The day you have been working so hard for has finally arrived. That’s right, graduation day. It’s the day all your hard work and your achievements are celebrated. It’s a busy, exciting day but, what exactly happens, and what can you expect? We guide you through the big day.
What happens before graduation day?
You’ll receive information from your university about the exact day, time and place of your graduation ceremony. You’ll be given information about how to book tickets for any guests you want to invite, and there will also be information about how to hire* a graduation gown and hat (these are sometimes called caps or mortarboards). You may choose to buy a gown and hat, but many people pay to borrow them for the day.
There will also be celebration parties after the ceremony, and so you may need to book tickets for those too.
What happens during graduation?
As an international student, graduation day will be even more important to you. All the hard work, homesickness, and loneliness you experienced will seem like a distant memory as you get ready for your graduation ceremony.
First, you’ll find the gown and cap hire area and try yours on (and probably take lots of photos). You’ll then walk with your guests and fellow graduates to the graduation ceremony area and shown where to sit. Your guests will sit in a different area of the room. You’ll be sitting with everyone who was on the same course as you, and you may be sitting in alphabetical order. Or you may be given a card with your name on it.
The senior academic lecturers and staff will walk onto the stage. All the graduates must stand while they walk on. When the speeches begin, graduates can sit down again. After the speeches have ended, staff will direct you to the stage to collect your ‘certificate’. This is a rolled-up piece of paper and your certificate will be given to you either before or after the event.
When your name is called, you walk across the stage, take the certificate, and shake hands with the person giving it to you. You’ll then walk off the stage in the other direction and go back to your seat to watch the other graduates.
There may be more speeches, and when they have finished, the academic staff will leave the stage. Graduates will once again stand up for this part. In the US and Canada, there is also a Valedictorian speech given by the top graduate from the year.
Find out more about some of your options once you have graduated.
What happens after graduation?
It’s now time for you to leave the room and go outside and take selfies with your friends and families. You can fill your social media accounts with photos. There may also be a professional photographer there to take official photos. In the US, it’s customary to throw your caps in the air.
You will probably be feeling a mixture of emotions; happiness, relief, excitement and maybe even some worry or disappointment that an important part of your life is now over. If you weren’t able to have a graduation ceremony, this will be very frustrating and sad for you. These feelings are completely understandable – you won’t be alone in feeling this way, and it’s important to remember that these feelings won’t last forever.
You’re a graduate now. The future is bright and exciting. Go live it!
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