Your graduation ceremony is an occasion to remember and hopefully with the help of this guide, a little bit less stressful.

Registration – you have, haven’t you? You’ll have to register for conferment of your award whether you are attending the ceremony or not. Check with your University office.

Outstanding fees – Have you paid all debts to the University? They must be paid in full before you can graduate. Check with your University office if unsure.

Find out how many guests you can have as there might be a limited number of guests per student.

What to wear – Have you ordered your gown? Your University should have sent information regarding this. Underneath wear something comfortable but smart, or your national dress. Remember to take some safety pins for your gown and hair pins if you are wearing a hat.

The ceremony

You will be signaled when it is time to rise from your seat and you will join a short queue to check your name and course before going on stage. As your name is read out you will walk on from the right side of the stage, shake hands with the Principal and proceed to the left side of the stage for presentation of your Graduation certificate. You will then be directed back to your seat where you will sit until the end of the ceremony. Afterwards it is time to relax and circulate with friends and family.

Photography

You can get photographs taken with your gown and scroll, usually any time once you pick up your gown.  The University usually have a photographer on hand.  For after the event you can get a photographer yourself to take photos wherever you want.
Contact: contact@alasdairwatsonphotography.com or Facebook.
Portable studio and on-location portrait photography, also catering for family occasions and business events, with instant social-media uploads available.

Graduation Photo Ideas – Places for backgrounds

Places a little bit different to just at the University.

West End:

Botanic Gardens, Kelvingrove Park, Stairs at Park Circus, outside Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery, Science Museum, Waverley Paddlesteamer,

In the City centre:

Charing Cross Pedestrian Flyover, Brittania Panopticon

Just outside the Centre:

Glasgow Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Glasgow Necropolis, People’s Palace, Ferry remains at Lancefield Quay, Govan Rotunda

Gift Ideas

Hotel Chocolat

This looks like my favourite The Sleekster Everything Selection – Making a choice can be the hardest thing, enjoy a bit of everything. The Selection, Cherry Deluxe, Eton Mess, Salted Caramel & Praline, Praline Crisp, Shortbread Cookie Caramel, Going Nuts, Orange Praline, Pecan Brownie, Billionaire’s Shortbread, Soft Caramel, Dizzy Praline, Simple Milk Truffle, Liquorice Caramel, Hazelnut Melt.

Click on the image for more choices.  Order by 6pm for next day delivery.

Charlotte Flowers Chocolate

Charlotte Flower Chocolate are a unique product, hand-made on the southern shore of Loch Tay, in Highland Perthshire who believe in the alchemy of bringing pure and natural flavours together with cream and chocolate.

In their own words:
Throughout the year, our selection will follow the seasons, always changing and developing, always using fresh, natural and whenever possible locally available, organic and Fairtrade ingredients. In the winter there are warm rich flavours such as fresh ginger or black pepper and orange; in spring time as local plants wake up from their winter hibernation, we use flavours found around us – elderflower, wild mint, rhubarb and Scots Pine. As summer progresses, locally available fruits – such as raspberries and cherries – will be used.

We use a high quality 70% cocoa chocolate, filled with a fresh double cream ganache (made with either white, milk or plain chocolate, depending on the flavour concerned) and natural flavours. As the centres are made from fresh ingredients, the chocolates have a shelf-life of two weeks.

Chocolates are available at any time of year, click here to see the range of products.

Scottish Slate Gift

A wide range of gifts from Decanters to Slate Placemats.  Something that can be a little bit different, but remind them of the big day. Scottish Slate Gift website.

The Wee Fudge Co

Naked, Vanilla,  Maple, Chocolate, Mocha , Raspberry & White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate with Valencian Orange Oil, White Chocolate with Sicilian Lemon Extract and their signature flavour, Strawberry and White chocolate. All handmade to order.  Made with an extra dollop of love.

More information can be found on their website

Pre-Ceremony Meet up

Hidden Lane Tea Room

The hidden lane tea room is offering a graduation afternoon tea package, which will be £10 per person for a selection of dainty finger sandwiches, homemade scones with cream and jam, selection of homemade cakes and tea and coffee.

They are open from 10-6 and afternoon tea is served from 11-5. They will stay open in the evenings for larger private parties but the cost of a weekend private function goes up to £20 per person, during the week it’s £15 per person. Visit their website here.

Curlers Rest

Curlers are offering their regular menu but if booked for a graduation they will include a free glass of celebratory prosecco per person. Visit their website here.

Celebration Dinner

Hotel Du Vin

Address: 1 Devonshire Gardens, Glasgow G12 0UX
Telephone: 0141 339 2001

Graduation Menu running from  20th June to 5th July
£29.95 per person for a 3 course lunch or dinner menu, click here to view the menu.

Red Onion

Red Onion are offering a 3 course menu and a glass of Prosecco for £25 per person. The menu can also be personalised with the name and degree of the graduate. click here to view the menu.

And here’s what the main courses look like:

Steak frites with char-grilled sirloin, skinny fries and pepper sauce

Penne with chorizo, char grilled chicken and chilli

Tony Macaroni

Address: Merchant City Branch, 17 John Street, Glasgow, G1 1HP
Telephone: 0141 552 6009

£16.95 for three courses and a glass of Prosecco. Click here for menu.

Guys Restaurant

Address: 24 Candleriggs, Glasgow, G1 1TD Telephone: 014 552 1114

£25 per pupil, available Tues – Thurs 12 – 9pm and Fri and Sat 12- 6:30pm, Sun 12:30 – 9pm.  Booking required.  Click HERE for special graduation menu