University of London graduation gowns

The phrase “University of London” sounds simple, but graduation planning can get weirdly complicated, fast. Different member institutions, different ceremony setups, different wording in emails… and suddenly you’re staring at your screen thinking, “So which graduation gown do I actually need?”

If you’re searching for University of London graduation gowns, you’re here for one thing: the right outfit, delivered to your door, with a process that doesn’t add stress to an already busy season.

That’s what this page is for. Clear choices, tidy language, and no drama.

First things first: hire or buy?

You’ve got two solid routes. Both are normal. Both get you ceremony-ready.

Option 1: University of London gown hire

If you want to wear your graduation gown for the ceremony and return it afterwards, choose University of London gown hire.

Hiring makes sense if:

• You only need the outfit for one day

• You want a predictable cost

• You don’t want to store a gown afterwards

• You’re travelling in and out of London for the ceremony

It’s the “sorted, worn, returned” option. Practical. Popular. Easy.

Option 2: buy University of London graduation gown

If you want to keep your set (or you just prefer owning your own kit), go with buy University of London graduation gown.

Buying suits you if:

• You want a keepsake

• You like the idea of extra photos later

• You don’t want to think about returns after a long day

• You want your outfit locked in, with no extra steps

Here’s a mild contradiction that’s still true: buying can feel like a bigger commitment, but it often feels simpler. Once it arrives, that’s one job ticked off.

What’s in the University of London graduation outfit?

Most graduates are looking for a complete academic dress set, which usually means:

• The graduation gown

• The correct hood for your award level (where required)

• A cap (often a mortarboard)

And yes, people call this by different names. You’ll hear “robes”, “cap and gown”, “full set”, “academic dress”… same end goal: correct graduation gowns for your ceremony.

The bits people forget (and then regret at 11 pm)

This is the classic list:

• Ordering the graduation gown but forgetting the cap

• Not checking whether a hood is needed

• Not trying it on until the night before

• Wearing something underneath that bunches up or feels awkward

Honestly, a five-minute try-on when your outfit arrives fixes most problems before they start.

“University of London” is broad (here’s how to avoid a mismatch)

Here’s the thing: “University of London” can refer to a central awarding body, but many graduates also come from member institutions that have their own graduation arrangements. So the smart move is to match what your graduation instructions say, not just the headline name.

A simple rule:

• Follow the wording in your graduation email or ceremony guide

• If it mentions a specific institution, award, or dress code, match to that

If you’re on this page, you’re already doing the right thing by starting with University of London as your base and selecting the correct graduation gown option for your ceremony.

Need individual items? That’s normal

Not everyone needs a full set. Maybe you’ve got a cap already. Maybe you’re borrowing part of the outfit. Maybe you just need to replace one missing piece.

That’s where UoL cap and gown comes in. It’s handy if:

• You only need a cap or hood

• You’re replacing one item

• You want to build your set in a flexible way

You know what? This is one of those times where being sensible is the clever option. If one item fixes it, go with UoL cap and gown and move on.

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

If you’ve searched for University of London graduation robes, you’re using the everyday term most people use. “Robes” is just a quick way to describe the whole look.

If you’ve searched UoL cap and gown, you’re using the shortcut phrase people remember from films and photos. Same conversation, different wording.

Either way, the goal is still the right graduation gowns for your ceremony.

Sizing and fit (keep it simple)

Sizing worries are normal because photos are forever. Family will zoom in. Friends will post the group shot. Someone will print one. No pressure.

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

A good graduation gown fit should:

• Sit comfortably on your shoulders

• Allow easy walking and sitting

• Fall to a sensible length

If you’re between sizes, comfort tends to win. The best-looking graduation gowns are the ones you stop noticing once you’re in the moment.

Delivery and timing (the part parents care about too)

Graduation season is always busy. Deadlines sneak up, group chats go wild, and suddenly everyone’s asking, “Have you ordered your graduation gown yet?”

Getting your outfit delivered ahead of time means you can:

• Try it on properly

• Check you have all the pieces

• Sort any issues early

Parents and partners often pay, and they usually want the same thing you do: clarity, reliability, and no last-minute surprises.

If you’re late to ordering, keep it clean:

• Prioritise the main set

• Don’t overcomplicate extras

• Try it on the moment it arrives

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

You don’t need a brand new outfit. 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 up under the robe

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

Small tip: if you’re wearing a cap and the weather’s doing its usual UK thing, hairpins are your friend.

Photo tips that actually help

Graduation photos are basically a second ceremony. People rush them, then wish they hadn’t.

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

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

It’s not about being perfect. It’s about looking relaxed and looking like yourself.

FAQs (quick answers, no waffle)

What are University of London graduation gowns?

They’re the academic dress outfits worn for University of London-related ceremonies, usually built around a graduation gown plus the right pieces for your award level.

Can I hire instead of buying?

Yes. Choose University of London gown hire if you want a hire-and-return option.

Can I buy my set?

Yes. Choose buy University of London graduation gown if you want to keep your outfit.

I only need one item. Where do I go?

Use UoL cap and gown for individual pieces like a cap or hood.

“Robes” is what I searched. Is that the same thing?

Pretty much. If you searched University of London graduation robes, you’re still aiming for the correct graduation gowns look for your ceremony.

When should I order?

Early enough to try everything on at home. Leaving it to the final week is a gamble, and graduation day is not the day for gambles.

Ready to get it sorted?

If you’re looking for University of London graduation gowns, start with the simplest decision:

• Go with University of London gown hire if you want to wear and return

• Go with buy University of London graduation gown if you want to keep your set

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

Get your graduation gown delivered, do a quick try-on, and then focus on the good bit: celebrating what you’ve earned.