On the day

Your graduation day is a special occasion to celebrate your academic achievements with your friends and family. 

Here is a rundown of what to remember and expect on the day so you can focus on what you're there to do—celebrate your achievements and time at SOAS.

Before the day, check the time of your ceremony on your invitation email. There are two ceremonies per day, starting at 10:30am and 2:30pm, with each ceremony lasting approximately 90 minutes. 

Announcements about when you and your guests need to take your seats will be made around 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. Doors will close 15 minutes prior to the start of your ceremony, so please make sure that you and your guests are seated by then.

You will first go to SOAS campus to collect your tickets and pre-ordered graduation gown. Make sure to arrive at the campus at least 2-hours before your ceremony starts. 

The campus will likely be busy on the day, so it's best to get there early to get everything sorted with time to spare.

You can collect your ticket(s) in the reception of the main building at SOAS on the day of the ceremony, just bring your student ID and confirmation email. 

Collect your pre-ordered graduation gown from the Djam Lecture Theatre on the ground floor of SOAS's main building with a copy of your order confirmation. You can return your gown to the collection point at any point after the ceremony has finished. 

Our official student photographers Ede & Ravenscroft will be available on the ground floor of the main SOAS building between 8:00am and 5:00pm of your ceremony. You can have photographs taken either before or after the ceremony, when you collect your robe or after graduation when you return to the SOAS campus for the post-ceremony reception. Pre-booking is not essential but is advisable. 

You may bring your own camera or video camera to the ceremony, but please be considerate of those sitting around you if photographing or filming during the event.

Once you've got your graduation gown, it's time to make your way to the ceremony, which takes place at the nearby Friends House in Euston. The journey from campus to the venue is about a 10-15 minute walk, with SOAS stewards in brightly coloured t-shirts along the way to point you in the right direction.

For guests, Friends House is easily accessible by public transport and is located within the congestion charging zone. Parking is very limited, so we recommend that you and your guests travel to the venue by public transport where possible. You can visit the Friends House AccessAble webpage for detailed venue information on accessibility.    

Please bring minimal bags with you where possible, as the cloakroom has limited capacity. 

Your seat number will be displayed on your ticket. It is very important that you sit in the correct seat that has been allocated to you during the ceremony. If you have any difficulties finding your seat, please talk to a member of our team who will be on hand to assist 
 
During the ceremony, you will be notified by an usher when it is your time to line up and cross the stage. Once your name is called you will cross the stage.  
 
Please note that certificates are not handed out on stage or collected on the day of Graduation. Certificates are normally issued 3-months from when a student is conferred. If you have not received your certificate or have a question, please email ceremony@soas.ac.uk.
 

After the ceremony, Graduates and their ticket-holding guests are invited to a drinks reception at the Paul Webley Wing of Senate House on campus to celebrate. Receptions take place right after the ceremony and last for about 1-hour. 

Unfortunately, it is not possible for guests without a ticket to join you.