Graduation. From the moment we begin our university studies, it’s a day we all look forward to. Whether owing to a childhood spent watching the cast of High School Musical don their caps and gowns in gleeful celebration, or nodding dutifully as parents remind us of just how momentous an occasion it is, the anticipation that surrounds graduating from university is intense.

A rite of passage. The end of an era. The start of a new chapter. Whichever cliché you choose, there’s no denying that the very concept of graduation is steeped in significance. It’s built up to be one of those “once in a lifetime” moments – the kind of thing you’ll look back on when you’re old and grey and reminisce over the “good old days”.

Let’s unpack this. First of all, for those of us who have gone on to postgraduate study, graduating isn’t actually a “one-time only” deal. In 2021, I attended my first LSE graduation ceremony for my BA in International History – a unique hybrid event that brought students together as the country emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic. Deciding once wasn’t enough, I celebrated the graduation from my MA in Modern History, also from LSE, in 2022.

So, what have I learnt from my graduation experiences? Was I overtaken by nostalgic joy as I watched my peers take the stage? Did professors weep as their protégés took their first steps into life beyond university? Was I deafened by applause as I delivered the perfect handshake to the LSE President and Vice Chancellor?

I’ll be honest, after stressful examination periods, waves of essay deadlines and more all-nighters than I care to count, I hadn’t really given much thought to graduation. Sure, I figured it would be nice to catch up with friends and teachers after a period away from LSE, but I wasn’t entirely convinced by the hype surrounding a day spent sitting in a theatre clapping name after name.

It seems I was wrong. After turning up to campus and safely securing my graduation get-up, the morning was spent taking photographs with friends in all our favourite spots. Having spent years watching others do the same thing as I strolled between classes, there was something acutely strange about doing it myself. Caps were thrown, sculputures posed in front of, and parents forced to flank each of my gown-covered shoulders as the obligatory family shot was snapped. In a whirlwind of conversation, celebration, and laughter, I was reminded of just how deeply I’d come to care about this university and all of the people I’d met here.

The most memorable part of the day, however, was the collection of my degree certificate. As I approached the stage desperately trying to match the synchronised steps of my classmates, the anticipation built. Years of library sessions, summative essays and coffee-fuelled study sessions had culminated here. Perhaps I was naïve to think I wouldn’t be caught up in the magic of the moment. As my name was called, hands were shaken and diplomas obtained, I felt an indisputable sense of pride. Turns out I’m a sucker for clichés too.

So, what are my top tips for making the most of your day?

Take your pictures early. It’s easy to lose people as the festivities go on, not to mention your perfectly curled hair won’t look so picture-ready after three hours in a graduation cap.

Walk slowly. Take it from me, no one wants to be the person that trips on their way across the stage.

Bring layers. You’ll be surprised at how cold it can get on the day!

Finally, take it all in. For all the banal narratives and exaggerated anticipation, this really is a moment to be cherished. LSE graduation is unforgettable – at least it is when you do it twice. If I haven’t already convinced you of the fact, let me leave you with this. Despite all the awkward handshakes, mussed-up hair, and questionable photographs (that now sit pride and centre on my parent’s mantel piece, my objections aside), my graduations from LSE served as a remarkable testament to hard work, lifelong friends and what have been the most rewarding years of my life so far.

It’s a day so good, I applied for a PhD, also with the Department of International History, just so I could do it again. Third time’s the charm, right?