Having to pay for Graduation Tickets

[NotTerriblyImpressed]

Just had to pay for two tickets for DS graduation - these weren’t extra tickets just two for us as his parents. Graduation taking place on campus - feeling miffed. Didn’t have to pay for DS1 and that was also on campus. Of course we want to be there just think universities have done very well out of their students already. Expect to pay for Gown hire and photos but surprised to have to pay when it’s on the campus!

I’ve never paid for a graduation, not for me, my DH or any of our children.

Their degrees are from old traditional universities but I have a couple from the OU and 2 different masters from former polys.

The only difference is that their (very) old universities also gave them + 2/3 guests a free lunch as well.

We had two free tickets for our daughter's graduation (from Exeter) a couple of weeks ago, but paid for a third. Robe hire was free.

The official photos are expensive but obviously they are optional.

I don't think we had to pay anything for the first daughter's either and in that case we had three free tickets.

DS2 graduation in a couple of weeks. No charge.

DS1 has had a Masters and standard undergrad graduations no charge for either. Although an ultra wealthy Cambridge college charging would not be great optics. Although I think there was a charge for gown hire but nothing particularly excessive.

2 free tickets allocated to all students at my DH uni, can request extra tickets & usually get these also free .
Russell group uni.

Depends how you look at it I suppose. It costs universities a HUGE amount of money to put them on and, certainly where I work, loved by those who attend. It's a bumper year this year I know, but we're getting through 23,000 cup cakes alone.

I think gown hire can be expensive. There’s at least one company which hires them out. I don’t know if the universities get a cut commission on this.

I enjoyed this Q and A on the linked page on their website:

Q. I'm not sure what degree I am on.
A. Unfortunately, we are unable to tell you what you have been studying for, please ask your course tutor or the university or college registry.

I understand Oxford can work out twice as much as other places for gown hire for higher degrees, because the ceremony involves going in once in the gown and hood you’re currently entitled to, and then a second time in the new gown and hood.