Graduation and hot weather: staying comfortable on your special day

We are looking forward to welcoming our graduands and guests to campus for this year’s Summer Degree Congregations (7-15 July 2026).

The Met Office is forecasting hot weather covering Birmingham and the wider region this week so please check your travel arrangements and allow extra time for your journey, especially if you are travelling by public transport. Give yourself plenty of time to arrive, collect tickets and robes, and make your way to the congregation.

We’re bringing in additional fans to the Great Hall where the congregations take place and staff will be on hand to suggest shadier areas to stay cool and refill stations to remain hydrated while on campus.

To help keep cool on the day, we recommend that you:

• Bring a bottle of water with you and drink regularly throughout the day. There are also places on campus where you can top up your water bottle.
• Consider bringing a small handheld fan.
• Wear light, comfortable clothing underneath academic dress if you choose to wear it.
• Use sunscreen and consider bringing sunglasses or a hat for time spent outside.
• Spend time in the shade where possible, especially during the hottest part of the day.
• Make use of cooler indoor spaces on campus where available. We will signpost shaded areas and cooler spaces on the day.
• Check in with your guests who may be more affected by hot weather, including older guests, young children, pregnant guests, or those with a health condition.
• Speak to a member of staff if you or one of your guests feels unwell or needs support.

We know graduation is a very important day for you, your families and friends, and we are doing everything we can to make sure you are still able to celebrate and enjoy the occasion.

If you're no longer able to make your ceremony, please contact the graduation team at graduation@contacts.bham.ac.uk, who can let you know your options.