Welcome back for the final post in my Surviving Graduation blog post series!
In this series I’ve discussed habits for new graduates and how to job hunt like a pro. I’ve really enjoyed discussing the issues facing new graduates at this time of year- tackling those big questions that can seem so daunting after you finish your degree, especially during these difficult times.
But today I wanted to talk about the fun thing about finishing your degree- graduation! Unfortunately, I didn’t get a graduation due to covid restrictions- and I know a lot of students are in the same position this year too.
So, I’ve come up with 10 unique, inventive ways to celebrate your graduation- without needing the formal ceremony, and all of them fun and exciting ways to commemorate this important time in your life!
Cook your favourite meal
It might sound basic, but cooking your favourite meal is the perfect unique way to celebrate graduation. Whether it’s ordering a pizza or cooking a delicious home-cooked meal- treat yourself!
De-stress
When you’ve just finished a degree it’s sometimes easy to forget just how amazing that is! You’ve put in a lot of work- and you need to come down from any exam stress. Take time to do whatever relaxes you when you’ve just graduated.
Go for a day trip
If you’ve spent all your time working and writing for deadlines, you probably need to get away from your desk after graduation! Arrange a cute day trip somewhere to get a much-needed change of scenery.
Go to the pub
There’s nothing better than popping to the pub with family or friends to celebrate graduation. Toast your achievements and enjoy some quality pub time now that it’s possible to meet up with other households.
Get dancing!
With the clubs starting to open over the summer, celebrate your graduation with some dancing! There’s no better way to de-stress and it could be just what you need after studying, exams, and getting dreaded University results.
See your Uni friends
If you’ve been doing your final year from home, which is the case for many students, then one of the best ways to celebrate graduation is to be around like-minded students in the same position as you!
Visit your Uni friends and relive pre-covid University times.
Take “graduation” photos
This is an amazing way to celebrate graduation! Me and a friend took a few graduation photos outside the University of Sheffield as we couldn’t get to York, and this provided the perfect unique celebration of all my hard work in the previous 3 years.

Get some cocktails
I love toasting an accomplishment with a gorgeous cocktail! Celebrate graduation in style with your friends or family by going out for a few cocktails or to your favourite bar.
Frame your certificate
When you receive your University certificate, place it in a special place or frame it to celebrate graduation and show off your achievements.
Host a garden party
As we get into July, celebrate graduation with your friends and family with a fun BBQ, outdoor meeting, or garden party!
And that’s the end of my blog post series all about surviving graduation! Whether you’ve just started your degree or you’re looking for graduation tips as a current graduate- I hope this blog series has provided some help, some ideas, and a bit of fun!
What do you think of my unique ways to celebrate your graduation? Do you have any ideas for celebrating your graduation? Have you enjoyed reading this blog post series?
Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below š
Happy reading x
Love these suggestions. Although I didn’t graduation, I’m all for celebrating a special achievement. I think I’d usually opt for a nice meal out or a takeaway and movie night with a glass of wine! x
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Thank you š ah yes you definitely need to celebrate all achievements however you can! That sounds so chilled and lovely x
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Some brilliant ideas! I graduated 4 years ago and I definitely did quite a few of these things to unwind š
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Thank you Ellie, I love that you had chance to unwind x
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Good post! Itās important to celebrate your achievement even if itās a small one. This is part of self care and love. I like to take a break from hard work, going to cinemas, cook myself a special meal, and even reward myself with something special like a designer handbag. Hehehe.
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Thank you! Yes any life achievements deserve a celebration š that sounds lovely, and definitely what you need x
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Brilliant suggestions! Sounds like some lovely ways to celebrate x
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Thank you Caroline x
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Aw that’s lovely, such a great idea! Thank you x
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That’s such a good idea, to take some photos outside a university near you – it’s so sad that so many graduates have missed out on their proper college experiences, but I love your positive spin on things, Eleanor!
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Thank you Lisa š it was my friendās idea haha and weāre going to do the same for her graduation this year!
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I haven’t graduated yet. But just getting out of school for the summer means tons of day trips for me! I definitely want to try some of you other ideas too like having a fun photoshoot
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That’s fantastic, I hope you have a lovely graduation when you do x
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Oooh some super cute ideas here my lovely! Day trips sound perfect!
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Sometimes you just need to get away from it all x
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These are special ways to celebrate a graduation, I never went to uni so I didn’t experience a graduation, but I am all for celebrating any achievement! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
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Oh yes definitely, we need to celebrate all achievements š x
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These are all such great ideas for celebrating a graduation! Thanks for sharing this list!
