Graduation ceremonies

The culmination of all your hard work here at the University of Hull.

Graduation Ceremonies 2023

Your graduation is the culmination of all your hard work here at the University of Hull. Graduation days are the most important occasions in the University calendar and we want to ensure that they are very special occasions for you and your guests to enjoy.

We're looking forward to celebrating our 2023 Graduation ceremonies with you and your families at the Bonus Arena.

The information below specifically refers to our January 2023 ceremonies. Our Summer ceremonies take place from Monday 17 to Thursday 20 July 2023. We'll be able to provide more information nearer the time.

Need to knows

Guests
Getting here
Certificates
International students
Security

You are guaranteed six guest tickets, but you can request up to ten tickets on your graduation booking form. We live stream every ceremony for guests that can't attend in person. Electronic tickets will be sent to you one week before your ceremony.

Accessibility

If any of your guests have specific accessibility requirements, please complete the relevant section on the online booking form or contact us as soon as possible - before guest tickets are issued.

Lift access to all upper floors is available for guests with mobility difficulties.

Students will be able to access the stage by lift or ramp but this will be discussed with you before the ceremony.

Children

The ceremonies are lengthy formal events which are often unsuitable for young children. Children aged 3 or under should be supervised at all times and will not require their own ticket.

FAQs

Ceremonies will take place at the Hull Bonus Arena on Myton Street in the City Centre.

If you are staying close to the University campus, you might find it more convenient to leave your car and travel by public transport or taxi into the City Centre.

Travel and parking

Directions to campus can be found here.

If you are staying close to the University campus, you may find it more convenient to leave your car and travel into the city centre by public transport or by taxi. You can contact Hull Cars on +441482 828282 or travel by bus.

If you are planning to return to the University, parking is available on campus. See our campus map.

Parking restrictions are in place on the roads surrounding the campus, so you are strongly advised not to park on these roads.

Disabled parking is available on campus. Please contact +44(0)1482 346311 for more information.

Useful links

East Yorkshire buses
Hull Cars
Hull Trains
National Rail enquiries
National Express coaches
Traveline (journey planning)

Accommodation

Hull and East Yorkshire (HEY) Conferences are providing the official accommodation/booking service for the University of Hull graduation ceremonies.

All accommodation booked through HEY Conferences meets the quality-assured inspection scheme standards and has been independently inspected by either the AA or VisitBritain.

Book your accommodation online.

Alternatively, telephone HEY Conferences on +44 (0)1482 391535.

Accommodation on campus

The University offers a range of affordable accommodation right next to campus.

Email rooms@hull.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1482 466042.

FAQs

Transcripts

Transcripts are downloadable through MyHull portal. If you are a finalist and have had your results conferred through a programme examination board, your transcript will show in full. If you have not yet finished your course you can download your transcript, however it will show as provisional until you have completed your course.

If you completed your course prior to the 2020/21 academic year you can purchase a transcript via the Online Payment Portal.

Certificates

Your certificate will be issued at your ceremony.

Replacement Certificates

If you have misplaced your certificate you can purchase a replacement through our Online Payment Portal.

Hull York Medical School

If you are a graduate of Hull York Medical School and require a replacement award certificate please order through the University of York online store.

Employer and Embassy Verifications

If an employer or embassy would like to verify that your certificate is genuine, we request that they use the UK Higher Education Degree Datacheck official service for candidate verification and university authentication.

FAQs

If you are currently outside the UK

If you would like to attend your Graduation ceremony, are no longer in the UK and your Tier 4 or Student visa has expired, please apply for a Standard Visitor visa unless you do not need a visa to return to the UK for a short period. You may need to show your Graduation ceremony invite (which you will be emailed) as the reason for your visa application. If you are travelling with family members who are also applying for a Standard Visitor visa, they can also show a copy of your emailed Graduation ceremony invite when submitting the application.

If you are no longer in the UK but your Tier 4 or Student visa is still valid, you may use your current visa to return to the UK to attend the ceremony. You may need to show your Graduation ceremony invite (email) as the reason for travel.

