Explore useful information on what to expect on your graduation day. Find out more about arrivals, parking, disabled access, and more.
Arrivals
Arriving on time for your graduation is key for a smooth ceremony experience. It's important you keep to the arrival time stated in your email invitation. If you're late, we may refuse entry into the venue and you won't receive a refund. Please make sure you and your guests are familiar with our Code of Conduct before arriving.
You can visit our graduation ceremonies page for a full breakdown of timings. This includes gowning, photography, arrival at the venue, and last admittance.
We hold gowning and photography at CitySpace. The address is City Campus, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR1 3SD. Please arrive at your scheduled arrival time. You don't need a ticket to enter and can mix with your friends and family.
You'll have the chance to browse the merchandise at our Alumni Assocation and Students' Union stalls. You can also find out more about being a Sunderland graduate.
Once you're gowned and photographed, you'll make your way to The Fire Station. This is around a 7-10 minute walk and staff will be around to guide you.
We hold our graduation ceremonies at The Fire Station. The address is 9 High St West, Sunderland, SR1 3HA. Please make your way there at your scheduled arrival time. You'll enter through the marquee tent at the front of the building.
You must have a ticket and valid student ID to gain entry to your ceremony. When you register, we'll replace your booking ticket with a Graduate Attendance Ticket. You'll also receive a graduation brochure and pin badge.
Guests must have a valid ticket to enter the ceremony, which is through the left-hand door of the venue. For any ticket issues, please see a member of University staff.
We'll make an announcement before the ceremony starts and show you to your seat. You must leave bags and coats with your guests or under your seat. Please note, the venue won't allow bags larger than A4 size. A short, pre-ceremony briefing will then explain how the event will run.
After the ceremony
After the ceremony, you and your guests will exit the auditorium and get a token for refreshments. Marshals will guide you to the relevant area. Our post-ceremony buffet offers a range of items suitable for all dietary requirements.
You can return your gown at The Fire Station next to the ticket office, or at CitySpace sports hall. You must do this by 6:15pm (Monday-Thursday) or 4:15pm (Friday).
Our photographers will still be available after the ceremony. You can also buy a clip of your graduation through MyGraduationClip(opens in new tab). Your personalised video will feature your name, graduation date, and degree award. It'll capture the moment you cross the stage and receive your award. Each clip costs £9.99 and will be available to download immediately after purchase. Scan the QR codes at the venue or visit their website.
You won't receive your degree parchment at the ceremony. We publish this on the awards and verification portal later. We'll email you to tell you when your documents are ready. You'll then access a link where you can register for an account and place an order.
Travel and parking
On the day of our ceremonies, University car parks aren't available for graduates or guests. Dropping off outside the venue is only for those with accessibility needs. If you're bringing a car, you'll need to park in the city centre. Find out more about car parks in Sunderland on the council website.
If you're travelling by public transport, options include buses, Metros, trains, and taxis. The University Metro station is right next to City Campus. Park Lane interchange is also a short walk away. Plan your journey through the Traveline website.
Accessibility
The Fire Station is fully accessible, with ramps, lifts, and clear signage. If you use a wheelchair or have difficulty walking, please include this on your booking form. If your guests need accessible seating, let us know when booking guest tickets. There are no designated accessible parking spaces available at the venue. Any guests with a disability who need help on the day should speak to a member of University or venue staff.
Pushchairs aren't allowed in the venue, but we have a designated parking area in the Foyer Bar. You must park your pushchair 15 minutes before the ceremony starts. Staff will then move pushchairs to the post-ceremony area. Please don't leave any valuables in them, as we can't take responsibility for any loss or theft.
Code of Conduct
We kindly ask all guests to be considerate of others. This will ensure everyone can enjoy the ceremony without interruptions.
By attending a graduation ceremony, you agree to follow our Code of Conduct. If you fail to follow this, we'll ask you to leave the venue and you won't receive a refund.
All graduates and guests aged two and over must hold a valid ticket. We scan all tickets at the ceremony venue. If the ticket's invalid, we won't permit entry.
Children under two don't need a ticket, but must sit on the knee of the guest with a valid ticket. Seats are for ticket holders only.
Graduates and guests enter the venue via separate entrances. Each attendee must be in possession of their own ticket.
If we find evidence of ticket fraud, we'll ask you to leave the venue.
We ask you and your guests arrive at the time stated on your tickets. If you don't arrive on time, you won't be able to enter the ceremony.
If you're late, we'll try to accommodate you in another ceremony on the same day if possible
Where we don't have capacity to move you to a later ceremony, you'll graduate in absentia. You won't receive a refund.
All guests, including children, must remain in their seats for the the ceremony
If children become upset or can't remain in their seats, we ask that they're moved to our post-ceremony reception area
Children under 14 must have an adult with them for the whole ceremony. Graduates can't attend with a child under 14 with no one to look after them while they cross the stage. This is a safeguarding risk. University and venue staff won't look after children.
Pushchairs aren't allowed inside the venue.
Phone calls and handheld devices, such as games consoles or iPads, aren't allowed inside the auditorium. If you need to make a phone call, leave the room to do so. If you don't, we'll ask you to leave and may pause the ceremony.
You must remain in your seat for the ceremony and return to it after crossing the stage. If guests move about to take photos etc., this may block others' view of the stage.
You need to follow the instructions of the ceremony and venue staff. Your attendance is acceptance of this.
Removing food from the venue isn't permitted
We won't tolerate verbal abuse under any circumstances. This includes shouting, swearing, derogatory comments, or any other violence or threats. No graduate or guest should ever put their hands on a member of staff, hold them back, or block their exit. We'll remove anyone participating in verbal or physical abuse from the venue.
Large bags and suitcases aren't allowed in the venue. It's your responsibility to find storage at a hotel or elsewhere for these items. If you arrive with large items, we won't permit entry and you'll risk missing your ceremony.
Weapons, or items resembling a weapon, aren't permitted
