From Lecture Halls to the Stage: Celebrating King’s Winter Graduates

Between 14-23 January 2026, King’s marked a major milestone for the Class of 2025, as more than 6,200 students crossed the stage during 14 graduation ceremonies held at the Royal Festival Hall. Over seven days, graduates from across the university celebrated the completion of their degrees, joining King’s global alumni community of more than 280,000 worldwide.

Attending one of the winter graduation ceremonies, it was impossible not to feel the sense of achievement in the room. The atmosphere was celebratory and emotional in equal measure – proud families filling the seats, graduates adjusted their gowns and every name announced was met with cheers and applause. It felt like a moment of pause: a chance to reflect on years of hard work, growth and perseverance before stepping into what comes next.

To capture what graduation truly means to those reaching the finish line, I spoke to graduates from different courses about their King’s highlights, advice for current students and plans for the future.

Miriam, International Marketing

For Miriam, her defining feature of her time at King’s was the people she met along the way.

'Meeting so many people has been the best part – the friendships you make really shape your whole experience.'

And when it comes to advice:

'Enjoy London as much as you can. University flies by, so make the most of the city while you’re here.'

Eban, Corporate Finance

For Eban, the biggest takeaway was how university prepares you for life beyond it.

'Gaining work experience through internships really stood out. It helped turn what we learn in class into real, practical experience.'

He also stressed the importance of staying on top of things early on.

'Study in advance and stay organised so you don’t suffer later. Getting involved in competitions and internships makes a huge difference.'

Lulu and Dini, Human Resources

For Human Resources graduates Lulu and Dini, putting yourself out there made all the difference. Their friendship started in an unexpected way – after Dini heard Lulu’s grumbling belly, she brought her an apple to the lecture the next day!

'Don’t be shy – talk to people. If you’re lost, chances are someone else is too.'

Standing at the ceremony, everything suddenly felt real.

'It’s surreal seeing everyone together after a couple months apart and the speeches are so heartwarming to listen too.'

Both are heading into work and starting new jobs after graduation.

Elisa, Corporate Finance

Elisa spoke about how much of university life happens outside the lecture theatre.

'The people you meet, and the time you spend together after classes – those are the moments you remember most.'

Her advice:

'Talk to anyone – you never know who you’ll end up becoming close with.'

Mohamed, Cyber Security

Mohamed highlighted the friendships that shaped his experience.

'The friendships you make – especially the outings after lectures. Exploring places near campus like Covent Garden together made the experience really memorable.'

His advice echoes a common theme across graduates.

'Start early and don’t leave things until the last day. It saves a lot of stress.'

Final thoughts…

Watching graduates cross the stage, it was hard not to reflect on what university is really about. Beyond the friendships and experiences, graduation is the moment where all the effort pays off – proof that the long nights, pressure and perseverance lead somewhere meaningful. For students still working towards that goal, the message from King’s winter graduates is simple: keep going! The finish line is closer than it feels.

Graduating this summer?

Make sure your personal details are up to date in Student Records. Graduation invitations will soon be sent out in April to eligible students, so it’s important that you make sure your personal email address listed on your Student Record and your home address is correct, so we know where to send your certificate.

See How do I update my contact details on my student record? on Student Services Online.