If you are currently inside the UK

If you have a visa and are in the UK and you would like family members to travel to join you at the Graduation ceremony, they also need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa (unless they do not need a visa to enter the UK for a short period or already have a different type of visa to travel to the UK). As part of their application they will need to provide a copy of your Graduation ceremony invite (email) and a letter written by you to them, inviting that person to accompany you to the ceremony. Please include a copy of your current Residence Permit with your invitation letter.

EU Students

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. You can enter the UK using a valid passport which should be valid for the whole time you are in the UK. You may need to show your Graduation ceremony invite (email) as the reason for travel.

FAQs

Protecting your data

Graduation is a public celebration of the success of our students. The ceremonies are recorded and live-streamed across campus and online. Graduands and guests seated in the venue should be aware that they may appear on this recording.

Security advice

Please cooperate fully with all security checks. All entry constitutes consent to search. A security and ticket check will be carried out on the arena concourse, once through this you will be able to enter and exit the building without further security checks. However if you wish to leave the concourse perimeter for any reason you will be subject to security/ticket checks on returning to the area.

We encourage you to only bring essential items and stress no large bags or backpacks at all will be permitted into the venue. We will not allow any large bags, backpacks, holdalls, luggage or computer bags into the area, (bags larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm will not be permitted). There is no storage or cloakroom facility available so please make alternative arrangements before arriving at the venue.

Exceptions will only be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs. For ease of entry, we ask that you let us know by emailing registry@hull.ac.uk ahead of your visit.

Prohibited Items

Backpacks, holdalls, luggage, computer bags and cushions*
Glass, cans, aluminium bottles or thermoses of any kind including any liquid products which can be consumed*
Flammable liquids in any container
Laser pens/pointers
Video cameras and professional cameras
Laptop computers, iPads and Go Pros
Large/golf umbrellas
Knives or weapons of any kind
Illegal drugs or substances
Alcoholic beverages
Signs, banners or flags with or without poles, staffs or selfie sticks
Animals (except service animals to aid persons with disabilities)
Air horns, whistles, cowbells or other noise-making distractions
Projectiles (frisbees, beach balls, footballs etc.)
Aerosol cans (mace pepper spray etc.)
Fireworks, confetti or glitter bombs
Glow sticks
Balloons
Wheeled footwear, skateboards
Food
Masks and helmets
Large studs and chains
Any refreshments or refreshment containers
Anything else with we deem to ruin the enjoyment of the experience for others

*Exceptions will be made for those with medical requirements and/or special needs.

Visitors will be refused entry if they attempt to enter the venue with the prohibited item.

FAQs

Am I eligible to attend a graduation ceremony?

You will be sent an invitation if you are eligible to graduate. You will only be allowed to graduate if your award has been formally approved and you do not have any outstanding tuition fee debts to the University.
When and where is my graduation taking place?

All graduation ceremonies will take place at the Hull Bonus Arena, Myton Street, Hull, HU1 2PS.

What happens on the day?

Graduating at 10.30 am	Graduating at 1.30 pm	Graduating at 4.30 pm
8.00 am	11.00 am	2.00 pm	Main doors open. Please ensure you bring your seat number and guest tickets with you. Robing located level 1 and official photographs level 2 at Bonus Arena.
09.45 am	12.45 pm	3.45 pm	Auditorium doors open for graduands and guests. Please take your seats no later than 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony.
10.30 am	1.30 pm	4.30 pm	Ceremony starts.
12.00 noon	3.00 pm	6.00 pm	Ceremony ends (approx). Return gown.

What do I need to do now?

Book your hotel early to take advantage of reduced rates.

Confirm your attendance at the ceremony by completing your online booking form before 9 December 2022.

Hire or purchase your gown from the Graduate Gowning Company.

Debts to the University must be cleared before you are able to graduate. Contact Fee Collection Service on 01482 462222, email studentdebt@hull.ac.uk or raise an enquiry in the MyHull portal.
I can’t make the date of my graduation – can I swap to a different day?

If you cannot make the date of your graduation ceremony contact registry@hull.ac.uk or call +44 1482 465032.
What if my plans change and I can't attend my graduation ceremony?

