Graduation 2025 Frequently Asked Questions
To help you in the run-up to your graduation ceremony, we’ve put together these FAQs to help you prepare and make the most of your day.
- When will my ceremony be held?
For a list of ceremony dates and times, along with who is eligible to attend, please visit Dates of upcoming ceremonies.
- I registered to attend graduation but now I can't come. How can I cancel my place?
by completing the cancellation form.
- How many guest tickets can I have for my ceremony?
Each candidate attending a ceremony is guaranteed two guest tickets.
- Can I get extra guest tickets for my ceremony?
It is only possible to guarantee a maximum of two guest seats to each candidate attending. A small number of extra guest seats may become available, however, this cannot be guaranteed. If additional seats are available for your ceremony, you will be notified via email during the advertised week.
- Do I have to wear a gown?
If you wish to attend a ceremony you must wear academic dress in accordance with University regulations.
- Where do I order my gown from?
By confirming your attendance at graduation, you acknowledge your agreement to wear official University of Sheffield academic robes, either provided by our official supplier, Ede & Ravenscroft Ltd, or an alternative supplier that complies with University regulations. See the Robe Hire pages for full information.
- What colour will my gown be?
You can find details on the colours and designs of robes and hoods here
- What should I wear underneath my gown?
You should feel comfortable in the clothes you choose to wear. Most people decide to wear something smart that reflects that this is a special and more formal occasion. National dress and military uniforms are also acceptable.
- I'm graduating in July, how do I find out my seat numbers?
Your seat numbers will be available for you to view approximately one week prior to your graduation ceremony. You access this via your statement of final results.
Your seat numbers will be available for you to view approximately one week prior to your graduation ceremony. You access this via your statement of final results.
To access your results:
Log into MUSE and select My Services > myResults You can then access your Final Year Exam results from this point. Scroll down the page and click on the box marked 'Graduation Details'. You will then be able to view your seat numbers. If you have problems accessing your results, please visit How to access your results.
- I'm graduating in January, how do I find out my seat numbers?
If you are a postgraduate taught student, you will be able to download your seat numbers online.
If you are a research student or a previous graduate, your tickets will be sent to the email address you provided when you registered for graduation.
- Where can I park on the day of the ceremony?
We advise that your guests do not bring a car to the Octagon Centre due to limited parking.
Parking is available at the Q-Park on Durham Road, located next to the Octagon Centre. There is also a Q-Park on Rockingham Street, a short walk from the Octagon Centre.
We recommend that guests travelling by car make use of the Supertram Park and Ride. This is the most convenient way to get to the University if you plan to arrive in Sheffield by car.
You may wish to visit the information for visitors web pages which has lots of useful information, including maps and travel advice.
- Is there provision for disabled parking?
Disabled 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 restrictions and the vehicle is not causing an obstruction. Please ensure the blue badge and parking clock are displayed. See Sheffield City Council for more details.
- What time do I need to arrive?
You should plan to arrive at the University at least 90 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony.
Graduands are required to be in their seats 40 minutes before the ceremony start time. This is because University marshals undertake graduand registration once students are in their seats.
Guests must be seated in their allocated seats in the hall 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony.
Doors to the hall will be closed 10 minutes prior to the start of the ceremony. Graduands and guests not seated by this time may not be admitted.
Time of Ceremony Suggested time to arrive on campus Robing Collection time Graduand to be in their allocated seat Latest time for guests to take their seats (doors close) 9.30am 8.00am 7.30-8.45am 8.50am by 9.20am 12noon 10.30am 9.30-11.15am 11.20am by 11.50am 3.30pm 2.00pm 12.15-2.45pm 2.50pm 3.20pm 6.00pm 4.30pm 3.30-5.15pm 5.20pm 5.50pm - Where do I collect my gown?
See the gown hire web pages for details of the collection point and robing timetable:
Undergraduate ceremonies (July)
Postgraduate ceremonies (January)- How long does the ceremony last?
Each ceremony usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. The length of the ceremony depends on the number of participants and if there is an honorary graduate.
- I registered to attend my ceremony but I didn't attend on the day and didn't advise you I wasn't coming. How can I receive my certificate?
As you did not advise Corporate Events that you would not be attending your ceremony, your certificate will be held by SSiD until claimed. To request the release of your certificate, you should complete the form here.
- Useful links
Ede and Ravenscroft are the official robe suppliers of the University.
If you did not respond to your graduation invitation your certificate would not have been posted to you. If this is the case your certificate will be held by SSiD. You can request your certificate by completing the form found at the above link.
Replacement certificates
If you have lost your certificate you can purchase a replacement. Details of how to order a replacement certificate can be found at the above link.
Digital certificates
Further information on how to access your digital certificate through the Gradintelligence system can be found here.
Transcripts
Transcripts are issued by SSiD.
Alumni
The Alumni web pages allow you to keep in touch with the University, stay up to date on the latest University news and attend exciting events and reunions.
Graduation live stream
During graduation, you can watch the ceremonies live. Links will be provided on the Graduation pages on the day.