What will Warwick graduation day be like?

[rivercobbler]

My son is graduating from Warwick at the end of July. We want to book a lunch somewhere but don't know how long to allow for photos. My husband and I also have health conditions that mean we'd like to know what to expect so we can ration our energy accordingly. I've had a look at the uni website but it is only partly helpful.

We apparently need to get there at 10 for the gown. The ceremony is at 11 and should last 1.5 hours. We have paid for graduation photos but I think it is basically run on a queuing system? Before or after the ceremony? Does anyone have experience of how it all works? Thanks so much.

If you are blue badge holders you can register in advance on their parking app and get free parking anywhere on campus. For photos we hadn't booked and juts walked in before the ceremony and there was no queue. We also got last minute tickets for someone who needed assistance and were given support and special assistance even though it hadn't been pre-booked. After the ceremony there are more photos with hat throwing and then there was a department food and drinks thing. It will depend on the department and how much you want to do.

Thanks so so much. You've really set my mind at rest. It sounds like it will all be quite manageable.

it may have changed since dd was there 8 years ago. The photos were done before the ceremony. Afterwards there was a drinks and nibbles do from maths. (I don’t know about the other subjects). Photos with friends, some at the Warwick sign (queues here) and at the famous maths wall. We then went out for a meal around 6 I think. Make sure you book somewhere if doing this.

Thanks so much. Was that an afternoon ceremony? Or were you there all day?

We were there 2 years ago! Drinks reception with the department first, collected gown and cap and then pre booked official photo. The ceremony lasted about 90 minutes and was followed by some photos of the whole cohort, including throwing the cap in the air. We had an afternoon ceremony and then went for an early evening dinner in Leam (where she had been living). It was lovely!