Attending graduation

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What happens on the day

1. Arrival and registration

Registration will open 90 minutes before the ceremony start time. Please arrive as early as possible to allow time for registration, robing and photography. When you arrive, please go to the registration desk. You will need to show your student ID card or passport to confirm your identity. Until you have registered we do not know that you have arrived and are taking part in your ceremony.

If you do not register, your name will not be called to cross the stage. Once you have registered you will receive your seat information, and wristbands for you and any booked guests, to gain access in the venue and ceremony. You must attach the wristbands to yourself and your guests straight away. You will not be allowed to enter the ceremony without showing your wristband.

2. Cloakroom

There is a complimentary cloakroom on the ground floor. Please note that prams, pushchairs, luggage and other large items are not permitted in the ceremony or reception areas.

3. Photography and personalised graduation video clip

Our official photographers, Marston Events, will be available to take photographs before and after your ceremony. You do not need to book your photography package in advance. MyGraduationClip provides a personalised video that captures a student’s special moment on stage, allowing them to relive their graduation and share their achievement with friends and family across the globe.

Following your ceremony, you will receive an email link to view your images and complete your order online. Marston Events will also capture the moment you cross the stage. These photographs will be available to purchase on the day or online afterwards.

You can pre-order your GraduationClip, so it can be emailed to you immediately after your ceremony. Or your GraduationClip can be purchased on the day of your ceremony.

4. Ceremony

The ceremony lasts approximately 90 minutes. It is important that you sit in the seat allocated to you: if you do not, you may be marked as absent and your name will be removed from the successful student list.

Do not swap seats to sit with friends as your name may not be read out. While the ceremony is taking place, please remain in your seat until you are asked to stand. At the appropriate time, a member of the Graduation Events Team will ask your row of graduands to stand and make their way to the stage to have your name called.

Along the way your name will be checked three times. This is to ensure that you are in the correct order to cross the stage when your name is called.

After the final name check, your name will be read out and the Chair of Council will congratulate you as you cross the stage. Once you have walked across the stage, please follow the graduate in front of you and return to your seat. Please do not stop for photos, as this will hold up the line.

5. Reception

The reception takes place immediately following the ceremony. It lasts for around an hour and gives you, fellow graduate, guests, and Goldsmiths staff the opportunity to celebrate your achievements. The reception is for ticket-holders only: anyone without a ticket will not be allowed to enter.