On the day

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! Reconnect with your guests and continue the moment at Zebedee’s Yard which is just a short stroll away from Connexin Live. All ceremony ticket holders are invited to join the post-ceremony festivities.

Enjoy a complimentary drink as you soak up the atmosphere and celebrate alongside your fellow graduates, guests and staff.

Whether your dancing the music or simply relaxing with delicious food and drinks available for purchase – there's something for everyone.

Don’t forget to capture the memories with plenty of photos and be sure to stop by and chat with the Alumni team - this is the perfect chance to make lasting connections!

Please return your gown to Graduation Attire in the Princes Quay Event Space by 7pm.

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.

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.