If you cannot make your graduation ceremony contact registry@hull.ac.uk or call +44 1482 465032 as soon as possible.
I haven't received a graduation invitation, what should I do?

Please contact registry@hull.ac.uk or call 44 1482 465032.
How many guests can I bring?

You will be guaranteed six guest tickets but you can request extra tickets on your graduation booking form up to a maximum of ten in total.

For the benefit of those unable to attend, we live stream each ceremony on our website.
How will I receive my tickets?

You will receive a link to order your guest tickets online.

It is important that you arrive at the times specified for each ceremony and you bring your confirmation email.
My guest needs a visa to attend the ceremony. How can I get a letter to support their application?

If you are currently outside the UK

If you would like to attend your Graduation ceremony, are no longer in the UK and your Tier 4 or Student visa has expired, please apply for a Standard Visitor visa unless you do not need a visa to return to the UK for a short period. You may need to show your Graduation ceremony invite (which you will be emailed) as the reason for your visa application. If you are travelling with family members who are also applying for a Standard Visitor visa, they can also show a copy of your emailed Graduation ceremony invite when submitting the application.

If you are no longer in the UK but your Tier 4 or Student visa is still valid, you may use your current visa to return to the UK to attend the ceremony. You may need to show your Graduation ceremony invite (email) as the reason for travel.

If you are currently inside the UK

If you have a visa and are in the UK and you would like family members to travel to join you at the Graduation ceremony, they also need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa (unless they do not need a visa to enter the UK for a short period or already have a different type of visa to travel to the UK). As part of their application, they will need to provide a copy of your Graduation ceremony invite (email) and a letter written by you to them, inviting that person to accompany you to the ceremony. Please include a copy of your current Residence Permit with your invitation letter.

EU Students

EU, EEA and Swiss citizens can travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa. You can enter the UK using a valid passport which should be valid for the whole time you are in the UK. You may need to show your Graduation ceremony invite (email) as the reason for travel.
I (or a member of my graduation party) have accessibility requirements. What should I do?

If any of your guests have specific accessibility requirements, please complete the relevant section on the online booking form or contact us as soon as possible - before guest tickets are issued.

Lift access to all floors is available for guests with mobility difficulties.

Students with mobility needs will be able to access the platform by lift or ramp, but this will be discussed with you before the ceremony.
What do I do if I have a debt to the University?

The rules of the University (Ordinance 22.6) state that no person shall normally be admitted to a degree or granted a diploma or certificate unless the tuition fees prescribed and due to the University have been paid.

If you are in doubt about your debts to the University, please make enquiries as soon as possible to the Fee Collection Service.

Email studentdebt@hull.ac.uk or raise an enquiry in the MyHull portal - Talk to Us > Ask a Question > Student Services > Payment of Fees.

The deadline for paying debts to the University in order to graduate is 6 December 2022.
Is there a dress code?

There is a strict dress code at the graduation ceremonies.

The appropriate academic dress (gown, hood and cap) must be worn, and this can be hired (or purchased) from the Graduate Gowning Company, the official authorised robemakers to the University.

This is a very special day for the University as well as for all students and their families, and we ask that you dress smartly. Jeans and trainers are not permitted.
Do I need to hire a robe?

You need to order the correct robes in advance of the ceremony directly from the Graduate Gowning Company by visiting their website. We strongly advise you to contact GGC (the official authorised robemakers to the University who hold the appropriate academic dress for our graduation ceremonies) straight away and certainly no later than 16 December 2022.

We advise you to be cautious of any unauthorised robe suppliers, who may not supply the correct gowns.

To order, simply visit the Graduate Gowning Company website. You will require your University of Hull student number to log on. Once logged on, you can check your credentials and enter some basic measurements to ensure the correct size is provided. There are just five simple steps to complete. A confirmation email will be sent to your preferred email address. When collecting your academic robes on the day, you will need to produce your order confirmation email or student ID.
Is there a cost?

The University of Hull is one of the few institutions that do not charge for graduation. You must, however, meet the cost of your gown hire, and this is payable directly to the Graduate Gowning Company.