With graduation season coming up and exam season coming to an end, it’s time to prepare for your graduation ceremony. It’s an exciting time! However, getting ready for convocation can be a very stressful process for many college students.
The last thing any college grad wants, is to forget something for graduation day and ruin their big moment. As a recent college graduate, I know first hand what you will need to do before, during and after your graduation ceremony.
With that being said, here is a graduation checklist and everything you will need to know for your convocation ceremony.
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Graduation Checklist
1. Register For Graduation
To some, this may seem pretty obvious. However, registering for graduation is the one step you absolutely cannot forget. It’s better to register for graduation as soon as possible, so you don’t have to worry about doing it at a later date.
If you unsure on how to sign up for graduation, you should be able to find it on your university or college’s website.
2. Invite and Purchase Tickets For Guests
Since there is a limited amount of tickets for guests, you’re going to want to purchase those ASAP! Confirm with your family and close friends before you purchase the tickets, because they may not be refundable.
Be sure to purchase those tickets right away. The last thing you want, is to be scrambling to purchase a ticket for an important friend of family member at the last minute and be dissapointed.
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3. Order Your Cap and Gown
When it comes to your graduation ceremony, it’s important that you pre-order your cap and gown. It’s better to do this sooner rather than later, because you don’t want to be stuck with a cap and gown that doesn’t fit you properly.
Sizing for cap and gowns are limited because there are thousands of other students graduating. It’s best to pre-order your cap and gown right away.
Tip: Don’t forget to return your cap and gown on time! If you forget to return your cap or gown, you can be charged a late fee.
4. Purchase a Photography Package or Hire a Photographer
Graduating is a special time that you will only experience once in your life. The special moment deserves to be photographed, so be sure to purchase a photography package or book your own photographer.
Realistically, your graduation photos will sit in a picture frame inside your parents house. It’s best to get some good photos to commemorate the big moment.
If you want pictures taken of you on graduation day, you can hire a photographer. Some students will split a student photographer so they can really capture the special occasion. This is optional, but can be a cost effective way to personalize your experience.
5. Mark Down the Date and Time
With exam time being so busy, it’s super important to mark the date and time of your graduation ceremony in your calendar! Be sure to let your friends, family and anyone else attending the date and time of your graduation as well.
Tip: As it gets closer, you may want to remind your family just in case they forget!
6. Bring Graduation Essentials
The graduation ceremony is a pretty seamless process. However, there are some essentials you are going to want to bring incase any unforeseen issues happen.
Here’s a list of graduation essentials that can be found on Amazon:
7. Figure Out Your Travel Arrangements
As your graduation gets closer, you are going to want to figure out your travel arrangements. Consider if you’ll carpool with friends, go with your family, hire a limo, or take a taxi or Uber. Trust me, it’s better to figure this out beforehand.
If you have family members attending your graduation, unless they live nearby your college campus, it’s best that they come in a day early. You don’t want your family missing your graduation because of traffic or other issues.
8. Choose a Smart Casual Outfit
One of the most important parts of graduation day, is choosing your outfit. A smart casual outfit will look nice and will be appropriate for the occasion.
Be sure to plan your outfit in advance so you’re not left scrambling the morning of your graduation. Make sure that your clothes are washed and ironed the night before so you look good for your big day.
If you need clothing like a dress shirt or suit dry cleaned, do this at least one week before to avoid the rush.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as you will be standing all day and you will have to walk across the stage.
9. Don’t Forget to Take Pictures
If you don’t have a photographer for your graduation day, be sure to have your friends and family take lots of pictures. Graduating is a once in a lifetime experience so you want to make sure that you capture the moment.
If you want specific pictures or angles taken, let your family members know in advance.
Related: 20 Unique Graduation Gifts That Every Graduate Needs
10. Spend Time With Your Friends
After college, life moves on and it will become harder and harder to see your friends. One of the important things to do before you graduate is to spend time with your friends.
Whether if it’s on the of graduation or the weeks leading up to it, embrace your last few moments of college with your closest friends.
You may want to plan a graduation party or a way to celebrate as well.
11. Take in The Moment
Your graduation will pass by a lot faster than you think. It’s important to take in the moment and reflect on all of the hard work that went into achieving your big accomplishment.
When you’re walking across that stage and receiving your diploma, take in every moment because it will be over before you know it!
12. Don’t Forget to Celebrate!
Graduating takes a lot of time, effort and is a big accomplish that is worth celebrating. It’s important to celebrate with your family and friends to wrap up your college experience.
There are many ways to celebrate graduating. Some students will have a big party and others will have a get together with their close friends.
If you’re debating on what to do, it really comes down to how you want to celebrate your accomplishment.
Related: 15 Best Graduation Party Ideas – By a Recent Graduate
How Do I Prepare For Graduation?
Here are the steps to preparing for graduation day:
- Register for graduation
- Complete all of your school work
- Take your senior pictures
- Invite friends and family
- Pre-order your gown and cap
- Choose your outfit
- Enjoy the moment!
What Items Do You Need For Graduation?
Here are the items you need for graduation day:
- Proper clothing
- Cap and gown
- Tassel
- Safety pins
- Graduation ceremony tickets
- Water bottle (optional)
What to Do On Graduation Day?
- Get ready for your graduation ceremony
- Make sure you have your graduation ceremony tickets
- Attend your ceremony
- Walk across the stage
- Take photos
- Celebrate
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Final thoughts on Graduation Checklist
Although Graduating may seem like a stressful process, it really isn’t as bad as it may seem. As a recent college graduate, I can say that the graduation process is pretty seamless and will be over before you know it.
It’s important to make sure to check everything off of this checklist, to ensure that you don’t forget anything on your big day.
In this post, I shared the 12 things to remember for graduation and answered some frequently asked questions many students have about graduation.
What do you plan on doing after you graduate? Please let me know in the comments below.