Venue, travel and security

The Octagon Centre has wheelchair access, disabled toilet facilities and a lift. Wheelchair users and guests with mobility requirements will be allocated special seating providing the Events Team are advised of requirements when you register.

Special access to the platform can be arranged for graduands who are wheelchair users, however, we do need to be notified of this requirement well in advance of the ceremony to make special arrangements. Please notify us of any special seating arrangements for yourself or your guests when you register for graduation.

If you require the loan of a wheelchair for the day, your local British Red Cross Association can assist.

Travel

We strongly advise that your guests do not bring a car to the Octagon Centre. Parking is extremely limited and graduation ceremonies take place on working days for University staff and others in the area. Sheffield has an excellent public transport system that we recommend you take advantage of. However you are travelling, we advise you to allow extra journey time so any unforeseen delays do not result in you arriving late or missing your ceremony. Map and travel advice can be found here.

Full address of the venue:
Convocation Hall, Octagon Centre
University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield, S10 2TN

Park and ride

Supertram park and ride is a very convenient way for visitors arriving by car to travel to the University without having to drive through the city centre and find somewhere to park. For further information on this service, please see our Supertram Park and Ride webpage and also the Stagecoach Supertram web pages. 

Parking

Limited parking is available on Campus at the QPark Durham Road site. Please note that this car park serves the University and two local hospitals so spaces cannot be guaranteed.

We advise parking on the edge of Campus at the QPark Rockingham Site if you do need to drive.

A map detailing all the car parks in the city centre can be found here.

If parking on the roads in the vicinity, please remember that traffic wardens patrol the area regularly. Parking spaces cannot be guaranteed so leave plenty of time if you must bring a car.

Due to the limited amount of space available, we regret that we are unable to allocate parking spaces for disabled graduands or guests. We recommend that anyone with limited mobility is dropped off at the Octagon Centre prior to parking the car. Campus Wardens on duty will assist blue badge holders if requested.

Traffic

Sheffield is a large city and like most cities in the UK, does experience heavy traffic at peak times. We advise anyone travelling by car to ensure they take this into consideration when planning their journey and to always allow extra travel time.

We also advise that you check with the Highways Agency for advice regarding traffic disruption on motorways and trunk roads, prior to setting off.

Security

The safety and security of visitors at the university is our highest priority. We therefore have security procedures in place:

• A search regime will be in place and all bags will be searched. No bag larger than a small handbag will be allowed into the building. Please do not bring large bags or suitcases to the Octagon Centre.
• There will be person searches on entry. Please be assured that the male and female staff conducting them are trained in-person searches and will conduct them appropriately and with dignity.
• Alcohol is not permitted in the Octagon Centre and anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol will not be permitted entry.
• Please arrive as near as possible to the published opening times. Please bear in mind that you will need to arrive, robed, at the published time for your ceremony. Graduands will be given priority access to the Octagon Centre.

We would ask that guests be patient and understand that security procedures may impact queue times.