Gown Hire

Do I have to wear a gown, hood and mortar board?

Yes, all graduating students attending the Graduation ceremony will be required to wear academic robes (gown, cap/mortar board and hood) of the University of Essex appropriate to the degree being conferred.  Please arrange to hire robes from Ede & Ravenscroft (see details below). 

How do I get a gown, hood and mortar board? 

You can book to hire your academic robe from Ede & Ravenscroft from 3 May 2012.  Hire online and save £5.

We strongly advise you to book your gown in advance as the price is higher if you purchase a gown on the day of Graduation.

• online at: http://www.gownhire.co.uk

• by phone (from 3 May) on Tel: 01223 861854 (Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm), online or by phone. 

The cost of gown hire is set by Ede & Ravenscroft.  The prices for 2012 are shown below.

What colour will my gown be?

The award you receive will determine the type of gown, hood and mortar board or cap that your will wear.  View photographs of the different types of gowns or for further details please refer to the Ede and Ravenscroft website. 

What should I wear underneath my gown?

All graduating students are required to wear the University of Essex academic robes.   The dress code for Graduation is smart/formal.  For gentlemen this should be a shirt, tie, smart trousers and shoes (not trainers).  For ladies we recommend blouses, skirts, trousers, or formal dresses and shoes, or smart sandals (not casual flip-flops or mules).  International students who would like to wear their own national dress are very welcome to do so.  Please note denim should not be worn.  Any graduand who does not comply with the dress code may not be admitted to the ceremony. 

On the day of Graduation you may find that it takes time to become familiar with wearing your gown, hood and cap/mortar board, therefore, it is important that the rest of your clothing and footwear are comfortable.  During the ceremony you will be required to walk up and down stairs within the Ivor Crewe Lecture Hall to be presented to the Chancellor (see The Ceremony).  So we strongly recommend that you wear comfortable footwear.  If you will be wearing high heels, please ensure that you feel confident wearing them in order to walk up and down stairs.

Can I wear the national dress of my country of birth?

Yes, but you must also wear the gown, hood and cap/mortar board on top.

Is there a dress code for guests?

Yes, guests should wear smart/formal dress, suitable for the occasion.

Where and when do I collect and return my gown, cap/mortar board and hood?

All academic robes will be available for collection from LTB 7 on the day of your Graduation ceremony.  Your gown will be available to collect 1-2 hours before your ceremony. 

The opening times are as follows:

Where and when do I return my gown?

All academic robes must be returned on the day of your Graduation to LTB 2 by 7.45pm.  Please note that if you do not return your robes you may be charged by Ede & Ravenscroft.