Grad Ball is a charity fundraising event for SUSU - Charity Number: 1148689 registered in England & Wales. The proceeds from this event will be used to create a better Southampton University Students' Union
Grad Ball 2026
As the academic year comes to a close, it’s time to celebrate your incredible achievements and toast to the unforgettable journey you’ve had at university!
Join us for Grad Ball 2026 on Saturday, 06 June, from 19:00 – 02:00, where an evening of glamour, excitement, and celebration awaits.
This year’s Grad Ball promises to be more spectacular than ever! Don’t miss your chance to dance the night away, create lasting memories, and celebrate in true style.
Prices
| Release date | Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 23 February | Early Bird | £24 |
| Monday 16 March | General Release | £29 |
| Monday 27 April | Final Release | £34 |
Important Information
What time do I need to arrive?
Doors open at 19:00 and last entry is 00:30, so make sure you arrive in good time!
What do I need to bring with me?
Please bring your digital Grad Ball ticket and student ID. If you have a guest with you, they will need their digital Grad Ball ticket, a valid age ID, and you will need to arrive at the same time as the person you are accompanying, as they will need to sign you in upon arrival. All our venues are cashless, so make sure you have a card or phone to pay with.
Where is Grad Ball taking place, and where is the entry point?
Grad Ball is at SUSU Building 40 & 42 on Highfield Campus. Entrance will be around Redbrick, exact location to be communicated closer to the time.
Can I bring a guest?
Once all final year students have had the opportunity to purchase a ticket, we will open up the availability to guest tickets. Students will need to book the second ticket under their account and provide contact details on the day of the guest. Students who require a carer, please email suevents@soton.ac.uk to arrange an additional ticket for the carer.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code is ‘Dress to Impress’, but wear whatever you feel comfortable in. Summer dresses, suits, tuxedos – whatever suits you!
Is there a cloakroom?
Yes, there will be a cloakroom available. More information about the location will be shared at a later date.
Accessibility
All levels areas of the venue have step-free access available. Disabled toilets are Level 4 (Entry Level) of Building 42, with lifts to access all floors. A First Aid and Wellbeing Room will be available, location to be confirmed at a later date.
What food is available?
Food will be available at Grad Ball. You will need to purchase a Food Ticket.
This year, you can purchase an £8 Food Ticket to enjoy a tasty hot meal at the event. Food options will include items such as pizza, loaded fries, and more. There will also be gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available. Specific menu options will be confirmed closer to the event.
You will receive your food voucher upon entry, and will need to show this to redeem your meal. One voucher per student and/or guest.
What is a food ticket?
This year, you can purchase an £8 Food Ticket to enjoy a tasty hot meal at the event. Food options will include items such as pizza, loaded fries, and more. There will also be gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available. Specific menu options will be confirmed closer to the event.
You will receive your food voucher upon entry, and will need to show this to redeem your meal. One voucher per student and/or guest.
Can I leave Grad Ball and come back later?
There are plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy at Grad Ball, so hopefully you will not need to leave and re-enter this event. However, if you do need to leave the event and come back, please talk to one of our Event Staff who will be happy to help you. There is no return after 00:30.
I don't have a ticket, can I buy entry on the door?
If there are still tickets available at the time of the event, then you will be able to purchase a ticket for Grad Ball before the last entry through Box Office (online).
However, this event is very popular and is likely to sell out. Make sure you get your ticket to secure your place.
What should I not bring?
Do not bring your own food, drink or alcohol; illegal drugs; potential weapons of any kind; any item that an authorised person considers dangerous, hazardous and/or illegal, or that may compromise or otherwise interfere with the enjoyment, comfort or safety of (or pose a hazard to) any person or security at the venue.
What time does Grad Ball finish?
Grad Ball ends at 02:00.
Will the Safety Bus be running?
Yes, the Safety Bus will be running. More information will be shared at a later date.
Lost Property
Lost property will be handed to the cloakroom throughout the night, and available to collect from Reception in Building 42 the following week.
Smoking/Vaping
Smoking/vaping is only allowed in the designated areas of the event – not anywhere inside Building 40 or 42.
Cup Levy
Having previously been implemented and being a success, we will be proceeding with this initiative again his year
The Cup Levy Scheme is a sustainability initiative aimed at reducing reusable cup waste at Grad Ball. It was successfully introduced last year and will be in place again this year. This initiative helps reduce waste and promotes a more sustainable approach to events. Your participation really makes a difference!
How does it work?
- When you purchase your first drink, a £1 levy will be added to the price.
- Keep your cup and return it to the bar when ordering another drink to avoid paying the levy again.
What can I do with my cup at the end of the night?
You have two options:
- Take it home as a keepsake.
- Trade it for a souvenir at the exit of Grad Ball.
Flash Warning
Warning: Strobe lighting will be used at this event in The Cube.
Based on your feedback, we have tried to keep ticket prices as low as possible for Grad Ball 2024. As you can see by the breakdown below, last year a large portion of the event spend was on free food and drink and event theming. By removing these elements, we hope that the event is accessible to even more people than before!
Grad Ball 2023 ticket prices were:
Early Bird: £30 + booking fee
General Release: £35 + booking fee
Final Release: £40 + booking fee.