UK Government website.

UCL can only provide invitation letters for students or graduates, not for guests.

Graduates can provide their own invitation letter if required. More information is available on the UCL visitor visa page.

UCL does not provide guest accommodation directly.

However, UCL Summer Residences offer rooms that are open to the public during the summer.

UCL students and alumni receive a 10% discount.

Visit the UCL Summer Residences webpage for more information.

The Royal Festival Hall is well connected by public transport.

Use Transport for London Journey Planner to plan your route.

Graduates receive guest tickets as QR codes around one week before the ceremony.

Ask your graduate to send you your QR code in advance if you are not arriving together.

Download your ticket before arriving at the venue, as mobile signal can be limited.

When you arrive, staff will scan your QR code and give you a paper ticket. You must use this ticket to enter the auditorium.

You can buy UCL merchandise at the ceremony venue, including:

• clothing
• notebooks
• certificate holders
• graduation gifts
• the Jeremy Beartham teddy bear

You can order items online from the Hanger website and collect from the campus shop.

Card payments only.

Guests should arrive with the graduate if possible. If your graduate has booked photography, you can take photos with them before the ceremony. There are also photo opportunities throughout the Royal Festival Hall and nearby, including views of the River Thames, Big Ben, and the London Eye.

Both graduates and guests enter via the Southbank Centre Square Doors, Level 1. 

Guests or graduates with accessibility requirements should use the Mandela Entrance. Step-free access is available via the lift near the Artists’ Entrance to Level 2. Check in at the VIP and accessibility desk upon arrival.

Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes before the ceremony to check in and find their seat. If arriving separately, make sure you have your QR code ticket from the graduate. This must be scanned on arrival to receive your paper ticket and reception vouchers. Tickets are emailed to graduates approximately one week before the ceremony.

The auditorium doors open 30 minutes before the ceremony. The ceremony lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes and includes:

• Opening videos
• Platform party procession
• Speech from the Presiding Officer
• Student processions grouped by department and award
• Short speeches or videos from graduates and alumni.

Please remain seated throughout the ceremony. Exit only after the platform party has left the hall.

Guests may bring a camera to take photos of graduates on stage. Tripods, selfie sticks, and stands are not permitted. Flash photography is prohibited. Please be considerate of other attendees.

You may bring flowers for your graduate, but these are not allowed in the ceremony hall. A space is provided to leave them before entering. Items are left at your own risk.

All bags will be searched at the Royal Festival Hall. Bring small bags to speed up entry. Storage for large luggage (e.g., suitcases) is extremely limited.

The cloakroom charges £2 per item. If you have luggage, consider using a local storage facility before arriving.

Celebrate with your graduate at the reception on the 4th and 5th floors of the Royal Festival Hall, immediately after the ceremony. Paper tickets include two vouchers: one for a drink and one for a UCL graduation biscuit.

The reception lasts approximately 45 minutes. Pre-arrange a meeting point with your graduate, as phone signal is limited inside the venue.

Please keep phones on silent during the ceremony. Signal is limited inside the Royal Festival Hall. Free Wi-Fi is available on site.