FAQs

• Where do the ceremonies take place?
• What are the ceremony times?
• How do I find out if there are any spare tickets to the ceremonies?
• Where is the car park?
• Are there any disabled car parking spaces?
• What can we do with our belongings during the ceremony?
• Where do I collect my robes from?
• Where are the photographs taken?
• Can I have professional photos taken here even if I haven't booked?
• Can I still use the IC or other libraries?
• Can I still use the Zone and be involved with a club or society?
• I am lost where do I need to go?
• Where can we get a drink?
• Where can my family sit, whilst I am getting my robe and photographs taken?
• Where can guests who don't have tickets view the ceremony?

Q. Where do the ceremonies take place?
A. The Ceremonies take place in the Convocation hall which is located inside Octagon Centre. The Octagon is very well sign posted and is located next to University House on the west side of the Students' Union.

Q. What are the ceremony times?
A. Thursday – 9.30am, 12.00pm, 3.15pm, Friday – 9.30am, 12.00pm, 3.30pm.

Q. How do I find out if there are any spare tickets to the ceremonies?
A. There is an enquiry desk inside the Octagon Centre, situated up the first stair case the left; they will be able to help you.

Q. Where is the car park?
A. We advise that your guests do not bring a car to the Octagon Centre. Parking scarce and the ceremonies take place on working days for University staff and others in the area. Limited parking is available on the University's Durham Road car park but when parking on the roads in the vicinity, please remember that urban clearway restrictions apply to most roads, i.e. no parking before 9.30 am and after 4.30 pm. The remainder tend to have double yellow lines i.e. no parking at all. Traffic police patrol the area regularly. Sufficient parking space cannot be guaranteed so leave plenty of time if you must bring a car.

The University hosts several ceremonies each day and guests are asked to be considerate by restricting parking to a period commensurate with their attendance at a ceremony.

You may wish to visit the Information for Visitors web pages which has lots of useful information, including maps and travel advice.

Durham Road has a small capacity and tends to fill up very quickly. Additional parking is available on the edge of Campus at the QPark Rockingham Site. This is a 530 space long-stay off-street car park, approximately half a mile from the Octagon Centre. The university has negotiated a discounted rate of 50% off the advertised price for University visitors. To claim this discount, vouchers will be available from the Octagon Centre. You must present the voucher on your return to the car park to collect your car.

Details of the car park can be found on The QPark web site.

Q. Are there any disabled car parking spaces?
A. Due to the limited amount of space available, we regret that we are unable to parking spaces for disabled graduands or guests. However, if you are a blue badge holder, normal procedures for parking on double yellow lines etc apply. Blue badge holders can also see the wardens who will be happy to direct them to a suitable parking space.

Due to the high volume of people attending a ceremony in any one day, it is advisable that anyone with mobility difficulties is dropped off at the Durham Road entrance to the Octagon Centre prior to parking the car.

Q. What can we do with our belongings during the ceremony?
A. There is a cloakroom in the Octagon Centre down the stairs to the left.

Q. Where do I collect my robes from?
A. The robes will be distributed in Firth Hall, Firth Court.

Q. Where are the photographs taken?
A. The photographers are located on Level 4, after you have collected your robes please make your way in to the Gallery for your photos.

Q. Can I have professional photos taken here even if I haven't booked?
A. Yes, you can go to the photographers and pay on the day if you wish.

Q. Can I still use the IC or other libraries?
A. The Alumni team located in Firth Hall will be able to advise you on this.

Q. Can I still use the Zone and be involved with a club or society?
A. Our Life Membership card allows you to continue to use all Students' Union including the Zone and any of the club nights and gigs, bars and you can also sign a friend in with you. Life Membership costs £10 and can be purchased here.

Q. I am lost where do I need to go?
A. Maps are available at the Welcome Desk in the plaza, which is also a really good meeting point if anyone is lost. Various Academic departments will have signage to their own areas so please ask a member of staff who will aim to help as much as possible.

Q. Where can we get a drink?
A. Coffee Revolution and Interval all serve drinks throughout the day. Drinks can also purchased from the Students’ Union Shop near the Arts Tower or the Shop Express in the Students’ Union Plaza. These are well sign posted in the building, or please ask a member of staff who will point you in the right direction.

Q. Where can my family sit, whilst I am getting my robe and photographs taken?
A. Apart from the various bars etc the Gallery provides a lovely seating area for your family to sit whilst they wait for you.

Q. Where can guests who don't have tickets view the ceremony?
A. The Auditorium on Level 2 of the Students' Union will have a live streaming of the ceremonies.