Graduation 2016: Everything you need to know...

Monday 11-07-2016 - 09:13

After years of hard work, it’s time to put on those caps and gowns, shake hands with some important people, and move into the big wide world as a graduate of the University of Huddersfield. The thought is mildly terrifying, especially if you’re not quite clued up on what to expect on your special day, so here’s everything you need to know about graduation:

1. Even though we’re in England, there’s a small chance the day will be blazing sunshine and very, very hot. We know it’s unlikely, but try and keep it in mind just in case when choosing what you’ll wear. The gowns are notoriously hot and heavy, and you’ll be doing a lot of running around! Make sure you’re comfortable too – nobody wants blisters on the biggest day of their lives (so far).

2. The ceremony lasts about an hour – but registration and robing opens an hour and a half before your ceremony starts, and it can get pretty hectic. Make sure you get there with plenty of time to make your day as chilled out as possible – and leave enough time for a tonne of selfies of course! One of the best spots is over by the University sign; though it can get a bit crowded, it’s totally worth it.

3. During the ceremony you’ll sit with your coursemates at the front of St Paul’s Hall, while your guests sit separately to watch. After a few opening speeches, they’ll call your course up, at which point you’ll all line up and go on stage one by one when they call your name. You’ll walk across the stage and shake hands with the Vice Chancellor before walking off the other side and going back to your seat (just in case you weren’t sure what would happen!) There are a few steps up to the stage so make sure you’re careful when going across (don’t end up like this poor girl…) After that you’ve officially graduated! Yesssssssssssssssssssssss.

4. For many of you this might be your last time in Huddersfield, at least for the near future. Make sure you get people’s phone numbers or add them on Facebook and stay in touch! And again, take a load of photographs. You’ve worked your butt off to get here, might as well have a few thousand pictures to remember it by.

5. Lots of places in town do discounts on food and drink for graduates – or offer things like cheap bottles of champagne etc. If you want to go for a drink or a meal with your family/friends/total strangers/whoever, keep your eye out for a cheeky bargain or two.

6. Before you leave, make sure you’ve registered for a lifetime membership to the SU – we’re not ready to let you go just yet! You’ll get loads of benefits including the ability to join all activity groups (i.e. sports clubs, societies, volunteering projects) as an alumni member, ability to attend SU events and buy tickets, access to our services and loads more. You can find more information and how to apply here.

7. You can also get yourself a 3 year NUS Extra card to keep some of your student discounts for as long as possible (as your student card will run out very soon and you’ll be missing out on those sweet, sweet student bargains otherwise!). It’s just £30 for three years and you can use it on hundreds of things – to see a full list check out the NUS Extra website.

8. The most important thing is to have fun. You’ve worked so hard while you’ve been here so make sure graduation is the best send-off you can possibly have! Have a laugh and don’t stress too much about it. After that, it’s onwards and upwards to the next stage of your life. We wish you the very best of luck!

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