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed x
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Love these suggestions! We went for a meal on mine. I was really hungover though so didn’t feel too great haha!
Corinne x
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Thank you š Haha, that sounds nice at least x
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Love all of these ideas! I never went to university, but I am always up to celebrate even the smallest of achievements! Going for a day trip and taking pictures sounds like fun ideas to do all together x
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Thank you! Me too, it’s important to celebrate everything š
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I’ve had two university graduations, the first I didn’t go to because it seemed like a waste of money and it was also my birthday, so I had better plans. But the second one I couldn’t go to due to the pandemic. I think as long as you do something fun with someone or a group of people that matter to you, then it doesn’t really matter what you do. That said, if you can, do a garden party
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Yes I agree, I still had a lovely time without the formal celebration š
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I couldn’t go to my graduation years ago due to illness and it made me really sad. Luckily, my boyfriend and family made it lovely. They got me dressed up in a posh bath robe and took photos of me throwing a hat. We went for a posh lunch and dinner and we drank lots of champagne!
Rosie
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Aw I love hearing other peopleās graduation stories, thatās so cute š thanks for sharing Rosie, Iām glad the people around you found a good way to help you celebrate x
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These are some really good suggestions to celebrate a graduation. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you Lauren x
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I love these suggestions to celebrate a graduation. When my brother graduated we had a family garden party and he also celebrated with his uni friends.
Sarah | http://www.aspoonfulofvanilla.co.uk
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Thatās a lovely idea š
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Yes definitely, there are so many ways to mark this achievement! Thank you so much, I understand not wanting to celebrate x
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These sound like amazing ways to celebrate your graduation! Thereās so many alternative ways to celebrate these days which I always find such fun. Thank you so much for sharing Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
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Thank you Elle! Yes I think so, and I think they work for any achievement in life too š
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Many congrats. Amazing ideas, garden party and day trip are my favourite..
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Thank you!
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Love these suggestions. When I graduated over 4 years ago, I went out for a meal with my family.
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That sounds lovely x
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What a lovely post and I love all of your suggestions, especially going out dancing xx
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Thank you Della x
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Aw, love these suggestions! I graduated in 2018 and after I had a meal with my family and did a road trip with my boyfriend (now husband)! It was super fun! These are all great suggestions for graduates having to change what they’d normally do because of on-again/off-again restrictions. Thanks for sharing, Eleanor! x
Lynn | http://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
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Aw that sounds so cute, perfect after you’ve been working so hard! Thank you so much š
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Love these suggestions! My fav is the day trip one. Itās brilliant to reward yourself after all the hard work put in. Great post xx
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Thank you Beth, yes I agree you need to celebrate however you can š x
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Brilliant ideas!!! It is the important day worth for big celebration. I’m one month due to graduate and already feel a bit jumpy for that. š Thanks a lot for these great ideas xx
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Thank you! That’s so exciting, congratulations x
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Great ideas!! I will graduate next year and I have so many exciting plans about it! The day trip sounds perfect. thanks for sharing! xx
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Ooh I hope you get chance to do everything youāve planned, thank you for your kind words xx
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A party is a great idea, especially if you can have it outside! Enjoy.
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Yes I think if you can do it outside to be even safer itās great x
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Wonderful ideas. Particularly after the year we’ve all had. I love the idea of focussing on our wins and celebrating life’s achievements. Sometimes a chilled event like a garden party or funny photos is the best way
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Thank you Emma š yes I think you really need to celebrate this past year, graduation or not!
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These are some great suggestions. This series has been an eye opener for me because I never went to university but I’ve learnt so much about surviving different aspects that I’d never thought about before.
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Fab ideas! I love the idea of a day trip and getting your fav meal, theyāre both definitely things which really help you celebrate and relax! Thanks for sharing x
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Yes definitely, sometimes you need that separation from your work that only a day trip can bring! Thank you x
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Thanks for sharing your unique ways of celebrating graduation. š
I like the idea of traveling, de-stressing, and eating your fave food.
Being a student in a university is definitely a daunting life esp. in my experience as I both work and study at the same time. At present, I am a graduate school student and consider your tips when I graduate soon.
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Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed my ideas š That must be very tough if you’re working as well, I found it hard enough with just studying!
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Great post! Graduation is an awfully long time ago
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Thank you! Definitely haha x
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