On the day information
For graduation ceremonies taking place 20 to 24 July 2026.
All the essential information you need to ensure your day runs smoothly.
Travel, venue and security
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 90 minutes before your ceremony to allow plenty of time to get organised, collect your robes and have photographs taken.
You may find it helpful to refer to the University's 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:
On entry to the Octagon for each ceremony all guests and visitors will be asked to have their ticket ready for checking, and routine bag /person checks will be in operation.
- Please do not bring large bags or suitcases to the Octagon Centre.
- Anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted entry.
Please arrive at the Octagon Centre as close as possible to the published opening times, bearing in mind that security checks on the door take place.
Accessibility and support
We are dedicated to hosting inclusive, accessible graduation ceremonies that celebrate our diverse student body. Recognizing that every graduand’s journey is different, we offer various support resources to ensure a memorable experience for all.
See our accessibility and inclusivity support page.
Tickets, robing and official photography
Tickets
On the day you should have your downloaded tickets with you. Either print out the ticket confirmation or have it ready to show on your phone. Make sure your guests also have their seat details as you won't be sitting together.
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.
If you have any problems regarding your or your guests' seat numbers please go to the Enquiries Desk (in the foyer of the Octagon Centre). If guests do not know their seat numbers they must get the student to go to the Enquiries Desk as ticket details cannot be issued to guests without the student present.
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.
Robing
It is a University regulation that graduands wear the correct academic dress for their ceremony.
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.
Collection: Uni Central, Level 4 of the Students' Union
Return: View Deli, Level 4 of the Students' Union
You should collect and return your robes following the timetable below:
| Time of ceremony | Collect robe | Return robe |
|---|---|---|
| 9.30am ceremonies | 7.30 to 8.45am | 6.00pm |
| 12noon ceremonies | 9.30 to 11.15am | 6.00pm |
| 3.30pm ceremonies | 12.15 to 2.45pm | 6.00pm |
| 6.00pm ceremonies | 3.30-5.15pm | 9.00pm |
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 photography
Location: Level 4 Students' Union. Opening times: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 7.30am-9pm; Wednesday and Friday 7.30am-6pm.
The official graduation photographers are Ede & Ravenscroft Photography, and during graduation week they 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.
If you don't have time to get photographs taken by the time you need to take your seat in the Octagon, you can go back after the ceremony.
Free personalised graduation clip
All graduates can access a free personalised clip of their graduation. This captures their walk across the stage during the ceremony and can be downloaded and shared with friends and family. You can register here for your clip; you just need to provide the date and time of your ceremony.
What happens in the ceremony?
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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.
Honorary graduates
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. Details of which of the July ceremonies will include honorary graduates are below.
Paul Blomfield - LittD. A tireless campaigner and powerful advocate for the city of Sheffield and Higher Education. | Monday 20 July, 12 noon |
Geoffrey Garnett - MD. Alumnus and a leading name in global health and disease control | Tuesday 21 July, 12 noon |
Johny Pitts . Born in Sheffield, Johny Pitts is a self-taught photographer, writer and broadcaster, known for his work in exploring African-European identities. | Wednesday 22 July 12 noon |
Sue Horne - DSc. Originally from the Sheffield region, Sue Horne has been responsible for building, shaping, supporting, and championing the UK’s Mars Science community over the last two decades. | Wednesday 22 July, 3.30 pm |
Kate Barker - LittD. One of Britain’s leading economists and has made important contributions to the UKs economic, housing and planning policy. | Thursday 23 July, 12 noon |
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.
Campus activities, dining and souvenirs
Information on what is happening on campus during graduation week, places to eat on campus and and souvenirs.
School receptions
You will be contacted directly by your school with 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.
School receptions can take place either before or after the ceremony. Please check the information on the invitation your school will have sent you.
Becoming part of our Alumni community
