What time should I arrive at the venue?
Please arrive an hour and a half before your ceremony to allow ample time to collect your gown, have your photo taken, buy any merchandise, speak to our brilliant careers and alumni teams, and find your seat. Students for ceremonies 1 and 5 (9:30 am start), please note that the Royal Festival Hall opens at 8am.
What happens after I arrive?
You will be required to be seated twenty minutes prior to the start of your ceremony. Each ceremony will last approximately an hour and a half. All graduates are required to remain until the end of their ceremony and ensure phones are off or on silent. This is out of courtesy for your peers and respect for the proceedings.
What happens during the ceremony?
To begin, all students and guests are encouraged to stand, if able, for the procession of staff. Once the staff are seated on the stage, this marks the beginning of the ceremony. The ceremony itself consists of speeches, potentially a presentation of an honorary doctorate, and most importantly the procession of graduates. When you cross the stage, you will need to bring the name card you will be handed when finding your seat in the auditorium. Everything else must remain at your seat. To conclude the ceremony, staff process back out; students and guests are again encouraged to stand, however, please do not leave during the procession.
For those who enjoy visual aid, you can check out videos of our previous ceremonies on the University of Roehampton YouTube Page.
Where will I and my guests be seated during the ceremony?
All students and guests will be given specific seat numbers. Students are seated separately from their guest(s).
If you intend to bring children with you, please ensure there is an adult guest they can be seated with during the ceremony. They will not be able to sit with you.
Students will need to present e-tickets to the steward of your assigned row. You must sit in the seat number you have been allocated to unless you are asked to change by a steward.
We also livestream all our graduation ceremonies on the University YouTube channel here.
I’m nervous to cross the stage. What am I supposed to do?
Don’t fret, there are staff and stewards all over who are there to help. During the ceremony a steward will signal to your row that it is time to queue up to cross the stage. You will need to bring your name card only, everything else can be left in your seat. Another steward will straighten your gown, instruct you to walk up the steps to the stage and hand your name card to another steward waiting there. Once your name is read you will walk across the stage, shake the hand of the presiding officer and exit the stage to return to your seat.
If you would prefer not to shake the hand of the presiding officer, simply keep your hands folded in front of you or place your hand over your heart and they will know.
You’ve just devoted the last however many years of your life to your degree and education, this is YOUR moment. No matter how you cross the stage, whether you strut, boogie, skip, moonwalk, or flip and somersault, just have fun with it!
*Step free access to and off the stage is available by going through back of house and can be arranged with staff if necessary.
Can I take my own photographs during the ceremony?
Yes, but please be aware that students or guests moving out of their seats to take videos and photographs is not permitted during the ceremonies.
What happens after the ceremony?
Afterwards there is a small reception where you can grab a drink, take photos, and celebrate with your friends and family. You can also have your professional photography taken if you are unable to before the ceremony and return your gown.
If you have any other queries or concerns, please contact us on graduation@roehampton.ac.uk for support and guidance. Otherwise we hope to see you in September!