Volunteer

Volunteer at graduation this October!

Commemoration Day 2026 will be held on Wednesday 21 October.

Volunteer registration is open now! Come register on our volunteer portal!

Imperial College London graduations are amongst the largest graduations in Europe! Our graduation days are special occasions for students, staff and graduands across all networks and faculties to get together and celebrate our achievements as an institution.

Join us as a volunteer to learn new skills, meet new people and be part of a fantastic team at one of Imperial's most prestigious events!

‘Made new friends and it was really joyful to see families from around the world celebrating this special moment that is graduation.’ – previous volunteer

Why volunteer?

• Flexible times - Whether you're an early bird, have childcare responsibilities, or need to attend classes, we’ve got a shift that fits around you.
• Open to everyone - Whether you work or study at Imperial, both staff and students are welcome to volunteer at this institution wide celebration.
• Meet new people - This isn’t your usual crew and that’s the best part! You’ll team up with people from across all our campuses, share stories, swap skills, and even make a few unexpected friends!
• Rewarding - You’re not just giving your time, you’re gaining real-world experience, leadership credentials, and the kind of confidence that comes from making things happen. Plus, your future self (and your CV) will love you for it.
• Good for your head and heart - Volunteering isn’t just generous; it’s scientifically proven to lift your mood, calm your mind, and give you a stronger sense of purpose.
• Benefits:
  • Free lunch, free drink, and free snacks on the day.
  • A volunteer recognition certificate.
  • A prize draw – Get a chance to win an Afternoon Tea for two at the Royal Albert Hall! (link to T+Cs will be added)
  • A Volunteer Thank You event with refreshments on Wednesday 4 November 2026. 

‘Everything worked brilliantly, lots of useful information in the briefings and on the day and great people to work with. It was also very well organised, the timings worked perfectly for everyone to enjoy their days more.’ – previous volunteer

Volunteer Roles

There are a variety of volunteer roles available for a range of different skill sets; each are vital to creating a positive experience for graduands and their guests. You can view the various shift times available that suit you.

• Experience Guides - you get people to the right place at the right time. Whether guiding guests as a Pathfinder, facilitating photo experiences at peak locations, or coordinating booklets and managing crowd flows at the Royal Albert Hall, you ensure every interaction is smooth, welcoming, and engaging. These roles are continually active, requiring you to be on your feet a lot both indoors and outdoors. 
• Info Wizards - you give guidance and answer questions for guests, graduands, and staff at a designated information desk. You provide information about the schedule of the day and assist with any queries that might come up. This role is predominantly seated.
• Support Heroes - you play a vital role in the success of the event, jumping in wherever support is needed and handling a range of tasks to keep the event running smoothly.
• Staff Superstars - you are dedicated members  of Imperial staff in critical roles. From leading other volunteers to managing data, you help to ensure the event runs seamlessly.
• Royal Albert Hall Stewards - you are members of Imperial’s staff who provide support at the Royal Albert Hall. 

‘I totally enjoyed volunteering and directing people to their destinations and even helping to take lovely pictures, and just smiling at the graduands and their families. Such a fulfilling activity. I am happy and glad to be a part of this event.’ – previous volunteer

Prior to the event, all volunteers will be invited to a briefing session. You will be provided with a detailed briefing pack and volunteer guide. On the day, you will be fully supported throughout your shift and have direct contact with the team and Team Leaders via WhatsApp.

Check out our information leaflet for more guidance. Discover what volunteering is like through the stories of our past volunteers.

If you have any questions about volunteering for graduation, please contact Jessica Leung at graduationvolunteers@imperial.ac.uk.

We look forward to having you on our team!