BU Graduation 2018 - Tips From Our Alumni

BU Graduation 2018 is nearly here, so we thought we ask our alumni for some tips on making the most of the big day - here's what they said.

1. Enjoy It

Philip Hartley

"Enjoy every second of it as it’s over in a flash. Don’t work yourself up about the possibility of falling on stage. Just relax and walk on with your BU pride, and enjoy it." - Sophie Patricia Griffiths

2. Comfy, Sensible Shoes

Philip Hartley

"Comfy, sensible shoes, nothing worse than tripping or tweaking a heel and going down in front of hundreds of people." - Siobhan Van Buuren

3. A Good Friend

Philip Hartley

"Safety pins and a friend to untangle you... I got so tangled up in the bathroom before we went in, everything was caught up in the wrong bit of clothing, won't go into detail but you know a girl's worst nightmare!! Anyhow, if it wasn't for my friend I would probably still be in there now trying to untangle myself - all because of nerves!! Make the most of it - remember to wave to your friends and family who have come to watch you as you get up on the stage. Oh and BREATHE!! It's a great time yet I got so nervous - no need - have fun." - Taz Moores

4. Make A Day Of It

Philip Hartley

"Invite family down and make a day of it in Bournemouth with your loved ones. We booked a restaurant for lunch and it was an ideal way to decompress after all the excitement and look at photos etc. Still remember it fondly 15 years on." - James Farrow

5. Safety Pins

Philip Hartley

"Safety pins to hold the gown in place nicely. (And don’t worry if you accidentally leave your graduation outfit at home in Lincolnshire - nobody notices! (Just make sure you have your party gear for the Ball!)." - Frances Gentry

6. Get Some Photos Before Throwing Your Hat In The Air

Philip Hartley

"Get photos of you in your hat and gown before you throw hats in the air." - Richard Banham

7. Get Some Pictures By The Beach

Philip Hartley

"I wish I'd known that I could head down to the beach to get some photos once I had my gown on. Didn't realise you could leave the BIC, and so all my photos have just have a road full of traffic in the background. Not quite so scenic...!!" - Emma Matthews

8. Get That Selfie

Philip Hartley

"Make sure you don't forget to have a selfie in your gown on Bournemouth Beach on Graduation Day!" - Matthew Liam O'Connor

9. Don't Drink Too Much

Philip Hartley

"Don’t have a couple of pints beforehand without nipping to the loo. Nearly wet myself." - Tom Hassan

10. The Money Shot

Philip Hartley

"Enjoy it and embellish the day. You won’t get another occasion like it ever again. Also make sure you get a pic of the beach/pier with you in your gown - great pic to look back on." Richie Tulloch