Graduation costs: A blog by Modhurima Islam, Student Money Assistant

Congratulations on nearing the end of your degree! As the big day approaches, it is important to prepare for the costs you might incur so you can enjoy your ceremony without any stress. Let’s dive into the basic graduation expenses you should be aware of:
- Guest Tickets: The cost of the tickets is one of the first things to know about. Thankfully, each graduand is allowed 2 free guest tickets to the ceremony, so you can invite 2 people without hesitation! If you need extra tickets, they are available for purchase at £10 per person (plus a booking fee). NOTE: The extra tickets guarantee seats in the cinema hall, not the Butterworth Hall, but if seats open up, up to 2 cinema tickets are upgraded to Butterworth Hall on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Academic Dress: A lot of people may not know, but graduands must rent their academic dress in order to graduate. This fee ranges from £45 to £58 for July 2025 graduates, depending on your degree level.
- Travel: Be prepared for travel costs if you will be coming to the ceremony from further away. This will, of course, vary depending on where you are travelling from. But booking early is always better to save some money, especially if you need to catch an international flight. If you plan to drive, on-campus parking will be available by advance payment.
- Accommodation: Whether you need to book accommodation for yourself or your guests, Scarman or Radcliffe are great options that are just a short walk from the Arts Centre. For 14-25 July 2025, bed and breakfast prices are £98/night for a single room and £123/night for a double when you use the promo code WAGRADBB. You can also check out other hotels around Coventry city centre for cheaper options.
- Miscellaneous: Beauty services like hairdressing or makeup may also be another source of expense. If you are eyeing up a new outfit for the event, look out for discounts to save some cash. You can also check out Vinted to buy preloved outfits at a fraction of the original price if you want to save big!
For further money-related support, contact Student Funding Support by email (studentfunding@warwick.ac.uk), phone (024 7615 0096), or come to the Wellbeing Reception in Senate House (10 am-3 pm Monday-Friday).