Your graduation day
Ceremonies take place 12-15 January 2026. Here is everything you need to know in the run-up to your big day.
Travel and venue
All ceremonies take place in The Octagon Centre, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, S10 2TQ.
You should aim to arrive at the University at least 2 hours before your ceremony start time to allow plenty of time to get organised, collect your robes and have photographs taken.
University travel and transport information pages:
We suggest using public transport or park and ride as parking on campus is limited. The following car parks are recommended if you are travelling by car:
- QPark Durham Road, adjacent to the Octagon centre.
- QPark Rockingham, approximately half a mile from the Octagon Centre
- All the car parks in the city centre
Disabled parking
Parking spaces for blue badge holders are available in QPark, Durham Road. Blue badge holders can also park on double yellow lines for a maximum of 3 hours providing there are no loading/unloading restrictions and the vehicle is not causing an obstruction.
Venue security
The safety of visitors to the University is our highest priority. With this in mind, the following procedures are in place.
- Bags will be searched. Please do not bring large bags or suitcases to the Octagon Centre.
- There will be person searches on entry.
- Anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted entry.
Please arrive at the Octagon as near as possible to the published opening times, bearing in mind that security checks on the door take place. See the seating and ticket information below.
Robing
When you go to collect your robe, make sure you have your robe hire confirmation to hand, either printed or on your phone. Bear in mind that there may be queues at times, so factor that in when planning your time. If you have any queries on the day regarding robing please see the robing staff in person and they will be happy to help.
You should collect your robes from Level 4, Students' Union, following the timetable below:
| Time of ceremony | Ceremony Robe collection open |
|---|---|
| 9.30am ceremonies | 7.30 to 8.45am |
| 12pm ceremonies | 9.30 to 11.15am |
| 3.30pm ceremonies | 12.15 to 2.45pm |
| ROBE RETURN | All robes must be returned by 6pm on the day of hire. |
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 is encouraged.
Official Photographs
Location: Level 4 Students' Union. Opening times: 8.30am-5.30pm
The official graduation photographers are Ede & Ravenscroft Photography, and during graduation week will be located on Level 4 in the Students' Union each day. Make sure you have your photography booking confirmation to hand if you have booked in advance. Whether you have pre-booked or want to just pay on the day, Ede and Ravenscroft will have their pop-up studios ready to capture the perfect picture of your academic achievement.
You can have your photographs taken either before or after your ceremony. If you have any queries on the day regarding photography please see the photography staff in person and they will be happy to help.
Tickets and seating
Downloading Your E-tickets
If you are having your award conferred at your graduation ceremony in January your e-ticket will be available here on Wednesday 7 January.
If you have previously received your certificate (and graduated in absentia) your e-tickets will be emailed to you.
Either your tickets 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.
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.
Ceremony time | Opening time for graduands. Staff will be there to register your attendance, so be in your seat on time. | Opening time for guests | Doors close (further entry may not be permitted) |
| 9.30am | 8.50am | 9.10am | 9.20am |
| 12noon | 11.20am | 11.40am | 11.50am |
| 3.30pm | 2.50pm | 3.10pm | 3.20pm |
Guests without tickets should be directed to the Students' Union Auditorium (downstairs in the Students' Union building - no ticket required) or share this live stream link with them if they want to watch elsewhere.
Bringing children? Please remember, children over the age of three 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.
Accessibility and support
We are committed to making graduation inclusive and accessible for all our graduands and guests. If you have accessibility or support requirements, please note these in the appropriate section of the registration form and we will do our best to ensure suitable arrangements are put in place.
Alternatively, you can contact us and we will be happy to talk through the options available to you.
Ceremony and robing venues
The Octagon Centre is accessible by ramp and has lifts and accessible toilet facilities. More detailed information can be found on AccessAble.
Items such as mobility scooters and pushchairs should be left in the cloakroom once guests have taken their seats as it is not possible to store them in the ceremony hall.
