Updated for Summer 2026
Schedule for the day
This is an important occasion for you and your fellow graduands, and we all want it to run smoothly. Take a look at the running order below so that you and your guests are familiar with it before the big day.
2 hours before your ceremony
You'll first need to collect your gown from the Princes Quay Event Space (Ground Floor) across the road from the graduation venue. You’ll then be able to have your official photos taken. Once you have your gown, you and your guests are welcome to enter Connexin Live.
45 mins before your ceremony
This is when doors to the main hall in Connexin Live will open. Graduands will be shown to their seat (so have your seat number to hand) and guests can also take their seats inside the venue.
15 minutes before the ceremony
All guests and graduands should be seated ready for the ceremony to begin.
The ceremony
Ceremonies last approximately an hour and a half. Make sure you soak it all in, you’ve worked hard for this!
After the ceremony
Once the formal ceremony wraps up, the celebrations are just getting started. Make sure you arrange to meet your guests on the concourse outside Connexin, it’s a perfect opportunity to take photographs and celebrate your achievement.
If you're looking to continue the celebrations, Hull city centre offers a fantastic range of cafés, bars and restaurants, many of which will be offering special graduation menus and promotions. Details of
participating venues will be published here shortly.
Please remember to return your gown to Graduation Attire in the Princes Quay Event Space by 7.00pm.
What to wear
There is a strict dress code at the graduation ceremonies.
The appropriate academic robes must be worn. Academic robes include a gown, hood and cap and will vary slightly depending on the type of degree that you are receiving.
The academic gown and hood will be worn on top of any other clothing.
Normal wear under gowns is a suit, or a dress, or skirt/trouser and shirt combination. You may want to wear a shirt/dress with buttons, as your hood can be attached to a button, but all hoods are also able to be secured without a button. Graduands are also welcome to wear their national dress or other cultural dress and decoration.
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.
Entering the venue
Our graduation ceremonies are held at Connexin Live, Myton St, Hull, HU1 2PS.
You’ll need to show your graduate ticket (received from our Registry team) and any guest tickets (bought through AXS) on your arrival at the arena.
To help ensure a smooth arrival, please make sure that all guests have their ticket/s available on their own mobile device before reaching the venue.
You can transfer your guest tickets, or some of your guest tickets to another account by clicking the ‘transfer’ option in the app. Please note that the other person must have downloaded the app and created an account in advance of the ceremony. Screenshots of tickets will not be accepted for entry.
Security advice
Please co-operate fully with all security checks. Entry constitutes consent to search. A security and ticket check will take place on the arena concourse. Once inside, you’ll be able to enter and exit the building without further security checks. However, if you leave the concourse perimeter, you’ll be subject to security and ticket checks on returning to the area.
We encourage you to only bring essential items. Large bags, backpacks, holdalls, luggage, pushchairs or computer bags will not be allowed into the area (bags larger than 35cm x 40cm x 19cm are prohibited). Take a look at the full list of prohibited items.
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 in advance by emailing registry@hull.ac.uk.
Note that once you have exited the arena, re-entry is only permitted via the main entrance at the front of the venue where all guests will be required to undergo security checks again.
What to do during your ceremony
The Graduands’ Marshal will explain the procedure and guide you through the ceremony. When it's your turn to cross the stage, a member of staff will lead you and show you where to stand. Your name will be read out by the Dean of your Faculty. You’ll cross the stage and be congratulated by our Chancellor. After leaving the stage, you’ll collect your certificate and return to your seat to enjoy the rest of the ceremony.
Live stream and photography
Graduation is a public celebration of the success of our students. The ceremonies are recorded and live streamed across the venues and online. Graduands and guests seated in the venue should be aware that they may appear on this recording.