Your Graduation day checklist

Before the Day

• Double check the date and time of your ceremony on the ceremony schedule.   Be aware that most ceremonies last between 45 and 90 minutes (depending on whether there is an honorary award at the ceremony).
• If you haven't already done so, you may find it useful to re-read the 'what happens during the ceremony' information.
• Plan your journey: Plan to get to the Octagon Centre at least 2 hours before your ceremony. This gives you plenty of time to get organised. Travel and parking and accessibility information can be found here.
• Have your seat numbers ready:  You should have downloaded your tickets from your student record. Either print them or have them ready to show on your phone. Make sure your guests also have their seat details in case you get separated before the ceremony.  
• Have your robe order confirmation ready: Either print it out or have it ready to show on your phone.  The robe collection timetable can be found here.  Robing takes place on Level 4 of the Students' Union.  The robing staff are there to help, so if you have any questions please see them in person on the day.
• Have your photography order confirmation ready: Again, either printed or on your phone. The official photgraphy takes place on Level 4 of the Students' Union, adjacent to the robing area. The photography staff are there to help, so if you have any questions please see them in person on the day.

On the Day

• Dress code:  You should wear something you feel comfortable in, and appropriate for the weather as you will be spending some time outside. Most people choose  smart clothing that reflects that this is a special and formal occasion. Military uniforms and traditional national dress are also welcomed.  There is no dress code for guests attending graduation ceremonies, but as a guideline, smart clothing that reflects that this is a special and formal occasion.
• Arrival & Registration:  Graduands should be in their allocated seat 40 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.  Staff will be there to register your attendance, so be in your seat on time.  Guests need to be in their seats no later than 20 minutes before the start time.  Doors will be closed 10 minutes before the start time and at this point further entry may not be permitted.
• Guests without tickets should be directed to the Students' Union Auditorium (downstairs in the Students' Union building - no ticket required) or share this livestream link with them if they want to watch elsewhere.
• Bringing children?  Please remember, children over the age of 3 years will need their own seat.  If you are bringing children without tickets they can either sit with an adult in the Students' Union Auditorium (no ticket required) or they are very welcome in the Graduation Kids Zone in the Students' Union, which is open all day on Level 2, with plenty to keep them occupied.  Ceremonies will be streamed live.  Please note this space is not staffed; guardians are responsible for their own children. Baby changing facilities can be found in the disabled toilets (Level 3) in the Students' Union building.
• Departmental receptions: If your department has invited you to a graduation reception (some are scheduled for before, some are after the ceremony) check the details on the invitation so you can factor it into your schedule.  These receptions are organised by the individual schools/departments, so please contact them directly with any queries. Here is this list of all the receptions we have been informed of.
• Ceremony programme.   In our efforts to improve sustainability, graduands attending the ceremony will receive a printed graduation programme, while guests can access a digital version via a QR code on the day, or via a link on our website prior to the ceremonies.
• Food and drink are not allowed in the ceremony hall but water fountains will be availabe around the venue to use before you go into the ceremony.   If it is a particularly hot day please ensure you have a bottle of water with you during the day.
• Cloakroom:  For security purposes and the comfort of other graduands and guests, large bags should be stored in the cloakroom at the Octagon Centre.  There is not charge for the cloakroom service.
• Souvenirs: The Sheffield Students’ Union Store will have a selection of Graduation memorabilia available on the day.  There is also a small stall inside the foyer of the Octagon Centre.
• Dining and activities on campus. The Students’ Union building will be open to offer Graduands and their families space to relax, eat, drink, and enjoy their day. Find out more.

After the ceremony

• Meet-up point: It may be a good idea to arrange a specific meeting place with your guests for after the ceremony, as the Octagon and the concourse become very crowded.
• Check for belongings: Make sure you haven't left anything behind in the hall and collect any items you have left in the cloakroom.
• Alumni Goodie Bag: Don't forget to visit the Alumni Relations stand, on Level 4 of the Students' Union, to collect your free goodie bag.
• Robe Return: Return your robes to where you collected them by 6pm (or 9pm for the 6pm ceremonies).