Graduation is the formal ceremony where the university recognises that you’ve completed your degree. It’s both a celebration and a tradition done by universities for centuries that commemorates the years of work, sacrifice, and resilience that students have demonstrated across their degrees.

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It's supposed to be a moment of pride and excitement, filled with lots of ‘I can’t believe we’ve done it’ moments, while this is still the case for first generation students - its filled with a different type of added pride, and often unwanted imposter syndrome and uncertainty of what to expect on the day. It can leave us scouring YouTube clips of past ceremonies, Pinteresting what we’re supposed to wear beyond looking at aesthetics, thinking back to what the tele showed graduations to be in films like Legally Blonde, and asking our non-first-gen and graduated mates if they can give us the run-down of what's going to happen. It can be overwhelming: from the graduation academic dress, photos, ceremony, expected student traditions, the Latin, the guests and seating, the aftermath, etc, which can all feel alien and fuel the imposter syndrome we experience in the Higher Education Setting.

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So, in the run-up to undergraduate graduations this July, we thought, why not write a blog post removing the unknown of graduation, because the only feeling you should have before your day is excitement and immense pride, not imposter syndrome caused by the unknown. This guide breaks it down so you know exactly what graduation is, why it matters, and what the day actually looks like, with some added extras we think you need to hear!

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So, from a soon-to-be first-gen graduate and one that already has graduated, here’s the advice we wish we had!

What is a first-gen uni student?

To be a first-generation university student, it means we are the first generation in our families to attend university. This can mean having to navigate university often without knowledge of how to utilise university systems, supports and traditions/cultures. It can make students feel like they belong to two worlds. Graduation is a testament to reaching a milestone for first-gen students, so we deserve to experience it fully and with full knowledge. 

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Decoding Graduation Academic Dress

• All graduates will be wearing black gowns/robes.
• You'll wear a mortarboard or Bonnet (depending on your degree level).
• Your hood design varies based on your degree level too.
• Academic staff will be wearing robes from the university they graduated from.

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The squence of the day

Before the ceremony:

• Collect your robes, hood, cap and drinks tokens from The Terrace (Devonshire House)
• Be on time! Aim to arrive at The Great Hall 30 minutes before your ceremony starts.
• Make sure your guests have their tickets so they can enter by the Sanctuary. Any guests without tickets can watch a live stream of the ceremony in the Alumni Auditorium (Forum)
• Make sure you have your own ticket ready so the staff can check you in and show you to your assigned seat. Students are usually seated alphabetically in their course.

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During the ceremony:

• There will be music from the choir as you enter and take your seat.
• There is a procession of staff in their academic robes. All the doctoral fellows walk in down the aisle and sit in the chairs on the stage.
• University representatives will do speeches to congratulate you. There is also a speech from one of your elected Officers.
• Your ceremony may also include an honorary graduate who will also make a speech. This is someone the University have choose to receive an honorary degree for their work in a field. For example, a public figure, activist, or role model. Previous honorary graduates have included David Attenborough, Dina Asher-Smith and Stormzy.
• In between the speeches, students will be called up in the degree sections. You will queue in a line down the side of the hall and wait for your name to be called.
• When your name is called, you will make your way up the ramp to the stage, shake hands with the university representative, exit the stage via the ramp on the other side and then head back to your seat.
• The ceremony typically ends with a final closing speech and lots of clapping.

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_{NOTE: When your name is called, you go across the stage, shake hands, and return to your seat. It’s quick and meaningful, but lots of people spend this time worrying about falling over. There are no stairs so you'll be fine!}

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After the ceremony:

• When you exit the Great Hall, you'll be ushered to the stairs on the piazza to have a big photo taken of the cohort you graduated with. You can purchase this photo in the white tent near the Forum.
• It's optional to have professional photos taken. You can take them individually and/or with family whilst you're holding a pretend diploma. This is normally done in Forum Seminar Room and the queues can be quite long, so make sure your factor in time in your day if you want to do this. After your photos have been taken, you can take a look and purchase your favourite ones.
• There is a drinks reception in the Forum where you can enjoy a glass of prosecco (non-alcoholic options available too) and listen to live music from the student Jazz Orchestra.
• Make sure you return your academic dress (robes, cap and hood) before you leave.

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The rest of the day is up to you! Some students choose to:

• Head around campus to take photos in picturesque places with your family and friends.
• Enjoy a meal with friends and family.
• Have one last night out in Exeter

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_{Remember that there is no right or wrong way to do graduation. Choose whatever makes you feel most comfortable!}

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Reminders to yourself on your graduation day.

Whether you read these affirmations now or come back to them on your graduation day, here are a few things you should remind yourself(regardless of whether they are cringy) about graduating from university. Most importantly, reflect on your experience.

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You belong here!

This ceremony is for you as much as anyone else. Your journey is valid, your place is earned, and your presence matters.

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You don’t need to know how everything works on the day.

Most people are confused the first time they see academic gowns, hear Latin words and understand the formal traditions.

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Your family doesn’t need to understand the ceremony to be proud.

Their pride comes from you, not the formality of the event (and it’s okay to not have anybody there as well, just make sure to be proud of how far you’ve come).

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It’s okay to feel emotional!

Graduation brings up pride, relief, grief, joy, and everything inbetween (NOTE: make sure to bring a pack of tissues).

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You're allowed to ask questions

Nothing is a silly question. If you have a problem or need help, ask staff member.

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Take up space when you walk across the stage!

Walk slowly across the stage, hold your head high and remember that this moment is yours. You should be proud of how far you’ve come and be proud of your background - don’t rush across, savour your moment.

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Celebrate in your own way.

There’s no “right” way to celebrate. While it might feel there's a tradition amongst students, there's not a ‘right’ restaurant, outfit, or plan for the day. Do what feels meaningful for you and your people, rather than doing it because everyone is.

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You did something extraordinary!

Being the first in your family to graduate from university means carrying an extra weight of pride, so celebrate that you got it across the finish line, and realise that this isn’t the end.