Your complete guide to preparing for Graduation Day
The countdown is on for our 2025 higher education graduation ceremony which is taking place later this month on Thursday 27th November.
Before we kick off the celebrations at the AESSEAL New York Stadium, we’ve put together an all-in-one guide covering things you need to know ahead of the event.
So whether you’re graduating from University Centre Rotherham or our campuses at Rotherham, Dearne Valley and North Notts, here are some tips to help you feel confident, organised, and ready to enjoy every moment of your special day.
Feel confident and organisied on your Graduation Day
1. Everything you need to know before Graduation Day
Start by familiarising yourself with the basics: arrival times, where to collect your gown, where guests should go, and any ticketing requirements.
Check your email for official instructions and keep screenshots or notes handy. Knowing the schedule in advance will help minimise stress on the day.
You should have already applied for your two guest tickets but if you did ask for more, we will shortly be getting in touch about any availability now final numbers are confirmed.
On arrival at New York Stadium, you’ll be given tickets to hand to your guests. They will need these to access the ceremony room so make sure you pass them to someone you can trust won’t misplace them!
2. Graduation Day logistics: travel, parking and accessibility
The stadium will be busy, so plan your travel early.
You’ll be given a time when doors open and we recommend arriving at least an hour before the ceremony to give you enough time for registration and gowning as there can be some queuing involved.
Parking will be available at the stadium and, on entry, you’ll be given a permit by our stewards to avoid any parking fines. There are allocated spaces within the car park for graduands and guests.
If you’re coming by public transport, such as train or bus, factor in the walk up Corporation Street from the stations.
If you or a guest needs mobility support, please let our ushers know when you arrive. They will be wearing purple gowns and will show you where the lifts are.
3. What to wear on Graduation Day
Even though the gown covers much of your clothing, what you wear is still important.
Choose comfortable, neat and smart clothing that looks good under a gown and have your outfit planned in plenty of time to avoid that last minute panic the night before.
It seems obvious, but hoodies, trackies, jeans and sporty trainers aren’t ideal. Also large logos, busy patterns or neon colours can distract from the significance of the moment and may clash with the gown or hood colours.
Your shoes will be visible in full-body photos and during your walk across the stage. Pick something comfortable and bed in any brand-new shoes that may cause blisters. For heels, consider block heels or lower heights for stability – there are lots of stairs at the New York Stadium!
Think about smaller details like simple jewellery or a co-ordinating tie. And bear in mind you’ll be wearing a mortar board, so plan a hairstyle that allows for your cap. If you have long hair, styles like soft waves, low ponytails, or low buns sit comfortably under the cap, whereas high ponytails or buns can make the cap sit awkwardly.
If you use makeup, aim for a natural, long-lasting look that enhances your features without appearing heavy. Use setting spray or powder to minimise shine, especially for those professional photos!
3. A graduand’s guide to academic dress
Graduation regalia can feel confusing if it’s your first time wearing it.
Typically, the gown goes on first, the hood drapes neatly over your shoulders, and the cap sits flat on your head.
Make sure the mortarboard is level (not tilted back), and secure everything with pins if needed.
Different colours often represent different faculties – a fun detail to notice among classmates.
When you arrive at New York Stadium, you’ll be shown where to go to collect your cap and gown, so have your order number ready. There will be a team of people helping you get ready into the right gown and sash, so don’t worry about getting it wrong.
Before you leave New York Stadium, please ensure you return your cap and gown unless you have pre-booked an extended hire or have purchased them to keep.
For any queries regarding your academic dress, please contact our chosen supplier, Graduation Attire, on 01234 880956
4. How to prepare for graduation photos
Graduation photos will live on your walls, LinkedIn profile, and family group chats for years to come, so it’s worth spending a little time planning what kind of photos you want.
Do you want to capture solo portraits or family photos, candid moments or posed group shots?
If you’ve booked professional photos, both individual and family ones, these will be taken before the ceremony begins after you’ve donned your cap and gown.
After the ceremony, there will also be plenty of photo ops with family and friends in the celebration lounge, as well as pitch-side for that all-important cap toss photo.
5. What to expect during the ceremony
Graduation ceremonies follow a clear rhythm: Processions, speeches, the calling of names, crossing the stage, and talks from guest speakers.
Pay attention to cues from our ushers. They’ll guide you on when to stand, sit, and prepare for your moment. It’s usually smooth, straightforward, and surprisingly fast once it begins.
When you are called up to collect your qualification, it is very important you don’t have anything in your hands as you’ll need to shake hands with the principal, Jason, who is presenting your award. Please leave all phones at your seat or ideally with your guests.
Before you enter the ceremony room, your guests will have already taken their seats. If you have young children under five that are joining us, we will ask them to stay in the social lounge with a responsible adult; this will include babies.
The ceremony is just over 90-minutes long and we all know how young children can be when they’re made to sit and be quiet for long periods of time. The ceremony will be live streamed into the lounge so your loved-ones on babysitting duty don’t miss you receiving your award.
There is a lot of pomp and ceremony and it can feel like a formal event, but this is your day and we want your family and friends to give you a big cheer when you walk on stage to collect your certificate.
6. Celebrating with family and friends
After the ceremony ends, it’s time to celebrate in the social lounge with drinks and canapes. This will be the time when you can take all those extra photos, speak to your course mates and tutors, and share your best memories of your time at RNN Group.
We hope your celebrations continue after the event. There are some great places to grab a bite to eat or drink in the town centre, particularly at the nearby Forge Island which has Vetro Lounge for brunch, tapas and cocktails, Signature Dish for steak and seafood, and the newly-opened Heavenly Desserts to end the day with a sweet treat.
8. Last-Minute essentials to bring
A small essentials kit can save the day. Consider packing:
- Safety pins and hair grips/bobby pins to hold your cap and gown in place
- A small comb or brush to make sure your hair is neat under your cap
- Baby wipes for any accidents from food and drink or makeup application
- Tissues – mainly for your guests!
- A portable phone charger to make sure your battery doesn’t die while taking photos
- A snack if you’ve not had a good breakfast
- Your best smile!
Also make a note of your confirmation email and gown hire order number to collect tickets and academic dress.
Who is the guest speaker for 2025?
This year, we delighted to announce that our chosen guest speaker is Philip Rodrigo.
A former Master Cutler, Philip is the senior vice president for HR and organisation development at Outokumpu – one of the world’s major stainless-steel producers.
His 35-year career in stainless steel has seen him work across IT, HR and business management right up to a global level, giving him a unique perspective on growth, resilience and leading through change.
Outside of work, Philip is an avid golfer and Captain of Hallamshire Golf Club, a former Sheffield Steelers ice hockey player, and a commissioned officer with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He continues to support military education through the Sheffield Universities’ Military Education Committee.
With his blend of international leadership, strong Sheffield roots, and a career shaped by adaptability and lifelong learning, Philip brings the kind of insight and encouragement that resonates deeply with graduates stepping into their next chapter.
Keep up to date with Graduation information by checking our Graduation web page.