Starting Your Placement
 

When you arrive at your place of work there will undoubtedly be a number of things to which you are unclear. Everybody gets that feeling of being the new person, but try not to be too anxious. Someone at work should be appointed as your supervisor. They will be the person to answer any queries and help you settle in.

It is recommended that you meet with your supervisor or manager when you begin your placement and set objectives for yourself. Also agree that you will meet regularly to review your progress and to receive feedback. Make sure that you get a final review before you leave.

You will also have a placement tutor in your department at University, who should be your point of contact if there is a problem that cannot be resolved with your supervisor. You can also contact the AWARE centre in the Students’ Union for advice if you feel unable to contact your department.

Ensure that some assessment and a debriefing occurs with your placement tutor. It is always a valuable exercise to review your time on placement and to assess its relevance to your academic work. Some departments ask you to do a presentation and/or report, so collect information while you are still on placement and don’t leave it until the last minute!

Getting out and about
Where ever you go on placement there will probably be lots of clubs, societies or community/ social groups to join. Check out notice boards in libraries, community centres and shopping centres – social groups and churches often advertise on these and would welcome new members. Ask at your local tourist information centre for local attractions and places of interest so that you can go exploring and give you the opportunity to meet new people. Your place of work might have an active social side, which you can join in with.

Don’t be afraid to try out new things, remember if you don’t like something, you don’t have to go again, but there is absolutely no harm in trying it out!

Placements in London

If you are going on placement in London you can get a student travel card valid on all London transport.  You need to get a letter confirming your placement status from your department and then call 0870 442 1045 for more info.

Website: www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/oysteronline/photocards/18plusstudents/2974.aspx