Robing is on Level 4 of the Students’ Union. The building is accessible by level access and contains lifts and accessible toilet facilities. The Octagon centre can be accessed from the Student’s Union via the link bridge. More detailed information can be found on AccessAble.
Gender neutral toilets are located in the Students’ Union Building, next door to the Octagon Centre.
The Students’ Union Building (Level 2) has a Prayer Room with Wudu facilities.
Parking information can be found above.
Baby changing facilities can be found in the disabled toilets (Level 3) in the Students' Union building.
What happens in the ceremony?
Before the ceremony
- Graduands need to be in their allocated seat 40 minutes prior to the ceremony start time. University marshals undertake student registration from seats in the hall.
During the ceremony
- Ceremonies last between 45-90 minutes
- Marshals will direct graduands out of their rows. As graduands leave their seat they must ensure they follow the graduand immediately in front of them. Graduands must not change position in the queue.
- Graduands will ascend a short flight of steps onto the platform (alternative access can be arranged if we are notified in advance). Names will be read out by the Presenter. Graduands will proceed across the stage, doff their cap to the Presiding Officer and descend the steps at the other end of the stage.
- Once off the stage, graduands will be given their certificate (if they have not already received it).
- Stewards will direct graduands back to their seats.
After the ceremony
- When the ceremony has closed, Marshals will lead a graduand procession.
- Once in the Octagon Foyer and Octagon Bar area, graduands must leave the Octagon via the main doors and meet guests outside on the concourse.
How to doff the cap
Honorary Graduates at January ceremonies
Each year the University recognises a small number of individuals who have made significant achievements in their field or profession, or who have contributed to the betterment of Sheffield. The honorary graduates at the January 2026 ceremonies are as follows:
Monday 12 January at 3.30pm - Dame Sarah Storey, Honorary LittD
Wednesday 14 January at 12noon - Martin Lewis, Honorary LittD
Watch online anywhere
All ceremonies will be streamed live on our website on the day of the event. Share this link with family and friends, including those abroad, so they can join the celebration from anywhere in the world:
You can also catch-up after the event
On-Campus viewing venues
For family and friends attending in person, we’re offering three unique on-campus venues where they can enjoy the livestream:
Student Union Auditorium (Nelson Mandela Auditorium)
Your guests can experience the ceremony in a formal, theatre-style venue equipped with our new cinema-standard projector. The Auditorium has tiered seating and 10 spaces for wheelchair users. Tickets are not required. However, it should be noted that whilst the Auditorium seats 400 people and does not normally reach capacity, the Events Team cannot be held responsible should seats be unavailable at busy times.
BarOne
A relaxed environment where guests can watch the ceremony while enjoying food, drinks, and conversation.
Kids Zone
A family-friendly space where adults can watch the livestream while children enjoy games and craft activities.
As the ceremony proceedings are filmed and the recording is available to watch online after the ceremony, by electing to take part in the ceremony proceedings, you are giving permission for your image to be recorded and broadcast.
List of school and departmental receptions
Campus activities
Students' Union
Sheffield Students’ Union building will be open to offer Graduands and their families space to relax, eat, drink, and enjoy their day.
Inside you can have your official graduation photo taken, pick up a souvenir or bouquet of flowers, and enjoy a drink at their bar.
Coffee Revolution and Bar One will be serving food and drink throughout the day and ‘Our Shop’ will be supplying all the essentials to ensure everything goes smoothly.
They even have a graduation Kids’ Zone for keeping children entertained!
Dining on campus
A full list of University cafes and bars can be found here.
School receptions
You should have already been contacted by your school with full details of any receptions they are hosting. These events allow graduates, their guests and school staff to celebrate together. If you have any questions, please contact your school directly.
Souvenirs
University gifts and souvenirs are an excellent way to remember your time at the University of Sheffield. A full range of gifts and souvenirs, including 'Made in Sheffield' items, will be available for purchase in the foyer of the Octagon Centre on graduation days.
The Sheffield Store on the ground floor of the Students' Union also has a variety of items on offer. Open Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm
Alumni
