If you’re reading this, I’m going to assume you are nearing the time of throwing your graduation hat up in the air – and well done you! You no longer have to endure the sweltering hot seat searching in the Sydney Jones during exam season. That is providing you’re not doing a panic Master’s or a last minute PhD situation. I’m sending the best vibes your way if that’s the case.
Either way, your graduation day is such an iconic moment in your university journey, even if it does mark the end of your time spent in education for literally, the rest of your life. It’s important to make the most of the big day, so if you’re looking for inspiration on how to spend it, then we’ve got you covered. From boozy bar crawls with your mates, to fancy dinners, paid for by your parents, there’s something for everyone, even if it means going to The Raz for your final night out and leaving with soggy jeans, again.
Go on one final night out
I hope this goes without saying, but please refrain from doing this the night before your graduation. I can’t speak from experience, but sitting in an overcrowded cathedral with a raging hangover doesn’t seem like the best idea. This being said, it’s still important to give Liverpool one final send off and visit all your fav spots, be it The Raz, Concert Square or 24 Kitchen Street. And don’t forget to end the night at your favourite takeaway space – Gourmet Grill will miss you just as much as you’ll miss it.
Try a Liverpool bar crawl
Organise a date with friends to go around all your favourite pubs and bars in the city. You could even do this as a pres to your night out. If you live in Smithdown, start at The Brookhouse for all the second year nostalgia, and stop off at Black Cat, Kelly’s and Willowbank Tavern on your way down. Don’t forget to send your condolences to Frank’s Bar too, RIP guys.
Then hop on the 699 one last time, and get on a bus to university, so you can go to The Sphinx and AJ for cheap pints and a bit of reminiscing. Walk into town via The Pilgrim and The Grapes, and, if you’re still standing by this point, start downing some pints in all your favourite nostalgic pubs. Check for local graduation deals, as All Bar One provides a complimentary Aperol Spritz or glass of fizz for graduates, which is always a win. Depending on whether your parents are big drinkers or not, you could even bring them along and make them meet your friends’ parents for the ultimate crossover episode.
Treat yourself to a fancy meal
Speaking of parents, as it’s your special day, book a fancy restaurant – providing the bank of mum and dad will pull through. There’s a range of lovely places from different price ranges, such as Hafla Hafla on Lark Lane, Belzan on Smithdown Road or Nord on Old Hall Street. Or, if those places don’t float your boat, a few different spots in Liverpool are doing promotional deals for students on their graduation day, such as Gaucho, Browns, Wreckfish Bistro and Miller and Carter. This might be your last opportunity for student freebies and deals, so be sure to grab them!
Throw a giant farewell party
This might be difficult, because if you’re not staying in Liverpool, then your final ever student house tenancy has probably run out. However, if you have friends in the year below, or friends staying on for a summer job, perhaps you could persuade them to host a graduation party. You could make it themed, and have everyone dress up as their course, or dream job! You’re likely to have received lots of boozy gifts for graduating, so use them to your advantage and have a final farewell.
Give a spa day a go, or even a pre-grad self care sesh
Whether it be with your girl group, your mum or a special figure in your life, Liverpool has a lovely selection of spas, all at different price ranges. I’d be surprised if you haven’t heard about Wyld Sauna, seeing as it’s always plastered over everyones socials. If taking a dip in the docks isn’t your vibe, or if you don’t fancy a spa day, host a girls night stayover at your fanciest friend’s student house and have a wholesome pre-grad self care evening. It’ll be a bittersweet memory to look back on as your final night spent yapping on the sofa until the early hours.
Pay one last visit to Liverpool’s best museums
Tick off all the spots that you’ve had on your student bucket list and finally go to that museum you said you would visit in your first year. Liverpool is a city with an important culture which is easy to forget to learn about when you’re stuck in a student bubble. This is a great activity to do with family or your friends, and normally always relatively easy on the old student budget. Spend time on the docks, get an ice cream and remember to take lots of pics. At least then you can convince your parents you did important cultural activities that aren’t just necking pints in haunted pubs around the city.
Go and check in on your first year flat
This one is for my sentimental folks, but gather your first year flatmates (the ones you still speak to) and visit first year flat. Even if you can only stand outside and peer through your old kitchen window, it’s a wholesome final gathering for your OG pals to look back on years of memories. Combine this with the pub, and you’ve got a whole afternoon’s plan! What’s a better way to celebrate your graduation with a full circle moment, and reminiscing over iconic moments, like nearly burning your flat down?
The weeks before graduation can feel a bit emosh, but embrace the sentimental side of you and make the most of your final few moments in the city you’ve been so privileged to call home. Taking a trip back to The Raz as a 20 something year old won’t hit the same as that first visit as a silly little fresh. What an end of an era.
