Graduation is a monumental milestone and celebrating it should be just as special. Whether you're surrounded by loved ones in person or connecting with them from afar. Here are creative ways to mark the occasion and make long lasting memories.
In-Person Celebrations
For those lucky enough to gather with friends and family, these ideas ensure your graduation is celebrated in style:
Make it legendary
Celebrate your success by hosting a party at home, a venue, or even your garden. Use your university’s colours for decorations—banners, balloons, table settings, and even themed desserts. Set up a memory corner with photos, your degree certificate, and other mementos from your university journey. Guests can leave congratulatory notes or record short video messages, creating keepsakes to cherish forever.
Remember this moment
Make sure you take full advantage of all the photo opportunities available at the graduation! From our own photographers to 360 cameras and photo booths, there is plenty of choice to capture your special moments!
Graduation Selfie
Reel in the Memories
For those looking a more low-key celebration, create a graduation-themed movie night at home. Choose inspiring films about success, growth or graduation itself and set up a snack bar with themed treats like "Diploma Rolls" (mini wraps) or "Graduation Caps" (chocolate squares with a candy tassel). Invite loved ones to reflect on the past and share laughs while staying cozy indoors.
From Elle Wood's iconic valedictorian speech to a nostalgic ending from the East High Wildcats, there's something on this list for everybody:
- High School Musical 3: Senior Year
- Legally Blonde
- Pitch Perfect 2
- Lady Bird
- The Blind Side
- Book Smart
- Into The Wild
- Adventureland
- Monster’s University
A Toast to Success
Invite family and friends for an intimate sit-down dinner, whether it be at home or at your favourite restaurant. Transform the area with a graduation theme by using Ulster colours for tableware, napkins, and decorations. To make it interactive, include a toast or a short speech reflecting on your journey and accomplishments.
Toast To Success
Game On
Turn your party into a game night with activities tailored to your degree or university experience. Play trivia games, charades, or bingo, but with a graduation twist—include questions about your field of study or funny moments from your university days. It’s a great way to involve everyone, regardless of age.
Sing your Heart Out
If you’re into all thing's music, you could book a private karaoke room or set up a mini stage at home for a musical celebration. Invite guests to sing along to their favourite tunes, including songs that remind you of your university days. End the night with a playlist of songs significant to your study years.
Sing your heart out
Virtual Celebrations
For graduates with family and friends spread across the globe, don't worry. There is plenty of virtual celebrations to ensure everyone can celebrate your big moment!
Graduation Watch Party
Share the graduation livestream link with your family and friends ahead of time and consider setting up a watch party where everyone can tune in together and watch you walk across the stage. To add a sense of occasion, suggest they dress up as though they were attending in person.
Graduation Watch Party
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Share a presentation or video of highlights from your time at university. Include photos, videos, and even short clips from fellow classmates sharing their favourite memories. This is a great way to reminisce and bring everyone into the experience, no matter where they are.
Distance Doesn’t Stop the Fun
Post-ceremony, gather virtually with your loved ones. Set up a Zoom call where everyone can raise a glass and toast your achievement. For added flair, use virtual backgrounds featuring your university or graduation-themed graphics.
Zoom Party
Interactive Fun
Engage your virtual guests with tailored activities. A trivia game based on your degree program. You can even host a mini awards ceremony where family members vote for your most iconic university moments.
Graduation is a celebration of your hard work, growth, and the support system that helped you along the way. No matter how you choose to celebrate, make it a day to remember. Congratulations, Class of 2024! 🎓
For all things graduation visit: Ulster University Celebrations and Graduations