Do’s and Don’ts for University Graduation Day

July 2025 by Keira Bennett

Graduation day is one of the biggest and most anticipated celebrations in the student calendar. Not only is it the culmination of years of hard work and late-night study sessions, but it also marks the end of any lingering dissertation stress that has been with you throughout final year.

From navigating the ceremony itself to capturing the best photos to share online, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to graduation. Our graduation dos and don’ts ensure you can relax, soak in the celebration and make this a day to remember. There’s even a graduation day checklist to help your day run smoothly!

What To Bring To Your Graduation Ceremony

No graduation guide is complete without a list of things to bring to the ceremony. Here’s what we recommended taking with you.

Do take:

Graduation tickets: Without these, you likely won’t be able to enter the venue! Double and triple-check you know where these are before you leave the house.
Photo ID: Some university venues might ask for your ID for entry or picking up your diploma later in the day.
Comfy shoes: You’ll definitely get your steps in on graduation day, so comfortable footwear is key. There’s more advice on what to wear later on in this guide.
Water: Ceremonies can go on for longer than you think, so pack a small water bottle to stay hydrated while you wait for your name to be called.
Snacks: Small snacks can be a lifesaver if your ceremony runs over. The best snacks can be opened and enjoyed quietly, like a granola bar.
Tissues: Graduation day can be emotional, so pack some tissues in case the tears do flow. If it’s not you, it’ll be your parents!
Portable charger: If you’re using your phone to take photos, make sure to pack a portable charger to give it an extra boost midway through the day.

Don’t take:

Large bags: Big bags can occupy a significant amount of space in a crowded area. Opt for a smaller version, like a clutch or the UNIQLO body bag.
Excessive valuables: Avoid bringing large amounts of cash or expensive jewellery you don’t need. The day will likely be a blur, so you don’t want to misplace something!
Pets: As much as we’re sure your dog would love to see you graduate, four-legged friends aren’t allowed in the ceremony. The exception is for service animals.
Anything that blocks the view of others: Just like how you wouldn’t bring any signs or banners to the theatre, don’t bring items that can obstruct views on graduation day.

What To Wear To Graduation

Figuring out what to wear to graduation can be tricky, but these do’s and don’ts provide some great tips on where to get started.

Do dress up for the occasion
Graduation day calls for formal wear, so make sure to dress up for the occasion. Avoid jeans or joggers and opt instead for something smarter, such as a dress, jumpsuit, suit, or co-ord set.
Don’t wear your highest heels
Not only will you be walking across the stage to collect your diploma, but you’ll likely be wandering campus, taking photos afterwards. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear that can do both.
Do shop second-hand
Formal wear can be expensive, especially if you’re only planning to wear it for one day! Save money and make your student loan go further by renting a suit or shopping second-hand on Vinted to find your outfit.
Don’t forget to pin your hood
Graduation hoods are specifically designed to fit under ties, so if you’re wearing a dress, make sure to pin the hood in place to ensure it doesn’t slip out of place. Safety pins are essential!
Do dress for the weather
Most graduations take place over summer, but it can get hot under your cap and gown. Dress for the warmer climate, but try to avoid dark colours that absorb heat.

How To Take The Best Graduation Photos

Need some tips on getting the perfect graduation snaps? These do’s and don’ts for taking photos will ensure you get a range of pics you’re proud to share online – and send into the family group chat!

Do’s:

Plan ahead: Think about the key moments you want to capture, whether that’s the ceremony, the moment you receive your diploma or the iconic campus spots. Planning ahead will ensure you capture everything on your day.
Scout locations: If you’re taking photos around campus, identify some nice backdrops beforehand. From gorgeous old buildings to patches of bright flowers, use your knowledge of campus to scout out the best photo spots.
Consider the lighting: Lighting can make a big difference to a photo, so if you’re taking snaps during midday, look for shaded areas to avoid harsh shadows. As always, golden hour offers the perfect blend of a golden backdrop.
Delegate photo duty: If you can, ask a friend or family member to be the designated photographer – preferably one with good photo skills! This allows you to be fully present in the moment and enjoy your day.
Take different shots: It’s better to go through too many photos than feel like you haven’t taken enough. Ensure you get a variety of shots on your day, including wide shots, medium group shots and close-ups of details like your cap and gown.
Capture candid moments: Posed photos by buildings on campus or perfectly poised close-ups don’t capture the true joy of graduation day. Make sure to also capture candid moments between friends and family members for your album!
Wear colours that pop: Your gown will likely be a solid colour, and unless you’ve got a colourful hood (usually for Master’s and PhD students), your outfit will be all-black. Consider wearing something colourful underneath that complements it and looks good in photos.
Clear storage space: The only thing worse than your phone running out of battery is your phone running out of storage space. Deleting any unwanted photos before graduation day ensures you’ll always be able to take a shot!

Don’ts:

Overcrowd your shots: Too many people in one frame can make it difficult to see everyone clearly. Make sure no one’s faces or outfits get cut off by breaking into smaller groups.
Zoom in too much: Over-zooming can mean blurry or pixelated photos. Instead of zooming in, ask the photographer to come physically closer to ensure all the pictures come out crystal clear.
Rely solely on your phone’s flash: Direct flash from your phone can create harsh shadows in your photos. It’s better to turn off the flash and use natural light if you can. Alternatively, move to a better-lit area.
Forget details: It’s the small details of graduation day that make it so special. Ask the designated photographer to capture details like your cap, hands holding the diploma or even the university seal!
Post every photo immediately: Sure, put a few snaps on your story to let everyone know how you’re celebrating, but it’s always best to take your time to review and select the best photos before sharing them.
Compare your photos to others: It can be hard not to compare your snaps to others’, particularly if someone has a gifted photographer in their group! Try instead to focus on capturing your own memories with your loved ones and uni mates.
Forget to enjoy the moment: While photos are important, don’t let capturing them take over the entire day. We promise that there will be at least one snap you like in those 200 photos, so try and stay in the moment as much as you can. You can look over your snaps tomorrow!