5 tips if you’re graduating on your own
There can be many reasons why you might be attending your graduation day on your own. Maybe your loved ones live far away, you don’t have contact with your family, or it was just the option that worked best for you. You might feel lots of different ways about your graduation day, from anxious to excited, sad to celebratory, and all of these are more than okay.
Your graduation day is about you and your accomplishments, and you are here to mark this massive achievement in your life. I’m so glad you’re here at graduation. Here are some tips from me to help you prepare for your day.
1. Ask for help
You might find yourself needing an extra hand on your graduation day, whether it’s adjusting your robe or getting the perfect photo. Don’t worry, you’ll find that people are always happy to help, including the graduation staff and other graduates or guests. You might feel a bit awkward the first time you ask for help, however, but that awkward feeling will fade soon. Once you’re on campus, you’ll more than likely find that everyone is here to help a graduate in need.
If you want to find a new friend on the day, you could pop a message on the Leeds current students’ group to see if anyone else is in a similar position to you or can come and help you out.
Tip: If your outfit doesn’t have pockets, I recommend bringing a small bag with you. You might pick up some last-minute Leeds merch, want a snack, or need somewhere to store your lip balm. It can be stressful knowing where to leave your phone and other bits when you’re going to walk the stage. A small bag helps you keep organised so you can strut the stage in your style.
2. Chat with your loved ones
A lot of people find their graduation day passes quickly. From arriving at the Parkinson building to leaving the reception, the day can really pass by in a flash. Don’t leave it until the last minute: plan in a video call with a loved one before or after your ceremony. Knowing you have this lined up can make the day easier, and it’s a nice way to have your loved ones there, even if it’s virtually. Scheduling a call is especially helpful if you want to stay in touch with people in different time zones.
You could also plan to see your friends and coursemates. Even if they’re not graduating on that day, they can still come on to campus to be with you and join the reception.
Tip: Remember, people want to celebrate with you. You’re not being a burden for asking for a call or a hangout, your achievements are worth celebrating and you deserve to feel loved.
3. Make some memories
However, if you’re feeling like you might want to spend some time making memories, I’d really encourage it. Arrive early, get your gown, grab a warming hot drink and take a stroll around campus. Take photos and videos on your phone, or even bring a disposable camera. You really will look back and thank yourself.
Remember that you can celebrate however you like. Take your loved ones on a virtual tour of campus, show your friends your favourite coffee spot, or head out into Headingley or the city centre and give your nearest and dearest a slice of Leeds life.
Tip: Think of it like you’re making a time capsule or scrapbook. Grab some flyers from around campus, a newspaper with the date, and photos of your favourite places. Spend just a bit of time making some memories, even if they’re just for you.
4. Make it special
It can be really tempting to arrive last minute, get your gown, graduate, and then leave. I really understand why, in some situations, you might just want the day to end as quickly as possible.
I know a lot of classic graduation celebrations are centred around having people there with you, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate.
There’s no wrong way to mark your graduation day, and you should do whatever brings you joy. Maybe it’s nipping to Brudenell for one last gig, a trip to the cinema, ordering a takeaway with your coursemates, or cooking your favourite uni meal. You shouldn’t feel nervous or embarrassed if you’re not celebrating traditionally, what’s most important is that you feel happy and whole and are doing things that make you smile.
Tip: You don’t have to celebrate on your actual graduation day, especially if you’re battling with time zones. You could go on a day trip to York the day before or spend the weekend after with people that make you happy. It’s your celebration, you’re in charge.
5. Take time for yourself
You’ll likely have a lot of feelings on your graduation day. That’s normal. You might find it hard to see other people with guests. Even if graduating on your own was your decision, you can easily get caught up in comparing how other people are celebrating, which might make you feel a bit rubbish.
If you find this happening, I suggest taking some time out. Find a quiet spot on campus, have a graduation cry if you need it (you won’t be the first), and remember that you are here because you deserve it. Also, remember that you can’t always judge something by how it looks. Your coursemate might look really happy celebrating, but they actually might be stressed and feeling the pressure, and not having a nice time.
Take some deep breaths and think about every time you struggled on an assessment, got a grade you didn’t agree with, or how you balanced work and studies and all the stress you’ve overcome. Now look at where you are and remember how much you have to be proud of. You deserve to be here and cross that stage with your head held high.
Tip: Ask a friend or loved one to keep their phone with them on your graduation day, just in case you need a last-minute pep talk.
The title of this blog is slightly misleading, as you’re never really graduating on your own. You’ll be joined on campus by coursemates, guests, lecturers, and other students who are incredibly proud of you, even if you don’t know them. If you’re happy to celebrate, or if this isn’t the graduation day you wanted or expected, it’s still yours to make. I really hope you have a wonderful graduation day, whatever that looks like for you.
