The Graduation Checklist!

With summer graduations quickly on the horizon, here's some tips and things to consider as you pre-empt and prepare for the big day:

1. Make sure you Pass!
Newcastle University has released a graduation checklist which stresses the importance of your eligibility. It states that you must complete your course and appear on the pass list by Friday 29th June. This means that, even though your dissertation is probably driving you up the wall right now, and the dread of upcoming exams is chilling your bones, be sure to pace it right and do your best - you only get one shot at a £27,000 University degree so... Make sure you pass!

2. Book your tickets
If you don't want to attend your graduation, be sure to visit your school office and fill out a form... but, as most people usually do, be aware that you'll need tickets. Your own graduate ticket and up to two other guest tickets are free, but if you want additional tickets for Granny, Grandpa, the best friend, the boyfriend and the dog, these come in at an additional £10-£15 per ticket.

3. Hire your gown
Newcastle University students do not get a full cap and gown. Ever since we got our independence and threw our caps into the river wear, now undergrads are knitted out with only a simple black gown. Now, you may think that gown collection will be a simple process, but like every other process in the Uni, it is not. Newcastle Uni's academic dress must be hired via the University Robemakers - Gray & Son - which, despite our split from Durham, is in Durham and must be collected from Durham.

4. Get your outfit sorted
This may be a consideration for more females than males on campus... You don't want to leave it too late to find a simple dress or graduation outfit which will fit alongside your black robe. Too close to the occasion and you may not be able to find one, or even pay an extortionate price. Now is the time when pre owned, worn once and unworn dresses appear on sites such as depop and eBay, and now is the time that stores begin to stock in for summer proms, balls and... graduations! Get it sooner rather than later, and this will knock one more thing off your mind as you endeavour to finish off the final semester.5. Be prepared for life as a graduate
After graduation there are a number of things to consider - getting an internship or funding a year out, doing a masters degree or getting a full time job - and you don't want to graduate without having considered these things. Before graduation maybe take the time out to plan your next stage in life, whether that's applying for courses, sending off CVs or looking for placements. The future is yours! Seize it!