How To Make the Most of Your Finals Weekend Experience

May 14, 2024 By Jane Kelly, jak4g@virginia.edu Jane Kelly, jak4g@virginia.edu

Saturday and Sunday, the University of Virginia will host nearly 40,000 celebrants for the Class of 2024’s Final Exercises.

UVA will award 7,616 degrees to undergraduate and graduate students in the class over those two days. Of those, 4,394 are baccalaureate degrees. Fun facts: The oldest graduate is 71, while six 19-year-olds are the youngest members of the Class of 2024.

UVA Today has compiled a list of “do’s” and “don’ts” to make the weekend enjoyable for each and every guest.

Don’t wait to download your electronic ticket for the Lawn ceremonies, UVA’s main graduation events.

Do take advantage of complimentary parking at

Illustration with an arrow coming from Scott Stadium to a car to John Paul Jones Arena

Scott Stadium,

the Emmet/Ivy Parking Garage

or John Paul Jones Arena, where there will also be free shuttle services.

Don’t release balloons into the sky.

Illustration of balloons being released into the air

It’s against the law. Do donate them to UVA Health Children’s after the ceremony.

Do arrive at the Lawn early for first-come, first-served seating on either Saturday or Sunday.

Illustration of a graduate looking at their watch and saying Don't be late!

Entrances open at 7 a.m. Students will begin processing promptly at 9 a.m.

Do celebrate your new graduate!

Illustration of three graduates celebrating together with balloons in hand and caps in the air

Media Contact

Jane Kelly

University News Senior Associate Office of University Communications