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Graduation

On the day

Last updated: 15/07/2024 13:13

We look forward to welcoming our graduates and their guests to Graduation. Here are ten things to help answer last-minute questions and ensure you make the most of your day.

1. Manage your bookings

Our partners manage the bookings you have made using email. They include:

Both will be based at the Centre for Student Life during Graduation week.

For your safety, adhere to all security measures, warnings, and instruction notices and act responsibly at the Centre for Student Life. Security will be present on-site, conducting strict security checks and searches.

If you require first aid, ask a staff member or visit Student Connect reception on the ground floor.

2. Get your digital tickets

You and your guests need a ticket to enter your Graduation Ceremony at Utilita Arena and the School Reception event at Graduation Gardens. The same ticket is used for both events.

Digital tickets have been emailed to all graduates (as of 10 July). If you have not received this email or have any issues, contact Marston Events. We recommend downloading your tickets in advance to avoid any issues with Wi-Fi on the day.

You can only attend with tickets. Due to strict security measures at Utilita Arena, tickets will not be available on the day.

Anyone unable to attend can watch ceremonies broadcast live online and at the Students’ Union.

3. Collecting and returning your academic dress

Your academic dress collection may be the evening before or on the day of your Graduation from the Centre for Student Life.

You must return your Academic dress to the Centre for Student Life on Graduation day.

4. Moving between venues

Allow plenty of time to move between venues, and ensure you arrive 30 minutes before your ceremony starts.

The Centre for Student Life and Graduation Gardens are close to one another and just a few minutes on foot.

The main building and Utilita Arena are approximately 20 minutes on foot, as shown on our map.

Do not bring excess baggage or belongings to Graduation. Cloakroom facilities are limited at Utilita Arena and not available at our other venues. See further information on Security bag checks and searches. Graduates are not to take bags onto the stage. Bags should be passed to guests for safekeeping during the ceremony.

Graduation map 2024

View our map detailing the Graduation 2024 event locations.

Download document (PDF, 4.6 MB)

If this document cannot be read by your assistive software, you can request an accessible version by emailing web@cardiff.ac.uk. Please include the assistive tools you use and the format you require.

5. Your Graduation Ceremony at Utilita Arena

Your ceremony may occur before or after your school reception; plan accordingly. Check the schedule for timings.

⁠When you arrive at the arena, you must go directly to the Name Card Collection Desk to collect your name card. You need your name card to cross the stage during your ceremony. Guests are asked not to wait with you and continue to their seats to avoid congestion.

Seating is allocated in advance, as detailed on your digital tickets, and cannot be altered. Tickets should not be shared.

The arena has strict entry requirements (for example, bag size, food and drink, etc.), and security checks and searches are conducted upon arrival.

To ensure your safety:

  • Adhere to all security measures, warnings, and instruction notices and act responsibly at Utilita Arena. The venue, university staff, and a security team will be present.
  • In an emergency, use the emergency exits as marked and follow the procedures conducted by staff.
  • If you require First Aid, alert a member of staff.

6. Your School Reception at Graduation Gardens

School Receptions may occur before or after your Ceremony, so plan accordingly and check the schedule for timings.

Security will be present at Graduation Gardens for School Receptions and security checks and searches are conducted upon arrival. All guests will have their tickets checked as they enter. In an emergency, use the emergency exits as marked and follow the procedures conducted by university staff.

Paramedics will be onsite. If you require First Aid, alert a staff member.

New location for Graduation Gardens and potential disruption

A small number of our students are engaged in protests regarding the conflict in Israel and Gaza. This includes an encampment on Main Building’s Horseshoe Drive, our traditional venue for Graduation Gardens, and the possibility of protests at our other Graduation venues.

Our priority remains the welfare of our students, staff, and visitors, which is why we have taken the precautionary measures of:

  • relocating Graduation Gardens and School receptions to King Edward VII avenue (Glamorgan Building)
  • relocating the food, drink and music festival to King Edward VII avenue
  • access to the food, drink and music festival via Graduation ticket holders' entrance
  • closing Main Building to graduates and their guests (no access to the courtyard or inside the building). Main Building remains open to staff and students who will need to show ID cards to access the building, and enter the building via Park Place
  • increasing security, with ticket and bag checkpoints at all graduation venues

This is a complex, emotive, and difficult situation, and we ask that you and your guests join us in upholding lawful free speech and treating each other respectfully.

7. Book a studio photography session

If you have booked a session with Tempest Photography, attend the Centre for Student Life and follow your booking confirmation instructions.

If you haven’t already booked, check availability with staff on the day.

8. Photography and videography consent

We’ll share Graduation updates on social media throughout the week and welcome footage of your #CardiffGrad moments.

Photography and videography will take place throughout Graduation for promotional and archival purposes. Footage is likely to appear on our website and social media. Graduates, guests, and staff consent to this publication by participating in this event.

However, if you would prefer not to be photographed or filmed, let the photographer or videographer know at the time.

9. Travel, car parking and accessibility

Cardiff has strong transport links and is easily accessible.

To help you plan your day, see our information on travel advice, visiting Cardiff, car parking, accommodation options, and accessibility.

10. Celebrate at the Students’ Union

To help you mark the occasion, the Students’ Union Love Cardiff store has a graduation clothing and gifts range, including their Class of 2024 hoody.

They will also stream all ceremonies at The Balconi, 2nd floor, and host a Graduation YOLO