Graduation Checklist: 3 Things Every Grad Needs To Do Before Walking The Stage

Graduation is basically the Super Bowl of college. You’ve made it through finals, group projects, and whatever that one required gen-ed was. But before you hit the stage and toss your cap like you’re in a Netflix original, there are a few must-do tasks that can’t be skipped.

This checklist covers the three things every grad needs to lock in before crossing that stage. Save yourself the panic spiral and knock these out early.

1. Confirm Your Graduation Date, RSVP, and Guest Tickets

Double-check your ceremony info

Graduation ceremonies run May 1–3, 2025, but exact times vary by program. Confirm your assigned day and time with your department.

Missing a deadline here means no walk, no photos, and no moment on stage.

• RSVP Deadline: Friday, March 21, 2025
• Late/early walk cutoff: Friday, March 14, 2025

Check your status through your university portal. If anything looks off, contact your advisor right away.

🎟 Reserve your guest tickets

Graduates can request up to four tickets for guests. Submit your RSVP and name pronunciation recording via MyUI no later than April 14, 2025.

Seats are limited—claim them before they’re gone.

2. Order Your Cap, Gown, and What to Wear Underneath

🎓 Secure your graduation attire

Don’t wait to place your order. Specific regalia deadlines vary:

• Custom Ph.D. regalia: Sunday, February 23
• Rental Ph.D. regalia: Sunday, March 23
• Bachelor’s/Master’s regalia: Wednesday, April 2

You’ll need your cap, gown, tassel, and hood (if applicable) to participate. Double-check sizing so you’re not stuck with a poorly fitting robe or limited options.

Pick an outfit that works under your gown

Keep it simple, season-appropriate, and ceremony-friendly. Ideas:

• Spring grads: Floral dresses, light suits, or short-sleeve button-ups
• Fall/winter grads: Darker tones, long-sleeve layers, or midi dresses

Style tip: The gown should be longer than your outfit. Avoid anything longer than knee-length.

As for shoes, opt for comfort and confidence. Block heels, wedges, or clean dress shoes are great choices—you’ll be walking across a stage, after all.

3. Plan Transportation and Book Photography Early

Get to the venue stress-free

Ceremonies start at 6:00 PM, with check-in at 5:00 PM. Plan ahead for traffic and parking.

• Use a traffic app to check conditions day-of
• Arrive early to get settled and take photos
• Share parking info with guests ahead of time

Some schools offer designated parking for graduates and families—check your school’s commencement site for details.

📸 Lock in your grad photos now

Want those Instagram-worthy shots with your family and friends? Book your graduation photography session 2–3 months in advance.

Popular services include:

• Cap and gown portraits
• Family photos on campus
• Group photos with classmates

Early booking gives you more time slots, better rates, and less stress. Don’t leave it to chance—photographers book up fast.

Bonus: Graduation Day Final Checklist

Here’s a quick run-through for your day-of game plan:

• Cap, gown, tassel, and outfit ready
• RSVP confirmed and guest tickets secured
• Arrive at venue by 5:00 PM
• Parking plan shared with guests
• Photo session booked (or camera packed!)
• Phone charged for all the pics

Closing Thoughts

You made it through years of lectures, late-night deadlines, and group chats that somehow never stayed on topic. Don’t let something small, like forgetting your guest tickets or showing up in flip-flops, be what trips you up on graduation day.

Get your details locked, your outfit sorted, and your arrival plan set. This is your last college assignment, finish it strong, and maybe with better time management than your final papers.