Graduation - Did you go?

clairec79

I didn't go, didn't want the fuss, don't regret it at all

onlyroz

I went to the ceremony for my undergrad degree but not my postgrad one.

Also regarding people who end up right on a grade boundary, on my course the borderline cases were looked at individually and in some cases you could be offered a viva where you are given an opportunity to talk yourself up a grade.

I can also understand how disappointing it could be if you did not quite achieve the grade you were hoping for, after years of hard work. I did get a first, but I ended my first year on a 2:2. I managed to go up a grade boundary each year through hard slog and ended my penultimate year on 69%, which is just below a first. I eventually ended up with about 72% but I would have been gutted to have missed out by a narrow margin.

jenand8285

I was not going to go to mine either but did due to others insisting I should. I hate fuss normally but I really enjoyed the day. Glad I went in the end

Zinger549

I went to mine. It was really nice having the photo with the gown and hat on. Went for a nice meal with my parents afterwards. It does add up with gown hire, photo's and other things but I will never do it again.

alwaysonthego_2

My final mark for my undergrad degree was 69.3. They refused to give me a first so I got a 2:1 which I was happy with. I did not have enough first marks in the second year! I went on and did a MA. I only attended my UG graduation couldn't be bothered with the other.

System

studentuk1 wrote: »

Did you go to your graduation ceremony if you went to university?

I'll have mine in a few months (grades permitting), and I really do not want to go. I didn't particularly enjoy university, or the people on the course, and am so happy it's now over and I can move on.

I couldn't think of anything worse than going back for a day, and bringing together my divorced parents, however both my parents really want to get that photo and have their 'proud' moment, and I feel like I shouldn't be selfish and should give that to them.

Did you go to yours?
Am I being selfish towards my parents if I do not go?

No, I did not go to mine. The university posted my graduation certificate to me. However, in my case my parents weren't fussed about getting a photograph of me graduating, thankfully, so it didn't cause any arguments.

I would explain to your parents how you feel, and how unhappy you are at the thought of going to the ceremony. But if it really means a lot to your parents it's only for one day, and then you can put it all behind you.

BigAunty

studentuk1 wrote: »

I'll have mine in a few months (grades permitting), and I really do not want to go. I didn't particularly enjoy university, or the people on the course, and am so happy it's now over and I can move on.

I couldn't think of anything worse than going back for a day, and bringing together my divorced parents

Why not reclaim this event that you feel is dreadful, into one of pride and joy? Bring up your best friends, make a special day of it, reverse the regrets and generally engineer an attitude of positivity?

Noctu

I didn't make many 'friends' on my BSc course as I didn't live in the vicinity (commuted). I didn't really get involved in the going out, camaraderie etc - I was there to get the grades (and sometimes that was hard).

However the graduation day was a different experience - it was for myself and my family. The venue was different, it didn't feel like 'going back to uni'. Both times (BSc & MSc) it was very enjoyable, I caught up with my lecturers and supervisors, and my family felt as if they could enjoy my success with me.

I'm about to do it once last time in the summer for my PhD and can't wait! I don't think you'll regret going, if you go, but you may end up regretting it if you don't go. It's just one day (or even half day).

mumps

shop-to-drop wrote: »

My OH narrowly missed out on a First but wasn't bothered in the least in fact I think he was glad. He seemed to think that those who achieved Firsts were largely thought of as purely academic, picking modules that were easier to achieve higher grades and lacked knowledge of the subject outside academia and practical ability. We are going back a few years and he is an electronics engineer. He is still suspicious of anyone with a First who he interviews. The only one on his course who got a first was an awkward shy boy who hasn't gone on to achieve much. So I guess this strengthened his view.

I went to my eldest son's graduation, he is a bit of a party boy and likes a drink. I was sitting behind some people who were talking about their respective sons, both got 2.1s. One father said a 2.1 was the best degree as it meant you had done well with your studies and socially. My son got a first and a prize for best dissertation. I smiled to myself as I thought of his girlfriend staying with him for a week, feeding him black coffees to get his dissertation done in time as he had left it so late. So I have to disagree as no one would describe my son as purely academic.

Since then I have been to a second graduation for him and graduations for 2nd son and my only daughter, she didn't go to her 2nd graduation. I have one more to go, he thinks I am desperate to go and I won't tell him any different but the thought of the 500 mile journey, the expense and sitting through another graduation fills me with dread. I will smile and tell him how proud I am, and I am, and I will buy expensive photo's and pay for the hotel and a meal out and so on. Glad that is it, oh hang on DD is going to do a PhD so maybe another one as she says she will go to that one. So glad I didn't have a dozen.

indsty

My son decided he did not want to go - he just wasn't into all that kind of stuff. I didn't mind at all. Why don't you suggest you do something special to mark the end of your uni days - and you can always get hold of a gown afterwards for a photo of you with your scroll.
You and your parents know how well you have done and can just celebrate that success as a family.