UCL graduation gowns

Graduation at UCL has a certain vibe. Central London energy, lots of photos, and that slightly surreal feeling of “wait… I actually did it?” And then, right on cue, you realise there’s one practical thing that makes the day work: getting your graduation gown sorted.

If you’re graduating from University College London, this page is built to make the outfit part easy. Pick the right graduation gowns option, get it delivered to your door, try it on at home, and turn up ready.

No queues. No awkward guessing. No last-minute panic.

Hire or buy? Two routes, both sensible

You’ve got two main options. Both are common. Both get you ceremony-ready. The “best” one depends on what you want after the photos are done.

Option 1: University College London gown hire

If you want the full outfit for the day and you’re happy to return it afterwards, go with University College London gown hire.

Hiring makes sense if:

• You only need the outfit for the ceremony

• You like predictable costs

• You don’t want to store a graduation gown afterwards

• You’re travelling, moving, or heading straight into work

It’s the “wear it, celebrate, return it” option. Simple, practical, and popular for a reason.

Option 2: buy UCL graduation gown

If you want to keep your set, choose buy UCL graduation gown.

Buying suits you if:

• You want a keepsake

• You want the freedom to do extra photos later

• You’d rather skip the return step after a long day

• You like owning your own set, full stop

Here’s a mild contradiction that’s still true: buying can feel like the bigger decision, but it can also feel calmer. Once it’s yours, it’s sorted. No return deadline hovering when you’re tired and your phone is full of group photos.

What’s in a UCL graduation outfit?

Most graduates need:

• The graduation gown (the main robe)

• The correct hood for your award (where required)

• A cap (often a mortarboard)

People use different words for the same thing. Some say “robes”. Some say “cap and gown”. Some say “the full set”. The goal is simple: correct graduation gowns for the day, with the right pieces for your level of study.

The bits people forget (because graduation brain is real)

Honestly, this happens every year:

• Ordering the graduation gown but leaving the cap too late

• Not checking whether a hood is needed

• Not trying everything on until the night before

• Wearing something underneath that bunches up and feels awkward

A simple fix: order early enough to do a proper try-on at home. Not months early. Just early enough that you’ve got breathing room.

“Robes”, “cap and gown”, “set”… what do people mean?

If you’ve been searching for UCL graduation robes, you’re usually describing the full academic dress look. “Robes” is the everyday word people use when they just want a quick answer.

And if you’ve searched “cap and gown”, you’re using the shortcut phrase most people know. That’s where UCL cap and gown comes in, because some grads need the full set and others only need one missing piece.

Only need one item? Totally normal

Maybe you already have a cap. Maybe you’re borrowing a robe. Maybe you hired before and now you’re buying, or the other way around.

That’s why UCL cap and gown exists. It’s ideal if:

• You only need a cap or hood

• You’re replacing a missing item

• You’re topping up your outfit without buying everything again

You know what? This is one of those “be sensible” moments. If you only need one piece, don’t overbuy.

Sizing and fit (the calm version)

Sizing can feel oddly stressful because graduation photos are forever. Family will zoom in. Mates will post it. Someone will print one. No pressure.

But gowns are forgiving. Start with height, then think about what you’ll wear underneath.

A good graduation gown fit should:

• Sit neatly on your shoulders

• Feel comfortable when you walk and sit

• Fall to a sensible length

If you’re between sizes, comfort usually wins. The best-looking graduation gowns are the ones you stop noticing after five minutes.

Delivery, deadlines, and returns (aka the reassurance section)

Graduation day in London moves fast. Travel plans, timings, meeting people, photos, food afterwards… it stacks up quickly. So getting your graduation gown delivered ahead of time is one of those “future you will thank you” decisions.

It means you can:

• Try it on properly

• Check you’ve got the right pieces

• Sort any issues early, not at the last minute

Parents and partners care about this too. If they’re paying, they usually want clarity and reliability. A smooth delivery-and-try-on process makes everyone calmer.

If you’re last-minute, here’s the survival plan:

• Choose the main set first

• Avoid overcomplicating extras

• Use a delivery address where you can receive parcels

• Try it on as soon as it arrives

Not glamorous. Works.

What to wear underneath (so you still feel like you)

You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. You need something neat that sits comfortably under your graduation gown.

Most people go for:

• Shirt and smart trousers, or a blouse and skirt

• A dress that doesn’t bunch under the robe

• Shoes you can stand and walk in for a couple of hours

Small tip that saves photos: if you’re wearing a cap and it’s breezy, hairpins help. Tiny detail, big difference.

Photo tips that take two minutes and pay off

Photos are the second job of graduation day. The first job is the ceremony. The second job is capturing it.

A few easy wins:

• Hang your graduation gown up when it arrives

• Do a quick mirror check for twists and folds

• Take one test photo at home (front and side)

• Place the cap slightly forward, not perched right at the back

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about looking comfortable and confident.

Why Churchill Gowns works well for UCL grads

Most grads want three things:

1. The right look for the ceremony

2. Clear pricing

3. A process that doesn’t steal their week

That’s the whole idea. Choose your UCL graduation gowns option, get it delivered, try it on at home, and show up ready.

FAQs (quick answers, no waffle)

What are UCL graduation gowns?

They’re the academic dress outfits worn for UCL ceremonies, typically built around a graduation gown and the matching pieces required for your award.

Can I hire instead of buying?

Yes. If you want the wear-and-return route, choose University College London gown hire.

Can I buy my set?

Absolutely. If you want to keep your outfit, go with buy UCL graduation gown.

I searched “cap and gown”. Where do I find individual items?

Use UCL cap and gown if you only need a cap, hood, or another single item.

I searched “robes”. Is that the same thing?

Pretty much. If you’re searching for UCL graduation robes, you’re still looking for the graduation gowns setup for your ceremony.

What if I’m between sizes?

Choose comfort. You’ll be wearing your graduation gown for hours, and comfort looks better than constant fidgeting.

How early should I order?

Early enough to try everything on at home. If you leave it until the last week, you’re betting your whole day on timings. Most people don’t want that.

Ready to get it sorted?

If you’re looking for UCL graduation gowns, start with the simple choice:

• Go with University College London gown hire if you want a hire-and-return option

• Choose buy UCL graduation gown if you want to keep your set

If you only need one item, head straight to UCL cap and gown.

Get your graduation gown delivered, try it on, and then focus on the good bit: celebrating what you’ve achieved.