cost of graduation tickets - horrified

[woodhill]

this is new to us. £35 each, for what and why is it so expensive. I understand about venue hire but it is more than a West End theatre ticket. I don't like being ripped off. of course we will pay it. is this the norm?

my mum says she never paid in the 80s.

it was a fiver when I graduated - 15 years ago though, that's a lot!

I've graduated 3 times and never paid for tickets. The university I work at doesn't charge for tickets either, and neither does DH's employer.

My university has never charged for guest tickets, students get 4 each. Is it perhaps to cover the cost of hiring the venue if they don't own it? We have a reception with nibbles and fizz, also free for students and guests. For £35 I would expect a meal!

yes it is in a cathedral but still seems very expensive.

Mine was free ( gown hire excepted)
Dh's too.

Free at DS' university last year - you had to pay for lunch if you had it, gown hire and photos, of course. Department laid on a free buffet/party.

Name and shame!

We paid for gown hire and photo but not the ceremony nor the departmental nibbles.

I just have to pay for lunch (c.£15 pp) and gown hire (c£35) and the photos (exorbitant @ £95 each, but beautifully done).

All 3 of mine and both of DHs were free except for gown hire.
Both universities had grand halls of there own though.
My sisters was £15 to pay for the venue.

I got my graduation tickets free (3 tickets). I did have to pay to hire the gown which was about £50 and I paid for a photograph which was also about £50.

If you think you can get a West End theatre ticket for less than £35 then you are delusional! I however agree that this is a very divisive charge and not fair

Given that students pay £27000 for 3 years study you would think they could all get graduation tickets for free.

I can't remember the cost of tickets when I graduated 12 years ago but it was significant with the gown hire. I just didn't bother going, it didn't interest me and I'd moved away from the university town anyway.

I'm graduating this summer from my Masters and I'm not sure of the prices yet, but I know there's a fee for students, gown and family. I won't bother going to this one either.

I've had West End tickets for under £20 on special deals homebythesea so it's not impossible! I'd much rather spend my money on that tbh.

actually I went to see a West End musical recently and it was £30 in the circle.

I did ring up the university and it is to do with venue hire and we will get nibbles and canopies. Gown hire is £50.

Bargain it was £25 just for DD to attend her school leaving prom no nibbles included.

I think universities charge if they do not have their own buildings of a suitable size and have to hire a theatre or similar venue. This does sound expensive. Ours was free.

The university I work for doesn't charge either, though students have to hire their own gown, hood and mortarboard.

First graduation was a fiver and held in a cathedral with a few nibbles and a glass of warm fizz. Another £40 or so for gown hire. Second graduation was a far more elaborate affair at £25 a ticket in a marquee sited on a prestigious city landmark, with a posh buffet. Another £40 for gown hire. I'm with Superexcited - for £27K graduation should be free. Mine were both within the last three years too.