Graduation!

Last week I graduated from the University of Warwick! I can’t believe my time at Warwick has officially drawn to a close, but before I get too sentimental and nostalgic, I thought I would share what the big graduation day was like. I remember watching some students graduate from afar during my First Year, and it was clear to me then how exciting and special an occasion it was. It’s a milestone day for any student, and one which is now a highlight of my uni experience. I always knew it would be a great day, but it was even better than I expected. Being able to celebrate your hard work with your family and friends is so important, and it was the perfect way to draw my university experience to a close. As the first year group since the pandemic to graduate at the right time, I felt really fortunate to be able to celebrate completing our degrees with my friends, family, and cohort.

We had an afternoon ceremony, so arrived on campus around midday. I firstly had to collect my gown and mortar board, which was really fun to wear! (Fortunately the weather was quite mild, so we didn’t melt in our robes) It felt very official and formal once I was properly dressed for the occasion — it’s not everyday that you get to strut around in a gown! I headed to some picturesque spots on campus to get a few pictures. Once the official photograph was over and done with, we caught up with some friends.

We then went over to the ceremony. We had to be there in good time to ensure everyone was seated and ready, which gave us plenty of time to chat with coursemates and straighten our gowns. I really enjoyed the ceremony and the grandeur; it felt really exciting to be a part of it! There were choir performances and speeches, then they began to award the degrees. I was a little nervous about going up onto the stage — and desperately hoping not to trip over! — but it was over before I knew it. I had the certificate and officially had a degree! It was also lovely to see friends from seminars and familiar faces from lectures over the past three years being awarded their degrees, too. After sharing three years of studying together, I was really glad I could watch my friends graduate and be rewarded for their hard work.

Afterwards my course gathered on the piazza to have a department photo, then we all travelled to the Department celebration. Set up in a marquee, we enjoyed refreshments with our families, cohort, and tutors. They awarded some prizes and bid us farewell. It felt pretty strange to know this was likely to be the last time we would all gather together, but it was a really lovely way to bring the day to a close. After (sadly) returning my gown and mortar board, we headed home.

I had a brilliant day celebrating three years at Warwick. Whilst sad to leave and say goodbyes, it was a really special and happy day — and I can officially call myself a Warwick graduate!