Graduation - What to Expect

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Summer Graduation 2025

Monday, 7 July, 2025

As another academic year draws to a close, we look forward to celebrating the achievement that is graduation. A day to enjoy with family and friends and commemorate all the hard work that goes into obtaining a degree. 

But what actually happens on the day? We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to graduation to help you go into the day feeling as relaxed and confident as possible. 

Gowning
This year, robes can be collected from Bath Pavilion, located right next to Bath’s sports and leisure centre. You will need to have booked your robes in advance, and then you can collect them on the day before your graduation slot starts.  We recommend leaving around two hours to get gowned and head back to the Forum for your ceremony. 

Note, if you have paid for a professional photo, these will also take place in the Pavilion, so it may be worth planning ahead to get your gown and photo done in the same visit. 

The Ceremony
The main event will take place in the Bath Forum. Students are expected to arrive about half an hour early to allow time to allocate their seats. Guests will need to have their pre-bought tickets ready at the door and will be able to enter the auditorium after the graduates are seated. Each ceremony takes around 60-90 minutes and once the ceremony has started, latecomers will unfortunately not be admitted.

Once the ceremony has finished, gowns will need to be returned to either Bath Pavilion or Gradstock by 7 pm on the day of your ceremony. 

Award Presentation
When the time comes for graduates to walk the stage, stewards will point students in the right direction. Each student will be sat in a specific order according to when their name will be read out and will then return to the same seat. Don’t worry about taking anything onto the stage other than yourself. 

The BSU Chancellor or a senior member of staff will be stood ready in the centre of the stage to congratulate you. Make sure to take your time, enjoy the moment and give a quick wave to the camera at the end of the stage for everyone watching the livestream at home. 

Gradstock
After the ceremony, everyone is invited to celebrate further at Gradstock. Next to the pavilion at Bath Recreation Ground, Gradstock is a relaxed summer festival-type event with free entry for students and their families. With a bar, food concessions, live music and bright decorations, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and get some good photos after the ceremony. 

Graduation, as ever, is set to be one of the highlights in BSU’s calendar as we look forward to celebrating with all our incredible students. More information about the day can be found on our graduation webpage.