On the day

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On the day

The time has come - everything has led you to this moment.

Here's a guide of what to expect on the day of your graduation to help you prepare. We hope it will be one of the highlights of your time here.

Getting here and parking | Schedule of the day | Guide to your day | Graduation Village

Getting here and parking

Our graduation ceremonies are held at David Ross Sports Village, on University Park Campus in Nottingham.

Parking is free at graduation and you can leave your car on campus all day.

When you arrive on University Park Campus, security will meet you and direct you to the nearest parking space. This will be on campus but could be up to a 15-minute walk from David Ross Sports Village.

If you or your guests require accessible parking, let us know and we will ensure a security guard is there to guide you to the nearest parking space on the day.

Planning your visit

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Schedule of the day

Here's a rundown of the graduation agenda so you can ensure you're on time and ready to shine!

10.30am ceremony

Check-in and gowning: from 8.30am

Ceremony hall opens: 9.30am

Check-in and gowning must be completed by: 9.45am

Graduates seated by: 10am

Ceremony: 10.30-11.45am

Gown return closes: 6:30

1.30pm ceremony

Check-in and gowning: from 8.30am (except from Tuesday 12 December, where check-in will open at 11am)

Ceremony hall opens: 12.30pm

Check-in and gowning must be completed by: 12.45pm

Graduates seated by: 1pm

Ceremony: 1.30-2.45pm

Gown return closes: 6:30pm (except from Friday 15 December, where gown return will close at 5:30pm)

4pm ceremony

Check-in and gowning: from 8.30am

Ceremony hall opens: 3pm

Check-in and gowning must be completed by: 3.15pm

Graduates seated by: 3.30pm

Ceremony: 4pm-5.15pm

Gown return closes: 6.30pm

Guide to your day

We want to make sure your graduation is as stress-free as possible. To help you feel at ease and enjoy the day it's helpful to have a good idea of what to expect.

We know some people may need a quiet space to take some time out, we have multiple quiet spaces located across our University Park Campus including: Highfields Walled Garden, the Millennium Garden and the walk around Highfields Boating Lake.

Below is a guide to help you make the most of your day. Click on each of the headings in the table below to find out information about each part of your day.

Make your way to David Ross Sports Village where you can check-in and collect your tickets from the check-in desks. You will be informed of your seat number during check-in.

Remember check in will close 45 minutes before the graduation ceremony start time. See our terms and conditions for more information on timing and punctuality.

Collect your gown and hood, remember to take your booking number with you.

If there’s time before your ceremony, have your official photographs taken in the photography marquee outside David Ross Sports Village.

Once you've done this, you may have some time to enjoy refreshments in the pre-ceremony area with your guests before heading to the ceremony hall.

Check your ticket to confirm your seat number and ensure you are seated in the ceremony hall 30 minutes before the graduation ceremony start time. You may not be permitted to take part in the graduation ceremony if you are late. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.

Guest seating is not allocated, so arrive early to secure your seats. There will be stewards available who can help you find spaces if you need support.

Scan the QR code on your ticket to view and download your ceremony brochure. You'll need to select your ceremony date and time and also have the option to have a copy emailed to you.

The ceremony will start promptly at the time advertised on your ticket.

A video will be shown at the start of your ceremony which will explain what will happen. There will be stewards present on the day if you have any questions.

When it is your time, stewards will guide you towards the stage, before your name is called.

Then it is your moment to cross the stage, have your photo taken and celebrate your achievements.

Head to East Midlands Conference Centre for post-ceremony celebrations.

There’s another chance for official photographs at the photography venue. You could also explore the campus for your own photos or visit our selfie stations.

Return your gown no later than 6.30pm.

What's happening in the Graduation Village

Food and drink

On the day of your graduation, there will be a wide variety of food and drink available.

The pre-arrival marquee outside David Ross Sports Village will be offering complementary tea and coffee.

East Midlands Conference Centre will be hosting our post-ceremony celebration event, where ticket holders can celebrate with a free glass of fizz. Soft drinks and bar service will be available and there will also be a selection of sweet and savoury street food for you to enjoy. Options include meat or vegan burgers, vegetable or chicken gyozas, chicken egg fried rice and teriyaki-glazed egg noodle salad.

For those with a sweet tooth, there will alos be freshly made pastries, doughnuts, churros and more!

Merchandise

Official University of Nottingham merchandise and clothing will be available on the day of your graduation - with personalised options available to order from Campus Clothing in advance. There will be multiple merchandise stalls selling a range of keepsakes, from hoodies and t-shirts to Kente scarves and graduation teddy bears.

As well as merchandise, there will also be a stall selling flowers and balloons, which will make the perfect gift for our graduates. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to shop the Paul Smith and University of Nottingham collection.

Travelling to Nottingham

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