1. Remember to hydrate yourself
Before your graduation you will be moving around quite a bit, so make sure you drink enough water to avoid headaches during the ceremony…but not too much, you don't want to be in the bathroom when they call your name out.
2. Wear your best shoes
Not to be confused with new shoes! Wear something that you are comfortable with as you will be walking up to the stage in front of giddy family members. Unless you want to take a tumble worthy of a Drama graduate, it is recommended you don’t debut your new shoes just yet.
3. Bring an umbrella…you never know
Although the graduation ceremony is in the summer, we all know what it's like here in Manchester. Try to bring an umbrella if you can for the possible downpour between your gown collection and the graduation hall.
4. Take it easy with the layers underneath your gown
Combat those invisible heated layers sewed in your gown by wearing light clothes. Otherwise, it will feel like you are just coming out of sport practise in a hall full of people.
5. Say bye to your favourite teacher(s)
Most faculties will have a very formal get together on the day. Make sure you attend this and say your goodbyes and thank you's to the people who have helped you get this far. Remember that your participation in the course was also important to them, they will be happy to see you even if you were not the teacher’s pet.
6. Maintain your clap energy
Clapping in graduation ceremonies is not a race but a marathon. Don't go too crazy when names are being read out, there will be A LOT of names to go through. Overdoing this will see you get sore palms before they've even reached halfway point.
7. Prepare for the graduation hat
For most people, this is a graduate's hair worst nightmare. This flat plastering tool will undo all the efforts you've put in your hair earlier that day if you’re not careful on your hairstyle choice. Avoid playing too much with the hat once the hire company have carefully placed it on your head.
8. Have a good night's sleep
If you are lucky enough to have your graduation in the morning, it is suggested you get a solid night's sleep. Do not worry, there will be more opportunities to celebrate. You don’t want to be the one dozing off every 10 minutes, people will notice and it’s actually quite entertaining...when it’s not you.
9. Take LOADS of pictures
Whether it's you or your guest, make sure your phone/camera is charged so you can capture every possible moment of this special day. Remember to share your moments and record yourself throwing your hat with the hashtag #UoMGraduation.
10. Savour the moment and remember it's the beginning of something great
It seems like only yesterday you started your course. If there's one lesson graduation teaches us it is that life goes fast. Although speeches may be boring and clapping can be tiring, do your best to cherish every minute of this moment. YOGO, you only graduate once (at least for now).
