Cambridge graduations: plan your day

Your graduation day is a day of celebration. We’ve advised times below for you to plan your day, and location details are further down the page.

In Cambridge, our graduation ceremonies take place at the Corn Exchange, and you can check in at The Guildhall. See 'When you arrive' below.

Itinerary for 11am ceremony

Itinerary for 3pm ceremony

Itinerary for 6pm ceremony

Download the Cambridge on the day guide and map 

When you arrive

Please make your way to the The Guildhall (enter via Peas Hill entrance) on arrival. You’ll need to check-in and collect your seating card (and any guest tickets purchased) first. You’ll then be directed to collect your pre-ordered gown and then meet back up with your guests to have professional photographs taken.

You’ll then make your way to the Cambridge Corn Exchange to take your seats in preparation for the start of the ceremony (see timings above).

The ceremony

Guests and students are seated separately, on arrival at the Corn Exchange you’ll be directed to different entrance doors. It’s important you keep hold of your seating card, and that your guests have their tickets.

Once you enter the student entrance, you’ll be shown to your seat by an usher. The seat is allocated to you and is indicated on your seating card. You’ll be seated in the order you’ll be called across the stage, so it's important you sit in your allocated seat. As an Anglia Ruskin University graduand you’ll wear academic dress and your mortar board throughout the ceremony.

You’ll be advised by an usher when your row needs to rise and approach the presentation platform.

Once your name is announced you’ll be directed to walk onto and across the stage to the centre point, where the Vice Chancellor (or representative) will greet you. You’ll then continue across the stage, and return back to your seat.

Order of proceedings

Following the close of proceedings, all graduates are asked to process out, led by the platform party. Once all graduates have left the Corn Exchange, we invite guests to join graduates outside.

You’re then invited to attend the on-campus post-ceremony reception. 



On arrival you and your guests can collect your glass of bubbly (soft drinks also available) and celebrate with family, friends and staff members. You’ll also have the opportunity to purchase memorabilia to mark your special day, including teddy bears and hoodies and your presentation photographs.

Once you’ve finished your celebration, please drop your hired gown on campus before continuing your celebration.

Travel and parking

It’s important to know how you and your guests are going to make your way to and from the ceremony. For information about traveling to the Guildhall and Corn Exchange please visit cambridgelivetrust.co.uk/cornex/venue-info/directions-and-parking-0