Frequently asked questions
Tickets and visas
- What should I do if I haven't received my invitation?
- How many guests can I bring?
- Can I purchase additional guest tickets?
- When will I receive my tickets?
- Can I get a refund on my tickets?
- I require a letter to support my visa application, how do I get one?
- What should I do if I can no longer attend graduation?
Travel, accommodation and parking
- How do you get to the College?
- Is accommodation available close by?
- Is parking available at the College?
Gowns and what to wear
The ceremonies
- Where is the Royal Albert Hall?
- What time does my ceremony take place and how long does it last?
- Are the seats allocated for the ceremony?
- Are children allowed to attend the ceremony?
- Where can I have my graduation photographs taken?
- Can I purchase a DVD of my graduation ceremony?
- What should I do if I or one of my guests requires support?
My results and deferring
- What should I do if I have delayed results or have not yet been conferred?
- What could stop me graduating?
- If I cannot attend the ceremony this year can I defer?
What should I do if I haven't recieved my invitation?
Invitations will be sent out in early February. If you have not received your invitation by Monday 5 March 2012 and you cannot log in online to book your place then please contact the alumni team on t: +44 (0)20 759 46131 or at e: graduation@imperial.ac.uk
You can purchase up to three guest tickets.
Can I purchase additional guest tickets?
Due to the high volume of graduands and guests attending the ceremonies we are unable to offer the option to purchase additional guest tickets now or on the day.
When will I receive my tickets?
Graduand and guest tickets have been posted out to all UK and European. Please be aware we only post tickets to UK and European addresses. All other tickets must be collected from the SALC Mezzanine, Level 5 Sherfield Building, South Kensington Campus. You may collect your tickets in person from now up to and including the day before the ceremony – Tuesday 8 May 2012.
Can I get a refund on my tickets?
You can cancel any or all of your tickets without penalty until Wednesday 2 May 2012. You will need to email the Graduation team with the number of tickets you wish to cancel. If tickets have already been sent to you these must be returned to the Alumni Office before your refund is issued.
I require a letter to support my visa application, how do I get one?
The College can produce Visa letters in support of your application. To request a letter confirming your eligibility to attend the ceremonies please email the Graduation team at graduation@imperial.ac.uk. It is essential that you include the following information in your email:
- Your full name Student CID number
- The full names of the person(s) that are applying for a visa
- The full postal address of where the letter is to be sent.
Please note we cannot issue a visa letter for you or your family until you have booked your place at the Graduation Ceremonies and purchased your guest tickets.
What should I do if I can no longer attend graduation?
If you are unable to attend this year’s ceremony you can defer your attendance until the Postgraduate Graduation Ceremonies in 2013. If you are no longer able to attend graduation please inform the alumni team directly on t:+44 (0)20 759 46131 or at e: graduation@imperial.ac.uk.
How do you get to the College?
Imperial College London's South Kensington Campus is located on and around Exhibition Road. You can find full address details on the campus maps and information page.
Is accommodation a vailable close by?
The College maintains an online directory of hotels in and around the area: www.imperial.ac.uk/conferenceandeve nt s/acco mmodation/hotelaccommodati on
Is parking available at the College?
Regrettably car parking at the College is very limited and we only have a small number of disabled parking spaces available which are allocated on a first come first served basis. Please email the Graduation team e: graduation@imperial.ac.uk, to discuss your requirements. There are a number of NCP car parks within the vicinity of the College please visit www.ncp.co.uk for further information.
Gowns are supplied by Ede and Ravenscroft and can either be purchased online at www.gownhire.co.uk or by calling +44 (0)1223 861 854.
What should I wear for the ceremony?
Graduation Ceremonies are formal occasions and therefore smart dress is appropriate. Graduands are welcome to wear traditional or national dress. Gowns are designed to be worn with shirts. You may wish to bring safety pins to secure the gown in place.
Where is the Royal Albert Hall?
The Royal Albert Hall is located on Kensington Gore, opposite the College's South Kensington Campus. For maps and direction please take a look at the Royal Albert Hall website.
What time does my ceremony take place and how long does it last?
There will be two graduation ceremonies taking place on 9 May 2012 and each ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours. You must ensure you attend the correct ceremony according to your subject. Please take a look at the "Which Ceremony?" page.
Are the seats allocated for the ceremony?
Seats are allocated in advance for both graduands and guests in separate areas of the Royal Albert Hall. Your ticket will identify your seat by door, area, row and seat number. You will not be seated with your guests. Please ensure you sit in your assigned seat, as occupying the wrong seat will disrupt the presentations. Please note tickets are NOT transferable.
Are children allowed to attend the ceremony?
Due to the nature of the ceremony, regrettably, children under five-years-old are not permitted to attend.
Where can I have my graduation photographs taken?
Professional photographers will be available in the Imperial College Union. Please take a look at the photography page for more information.
Can I purchase a DVD of my graduation ceremony?
DVDs are not being produced however it will be possible for you to download the film of your graduation ceremony from the Imperial College London website after the ceremony has taken place.
What should I do if I or one of my guests requires support?
Please complete the special requirements section on the on line booking form or contact the alumni team on t: +44 (0)20 759 46131 or at e: graduation@imperial.ac.uk to discuss your particular needs and we will do our best to find a practical and suitable solution.
What should I do if I have delayed results or have not yet been conferred?
Please contact the Graduation team on t:+44 (0)20 759 46131 or at e: graduation@imperial.ac.uk
What could stop me graduating?
If you are concerned about the criteria required for graduation please take a look at the eligibility requirements.
If I cannot attend the ceremony this year can I defer?
If you are unable to attend the Postgraduate Graduation Ceremonies this year you may defer your graduation until the next ceremony which will take place in May 2013. Please contact the alumni team directly at graduation@imperial.ac.uk if you wish to defer from this year’s ceremony. Please note that it will only be possible for your to defer your place for one year.
