VIDEO: 4 simple steps to style your grad cap

In this special News You Can Use, blinging out your cap for graduation day is so easy

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A masked student shows off their cap bling at the 2020 Drive-Thru Graduation event at City College. San Diego City College on Flickr

Ayo Elise
May 21, 2021

Graduation season is upon us, which means college students everywhere are making plans to deck out their graduation cap for the big day.

But why decorate your cap and where do you start?

Well, there are many reasons why you’d want to style your cap, and once you see why, we’ll give you some tips to make yours the flyest of them all!

Personalizing isn’t just about tradition

YOU DID IT! Decorating your cap is a way for you to recognize your achievement.

Whether you’re transferring to a four-year university, finishing an associate’s degree or receiving a certificate, recognizing this point in your life is important.

It’s also a great way to say thank you to your support system who helped you achieve your goal. If there is a family member, friend, partner, professor or administrator who helped you on your journey, this is a special way to acknowledge their support!

Decorating a grad cap is also a creative activity that can be really relaxing, and who doesn’t need to relax these days?

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Get inspired

Think of what you want to say with your cap. Are you celebrating yourself or thanking your support system, or just something fun? There is no wrong answer here! Just make sure it’s meaningful to you.

If you’re getting stuck on ideas, check social media. Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest are great places to look. Remember, no idea is too big or too small.

Get supplies

Get the supplies you need to bring your vision to life!

You’ll need crafting supplies like scissors, glue, markers, glitter, ribbons, beads, rhinestones, flowers, wrapping paper, beads and more.

Walking down the craft aisle of any store will give you even more ideas on how to glam up your cap.

Also consider that you’ll need printed pictures to attach to your cap or other unique items. Make sure you have everything you need on hand.

Student Affairs, and even retailer Dollar Tree, recommends heading to a dollar store to pick up these items on a budget.

Get the crew together

You and your friends are graduating together, you can host a virtual decoration party. This is a great time to talk about your accomplishments, the future, catch up or whatever else you and the squad like to do!

Get crafty

Bring everything together. Remember, this is a creative process, so don’t feel the need to rush.

Student Affairs recommends using a cap topper to attach to your cap instead of decorating your cap directly. It’s hard to keep the cap steady while decorating, so attaching it is much easier.

Another upside, if you change your mind or make a mistake you can always start over.

City College caps are 8.5 x 8.5 inches, so your cap topper should be this size.

You can make it out of anything like cardboard, construction paper, whatever you feel can attach to your cap after you glue it on.

Make sure everything is secure to your cap before wearing it.

Time to flex

Now that your cap is fully decorated, it’s time to show it off!

City College is hosting a drive-thru celebration on May 21, followed by virtual commencement on May 28.

Congratulations to the class of 2021!