Graduation is an exciting time for students, parents, faculty, and guests. Often, graduation ceremonies are held in a large venue, where guests sit and applaud as each student walks onto the stage to receive their certificate. Photos are then taken of the student in their graduation cap and gown, followed by a ceremonial throwing of caps. However, as with most big events, the day comes with a checklist for attendees.

Expect it to get too hot.

This seems to be overlooked by most graduation guides, but it actually makes a huge difference to the day. With most graduation ceremonies taking place in the height of summer, things can get pretty sweaty. Wearing a formal dress or suit is bad enough on a hot day, but wearing a heavy black gown and a thick cap on top makes it worse. Top this with sitting close to your peers in a hall full of people, and it can get sweltering. Ideally, take photos before you get sweaty, and take a personal fan with you to keep you cool. At the end of the day, however, it will be worth sitting through the high temperatures!

Expect everywhere to be busy.

Graduation day is one of the biggest events in a university’s calendar. As your university gears up for the big day, there will be staff everywhere trying to get everything organized. Expect to wait in a few queues whilst waiting to collect your cap and gown and have your photo taken, and don’t expect to get anywhere very fast. It might also be a struggle to book a table for lunch or dinner, whilst it’s best to book your hotel in advance. Not only will your university campus be busy, but the city is likely to be jam-packed with students and guests too.

Expect to serve as a guide for your family.

Family members tend to be annoying, and graduation day will be no different. You will have to lead your family everywhere as if they have never visited your university before, or they will more than likely get distracted and end up late. Your job for the day is to be their usher to prevent them from looking like a flock of lost sheep, which can be stressful when you need to leave them to take your seat in the hall. To make things easier, talk your family through the plan for the day in advance. They’ll still be confused when it comes to the day, but at least they’ll have an idea of what’s going on.

Expect not to have time for everyone.

Graduation day is busy, and there will be dozens of people you want to stop and chat with. Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to talk to everyone, so you’ll have to make do with quick hugs and photos before moving on to the next place you need to be. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t get the chance to spend much time with your family – they should understand that this is a special day for you and your friends, and they’re there to observe and support you.

Expect a challenge trying to find people.

Losing your family and friends as you get swept away in a crowd can be frustrating and stressful. Amongst the sea of black gowns, all of your friends look the same, whilst your family is probably sitting somewhere out of view. To make things easier, get one of your family members to keep a helium balloon on them so that you can spot them in a crowd. This way, you can smile and wave at them when you’re having your cap throw photo taken, and they’ll also be able to spot you as you wave frantically at them.

Expect the day to be one of the most memorable days of your life.

Congratulations on graduating! You’re about to embark on a whole new journey full of exciting opportunities. Graduating is an important milestone, and as with any major life change, you want to make sure you make the most of it. Graduation day can be an amazing day for anyone, but it’s even more fun when you have friends and family to share this momentous occasion with.