On the day

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 on 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 an hour and a half before your ceremony to register, gown and take any prebooked 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 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 first registering.

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 the stage.

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.

The ceremony will begin with opening speeches from our Presiding Officer and Master of Ceremonies.

You will then be directed to the stage by a member of Roehampton staff where you name will be called. 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.

In most ceremonies there will be the presentation of an Honorary Doctorate halfway through. These honorands have been selected for their inspirational contribution and achievements in their fields.

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.

It is compulsory for all students and guests to remain in the auditorium until the end of the ceremony out of respect for your peers and all those in attendance.

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 and mingle with your friends and family once the ceremony has concluded.

Graduation Code of Conduct

Graduation is a special occasion for our graduates, their guests and our staff. We ask everyone attending the ceremonies to help ensure that the event is safe, respectful and enjoyable for all.

Graduates and guests are expected to treat University staff, venue staff, fellow graduates and other guests with dignity, courtesy and respect at all times.

We ask that everyone:

• Follows instructions from University and venue staff.
• Respects the ceremony, its proceedings and the achievements of fellow graduates by remaining in the auditorium until the end of the ceremony where possible.
• Helps create a positive and inclusive environment for all attendees.
• Remains considerate of other graduates and their guests, including by keeping noise and disruption to a minimum.
• Uses respectful and appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
• Respects the venue, its facilities and the personal space, privacy and wellbeing of others.
• Raises any concerns calmly, respectfully and appropriately with a member of staff.

The University has a zero-tolerance approach to aggression, violence, harassment, bullying, discrimination, threatening behaviour, abuse, or offensive language directed towards staff, graduates, guests or any other person attending the ceremony. This includes verbal, physical or written behaviour, including communications made in person, online or through social media. [roehampton.ac.uk]

Anyone behaving aggressively, abusively, discriminatorily or in a threatening manner may be asked to leave the venue. In serious circumstances, the University or venue may involve the appropriate authorities.

Attendance at graduation ceremonies is subject to compliance with the University's Code of Conduct and any venue regulations.