Graduation - Did you go?

El_Torro

I went and enjoyed it, though mainly because I got to hang out with my mates and we went out in town that evening. I also like looking at the group graduation photo every now and then and see who I can remember from my college.

If your parents really want you to go I guess you just need to weigh that up compared to how much you don't want to go. You can just go for the ceremony and leave after the photos if you think you'll be that uncomfortable.

marywooyeah

Nicki wrote: »

Don't mean to be picky Mary but in most UK universities each class of degree is a 10 mark spread. So unless yours was very odd you didn't "narrowly miss" a first, you got a solid 2:1. I was 2 marks off a first when I did my degree but that just made it a good 2:1 not "nearly a first".

OP I went to my graduation and really enjoyed it but I loved my student days and it was a real celebration. My brother didn't graduate in person and my parents were really upset for a longer time about missing it. If your parents supported you through university either financially or emotionally maybe take their feelings into account before you make a final decision.

At our uni you needed 3 70s in your final year to get a first - I got a 74 and 2 68s. The difference between the two 68s and the 70s needed cost me the degree, so it was four marks off a first overall.


They changed the grade boundaries the year before so you could only get certain grades - eg you could get a 64 or a 66, but not a 65. Ironically it was apparently supposed to be so that more people could get firsts lol!

A 2:1 doesn't feel like any form of achievement to me now, it just feels like I worked myself into the ground for four years for nothing and I've had to fund a post grad course to even try and get anywhere now. It really is very disappointing

You raise a good point re the OP's parents involvement - OP what level of support have your parents giving you throughout your degree? x

Timeflies

You say you're so happy it's over and you can move on. That's kind of what the ceremony is about, celebrating your achievement and moving forward. It's not a very sociable occasion, people will stay with the guests they have brought, so there's no need to talk to anyone from your course you'd rather not.

If you're not fussed for yourself, it sounds like your parents are looking forward to it, so please consider going for their sake. I expect they have given you a lot of support over the years that helped you get to this point in your life, whether it's teaching you to read, be independent, maybe making personal sacrifices in time and money to help you achieve this. Perhaps they never had the grades or money to go to university themselves, perhaps they're proud you've followed in their footsteps to do well academically.

I imagine they are very proud of you. Yes, most of the graduation day will be boring, queuing up and fiddling about, but it's really a chance to celebrate your support squad, be it partner or parents.

WantToBeSE

No, I didn't go


Don't think about your parents, think about what YOU want.
My mum wanted a photo to put on her wall and show off to her friends etc, pretending she was a great mother.
I didn't want to rise to that. I also didn't want to spend money on a graduation ceremony and photos.

maman

studentuk1 wrote: »

I'm just waiting on my dissertation result which I handed in last week. I'd be more than happy with a 2:1, heck I'd even be happy with a 2:2. Thankfully I can't get a third anymore as I got quite good grades in my exams in January.

Thanks for the replies.

Sounds like you've worked hard and done well.:T


I've been on both sides of the equation. I didn't bother going to ceremony for my BA but did do for my Masters. Since then both my DDs have graduated and I've loved being at their ceremonies as parents did at my Masters. If you can bring yourself, I'd do it for your parents.

fabforty

I didn't go to mine. It just wasn't that important to me, so I didn't go. I was surprised to find out later that I wasn't alone.


I'm not sure how old you are, but if you are relatively young and just starting out in life, then how about making this decision the start of you 'doing what you want to do' instead of doing what you feel you ought to. You did the work, getting in to university, studying and completing the course, so don't feel guilty about not wanting to go to the graduation ceremony.


Congratulations BTW.

hieveryone

I went to mines and I LOVED it! I was the first in my family to get a degree, and I felt proud for myself and for my mum and dad.

I am currently studying for a Masters and just cannot wait to do it all over again!

tea_lover

I went, wouldn't have missed it for anything.

inkie

When I did my HND I went.
When I did my B Sc hons I didn't go - couldn't be bothered with all the fuss etc, plus only could have 2 tickets and so deciding who was going and who wasn't was a bit of a nightmare
I am doing an MA now, and will jolly well be going to it - it's been hard graft.

marywooyeah

studentuk1 wrote: »

I'm just waiting on my dissertation result which I handed in last week. I'd be more than happy with a 2:1, heck I'd even be happy with a 2:2. Thankfully I can't get a third anymore as I got quite good grades in my exams in January.

Thanks for the replies.

I bet you're very relieved at having handed in the dissertation! it sounds like you're well on track to getting a good grade.

when do you have to decide whether you go or not? do you feel you'd be able to discuss your feelings with your parents? they may well understand x