Graduation at Nottingham Law School: a student’s perspective
Graduation is more than a ceremony, it’s a moment that captures years of effort, resilience, and growth. For students at Nottingham Law School, the July 2025 graduation was a deeply personal and emotional milestone, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of countless new ones. Held on 28th July, the event was filled with proud families, emotional speeches, and the shared joy of achievement.
Published on 8 August 2025
In this article, two recent Nottingham Law School graduates, Harry Barnett and Aleksandra Szostak, reflect on their experiences of the day, from the nerves and excitement of donning cap and gown, to the honour of delivering the Student Vote of Thanks. Their unique perspectives offer a powerful glimpse into what makes graduation at Nottingham Law School so memorable: a blend of tradition, gratitude, and the unshakable bonds formed along the way.
Aleksandra Szostak, LLB
Graduation. A long-awaited special day marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another one. A special day in which we get to reflect on and celebrate our achievements, alongside our loved ones.
Shortly after finding out that my graduation day was going to fall on Monday 28th July at 14:00, and the excitement starting to build up, I received a call from Deputy Dean of Nottingham Law School, Matthew Homewood, asking whether I would accept the offer of delivering the Student Vote of Thanks at my ceremony. Honoured is not enough of a word to explain how I felt to accept the offer.
I spent the next few weeks writing my Vote of Thanks speech and perfecting it, ready for the big day. I was able to invite my parents, brother and boyfriend to the ceremony to witness a day that summarised thousands of hours of lectures, seminars, volunteering, writing assignments, extracurriculars in a perfect way. Through my Vote of Thanks, I was able to show my appreciation for all the teaching and other staff at Nottingham Law School, the staff at NLS Legal who I have worked closely with over two years, the staff and council members involved with the Mooter’s Guild, and the wider staff at Nottingham Trent University. I was also able to thank family, carers, friends and significant others for their never-ending support and understanding. Through the live-stream, other family members and friends both in England and Poland, were able to share this moment with me.
To see the pride and joy in my loved ones’ faces as I walked the stage and gave the Vote of Thanks made every part of my degree and all of the hard work put it worthwhile. It was a blessing to have them there and thank them for everything they have sacrificed for me and all of the ways in which they helped me throughout my degree. It is a memory that will stay with me forever and the best way in which I could have ended and celebrated my graduation.
Harry Barnett, LLB
On 28th July 2025, I graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a 2:1 grade in my Law LLB. The day marked the conclusion of three years of hard work, new connections, and unforgettable experiences.
The day started, after a short train ride from Leicester, as we arrived in the Newton building. I collected my tickets, and had my cap and gown fitted by the robing team, there to promptly address any fashion faux pas!
The ceremony began with an academic procession, featuring senior members of the university and Nottingham Law School’s leadership team. Soundtracked by the talented performers of NTU's music department, this element of pomp and tradition allowed the gravity of the occasion to at last sink in.
Then came the main body of the ceremony, where each graduate had the chance to shine. As each of our names were read out, thunderous applause filled the hall. Cheers greeted each and every person who walked across the stage. A particularly memorable and amusing moment came when an excited parent sprinted headfirst down the aisle of University Hall to embrace his daughter!
In addition to walking the stage during the ceremony, I had the honour of delivering the student vote of thanks on behalf of my graduating cohort. In my speech, I was able to reflect on the value of embracing new opportunities and asking ourselves ‘why not?’. I also expressed gratitude for the invaluable support those around the graduating cohort had provided over the course of our studies. I hope I made my fellow graduates proud with my remarks!
As our cohort separated, we talked about our future plans and vowed to keep in touch and reminisce about our time as undergraduates at NTU. I would encourage all graduates, this year and in future, to take advantage of the day, and make lasting memories with their friends and families.
