An all level map of the venue and this guide covers what you need to do on your graduation day and where to go.
1. Arrive in good time
Royal Festival Hall is a Central London venue. We recommend leaving plenty of time for any transport issues that may occur on the train lines.
You should arrive at least an hour and a half before your ceremony to allow time for gowning and photography.
Please note that the doors to the venue do not open until 8am so please do not arrive earlier than this for the morning ceremony.
2. Register and collect your wrist band and brochures
Bring along your student e-ticket on your phone to register with our e-ticketing desk on Level 2. You will not be able to collect your gown without registering first.
If you have preordered any brochures, you will need to collect them from the Registration Desks.
3. Gown collection
You will need to collect your gown and be professionally dressed by our Marston Events team on Level 2. To collect your gown you will need to show your booking confirmation email from Marston and your wristband.
If you are yet to book your gown you can do this here.
4. Get your photo taken
Head to the Clore Ballroom on Level 2 to get official photography. If you have prebooked please proceed through the queuing system with your booking email ready to be checked. We recommend pre-booking to save time on the day.
If you need to book, please speak with the Marston Events team.
5. Take your seat in the auditorium
The auditorium will open 30 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony. Make your way to the row specified on your e-ticket, where one of our student seaters will hand you your name card.
The ceremony will start at the stated time on your invitation. If you are late to your ceremony, we cannot guarantee that you will cross with your cohort or be sat in your allocated seat.
Guests and students are seated separately.
6. Walk the stage
Our team will direct you to the stage when it is your time to cross. You will need to take your name card with you so please keep this safe.
Your name will be called by our Master of Ceremonies, you will cross and then return to your seat. Only your name and course are read out, not your degree classification.
Names of graduands not in attendance will not be read out.
If you have been awarded a prize, this will be read out, but you’ll be given your prize by the School or College who has awarded it.
Your certificate will be sent you in the post by our Registry Team. Certificates and transcripts are not handed out on the day. If you have questions about your certificate, please contact the Registry Team.
7. Attend the drinks reception and celebrate
You’ve worked hard, and now it’s time to celebrate your achievements!
Our receptions take place on Level 4 and Level 5 with the opportunity to have a drink, mingle with your friends and family, and speak with our Careers Team about your next steps.
Timings on the day
| Ceremony time | 09.30am | 12pm | 2.30pm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrival – registration, gowning, photography | From 8 – 9am | From 10 – 11.30am | From 12 – 2pm |
| Auditorium doors open | 9am | 11.30am | 2pm |
| Graduands and guests to be seated | 9.20am | 11.50am | 2.20pm |
| Ceremony starts | 9.30am | 12pm | 2.30pm |
| Ceremony ends | Estimated 11am | Estimated 1.30pm | Estimated 4pm |
| Drinks reception | 11 – 11.30am | 1.30 – 2pm | 4 – 4.30pm |
Arriving late
If you arrive at the start of your ceremony when doors have closed or anytime afterwards, you will need to speak to our Registration Desk team on Level 2 or our Latecomers team on Level 4.
You'll still be able to graduate but you may not be seated with your friends if your row has already crossed the stage.
If you arrive after students have finished crossing the stage, we will do everything possible to fit you into the next scheduled ceremony.
Livestream
All ceremonies are livestreamed on the University of Roehampton YouTube channel.
You can direct your friends and relatives to watch the ceremonies here if they are unable to attend in person.