With graduation season looming ever closer, these are some of the essentials to bring with you on the day, that you may have forgotten about in between writing your dissertation and cramming in as many nights out as you could into the last month of uni! We are extremely fortunate to live and study in Wales—the land of majestic valleys, and beautiful natural landscape; however, the price we must pay for it is that weather at a July graduation will be unpredictable. Hopefully, it will be sunny all week with perfect lighting for all your post-ceremony pictures with friends and loved ones; however, in case there is windier weather on the day, a comb or hairbrush is essential.
That way you can look picture perfect and presentable as you walk across the stage—hair safely in place! Graduation is a long day, and you and your guests will likely be taking a lot of photos (and using Google Maps trying to navigate Cardiff, if they’re anything like my mum!). Bring a power bank and/or charging cables with you on the day so that you don’t miss a moment, and so that your phone charge can take you all the way through into an evening full of celebrations.
This may seem slightly obvious; however, it is important that you remember, amongst all of the chaos of the day, that you have worked hard for your degree and it is a huge privilege and achievement to be graduating. Don’t forget to celebrate with your friends and loved ones and raise a glass of something to toast all those 9am lectures and late-night cramming sessions. And if your friends and loved ones are not available on the day, make sure you celebrate in your own way—well done to you!
Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Those graduating this year have likely had the impacts of COVID and strikes on their education, and it is a huge achievement to be finishing a degree. Whether you’re going on to do a Masters, or entering the working world, you’ve done incredibly well, and we wish you all the best for the future.