Your graduation weekend can be one of the most exciting times for you and your family. Here are somethings to keep in mind to effectively plan for your big weekend!
What time are you graduating?
The Graduation Schedule provided will allow you to see what time your ceremony will be taking place so you can plan accordingly as far as when you and your family and friends should arrive at the Marano Campus Center.
What day should I arrive?
Most people decide to make the trip the day before graduation. This can all depend the distance you will be traveling. Since SUNY Oswego graduation is held on Saturday, most people tend to arrive anytime on Friday.
When should I book the hotel room?
Hotels recommend that you reserve your rooms a year in advance. For example I called last May (2018) and was put on a waiting list with my contact information. They called me back in June to confirm my reservations for my May 2019 Commencement. Keep in mind: Most hotels will make you reserve the rooms for a minimum of 2 nights!
Hotels that are close to campus that I would recommend:
- Quality Inn & Suites Riverfront, Oswego
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oswego
- Best Western Plus Oswego Hotel and Conference Center, Oswego
- Beacon Hotel, Oswego
Should I make reservations for lunch/dinner?
Yes, I would recommend calling restaurants around Oswego 2-3 months in advance. This is because local restaurants will be in high demand that weekend. Some restaurants will make you pay a deposit to secure your table for graduation weekend it is normally no more than $25.
Local restaurants that I would recommend:
- Red Sun Fire Roasting Co
- La Parrilla
- Bistro 197
- Canale’s Restaurant
- Vona’s
- Kiyomi
- Steamers
- Alex’s on the Water
What do I wear?
Formal wear is expected from both students and guests; you’ll have the pictures forever, so it’s worth making an effort with what you wear. But given that most graduations take place in spring, it’s worth checking the weather before you put on a full woollen suit on the hottest day of the year.
I hope that this guide will help you and your families better prepare for your graduation weekend!