Your graduation can be an emotional day when you get to reflect on your achievements despite any challenges you may have encountered, perhaps surrounded by people who mean the most to you. Most importantly, it is a day that you should enjoy – so make it work for you!
There are different ways to celebrate your graduation – if the traditional in-person ceremony isn’t for you, there’s a relaxed ceremony, or a virtual graduation too. If you want to have your friends and family close but they would prefer a relaxing setting over some drinks, they can watch the ceremony stream in Terrace. Our food outlets are open to fuel you before your ceremony or to let you celebrate afterwards, and there’s plenty of photo backdrops in and around LUU to capture your day and your time at Leeds.
“My favourite graduation memory was signing off and celebrating the end of my Master’s course with everyone that supported me for the year – my partner, friends and family. It was a December graduation and a mulled wine at 11am (!) in the Winter Tent with everyone pre-graduation was lovely. Also, getting to meet people we heard about during the course was a really nice moment!” – Lukas
“One of my favourite graduation memories was running across the Precinct after a few glasses of champagne and some mince pies, scared we would be late for our slot, as the day had really passed us by so quickly. I had an in-person graduation, and it was lovely to take photos and walk through campus remembering all the wonderful memories made over the past four years, as well as the times I’d walked home tired from the library or tipsy from Fruity.”
“I celebrated with my two best friends, my mum and my brother. These friends were particularly special as we met on the first day of University and have remained friends through Covid and study abroad years. We felt very lucky to be able to celebrate the day together.” – Rachel
Here’s your graduation top tips from Lukas and Rachel:
- Get to campus early to take your photos (and ensure to take your hairband off your wrist unless you want it to make a feature in your graduation pictures!).
- Have a good breakfast and lunch (depending on the timing of your graduation). It can be a long, hot day – especially in the summer – and you may be wearing many layers, so stay hydrated and well-fed!
- Know the schedule and check what you need to collect and when. Plan in advance where to meet your guests, especially if they’re unfamiliar with the University campus.
- If you’re able to go for some food or drinks afterwards, book it in advance! Places tend to get quite busy during the graduation period.
- Prepare to clap for a while if you’re taking part in the in-person ceremonies.
