Ten Things You Didn't Know About Graduation
Graduation is fast approaching!
This summer's ceremonies will be taking place between Monday 11th and Friday 15th July, ending with our Graduation Ball in MDX House.
Your graduation is exciting, emotional and anything but an everyday occasion...
This is the culmination of years of hard work, and for lots of you will also mark the end of your studies at Middlesex. Not only that, but you'll also spend the day wandering around campus looking like you've joined Hogwarts (FINALLY).
Not sure what to expect? You'll get all your official info from the uni, but we're here to talk you through the rest.
Here are our top ten things you need to know about graduation!
1. Safety pins are the answer
First, let's talk about the gown. Thinking the hat will be the issue? Think you can just shrug yourself into your gown's ample armholes and twirl your way about your day? Oh no. Good luck keeping the hood thing sitting around your neck without it cutting off your windpipe or slipping off your shoulders. Luckily, there’s a secret weapon to getting that effortless graduate/Victorian teacher look – the humble safety pin. Bring several (you'll save someone's day if you can lend one out...)
2. You will be hotter than the sun
Yes you'll look awesome, but that's not all... There’s something about sticking hundreds of unseasonally-dressed students into a marquee which really seems to coax out the hottest days of summer. While the sunshine might not have been forthcoming for Summer Fest (#notbitter), it’s bound to be hotter than the Caribbean when you’re wrapped up in gowns and mortarboards.
3. Prepare to get papped
It's your big day and you're going to want to remember it, and that calls for A LOT of photos. Whether it’s your family snapping you from all angles or the official photography package that your parents have booked you in for, your face will hurt from smiling so much. And so it should – it’s your graduation day after all!
4. Put your hands together! And again! And again!
Middlesex University boasts lots of courses, and each of these courses boast a fair few fabulous graduates. While every graduate is completely justified in deserving their own individual applause for their achievements, it does mean you’re going to do A LOT of clapping. Roughly two hours of clapping, in fact. Good luck.
5. Sometimes, you won’t know what’s happening
Who are those important-looking people in swanky robes making their way to the stage? Why is their gown so much more extravagant than yours? What’s going on beyond the twenty rows of mortarboards you're sat behind? When in doubt, keep clapping…
6. Expect to feel all the feels
You already know it’s going to be emotional. Not only does graduation mark the end of an era, it’s also the conclusion of months and years of hard work - and as proud as you are, your family and friends are prouder. Pack some tissues for every time you're earnestly told “I’m so proud of you” through tear-filled eyes (and the emotional, semi-sober goodbyes at Grad Ball).
7. Not everything is as it seems...
You’ve made it. You've nailed your degree and you look like a star as you strut your way across the stage to shake the Dean’s hand and receive your certificate – that precious piece of paper proving what a bad-ass graduate you are. JOKE. Your certificate is a fake and you won’t receive your real one until later on in the year - who knew? The scrolls do look pretty cool though. And you wouldn't want to bend the real one, would you?
8. People react to the stage in different ways
While you won't trip or mess up or look nervous (and nobody will notice even if you do), for most people getting up on stage is a bit intimidating. For others, however, it’s an opportunity to perform. Whether it’s dancing across the stage or waving to your adoring fans, there’s usually one… or a few… we’re looking at you Media & Performing Arts. No judgement here though. This is your moment, and it really doesn't last very long - make the most of it!
9. All the best journeys deserve a souvenir
Peak levels of attachment to Middlesex University combined with a justified desire to treat yourself (or let yourself be treated) will result in you taking home the entire merch stall. Yeah, you shouldn’t really, but you need a memento…. and that shiny Swarovski pen? The MDX-branded clothing? Those adorable little graduate teddies in their little teeny mortarboards? Powerless to refuse.
10. It doesn't end when you leave the marquee
Your hands have survived the clapping, you’ve received your certificate (sort of) and you’ve been showered in love and praise. What next?
While we can't personally set you up with the awesome graduate job you're going to land yourself, we can make sure your Graduation Week ends on a high. Don't just head home once the formalities are over - see out your studies in style at MDXSU’s official Middlesex University Graduation Ball. We should probably say that it’s on track to sell out though, so don’t leave it too late!
Feeling excited yet? Good luck to those of you who are still awaiting results, and we'll see you in July! In the meantime, have a browse of your graduation merch here, or click here to purchase tickets to Graduation Ball.
