Student placements are an important part of many degree courses as they provide a learning and development experience for the student within a work environment. This can be for many students both an exciting, and challenging time, as they navigate different environments and experiences.

Students can access free and confidential advice and support from our dedicated Counselling, Wellbeing Advice, Mental Health Advice,  and Disability Teams. There are also other resources available, including online information, wellbeing workshops, 24/7 online support through Togetherall and more.

All support offered by our service is free, and can be accessed at any time the student is at Glasgow Caledonian, including before, during, or after placements.

Support with placement costs

Glasgow Caledonian has a page with information and support for placement costs

Student placement procedures

Glasgow Caledonian has a Student Placement Procedure and Placement Risk Assessment which are completed for student placements. These templates and additional resources can be found on the Placements, fieldwork and work experience page.

Self-care Strategies

There are many things we can do to try and look after our wellbeing which you might find helpful during your time on placement and beyond. The Scottish Association for Mental Health has published a resource that highlights the New Economic Foundation's five ways to better wellbeing.

In addition to these five tips, the Student Wellbeing Team at Glasgow Caledonian has also highlighted some self-care suggestions:

1. Engaging in physical activity and exercise can enhance your feeling of wellbeing and help you manage stress. There are a number of ways you could engage with this, and the Student Wellbeing Service also offers free yoga sessions for students and staff. The Mental Health Foundation has produced a How to look after your mental health using exercise resource which you may find helpful.
2. Engaging with meditation can be helpful for many individuals in looking after wellbeing
3. Breathing techniques and relaxation exercises have been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms. Deep belly breathing activates our parasympathetic nervous system response, helping to bring our bodies and minds out of that anxiety ‘fight, flight or freeze’ response and into a more relaxed ‘rest and digest’ response. It signals to your body and mind that you are safe. The Samaritans have online breathing and muscle relaxation exercises on YouTube.
4. Be mindful of your sleep schedule. There is a relationship between our sleep and our wellbeing. Glasgow Caledonian  students and staff can access Togetherall which has informative resources on how to enhance your sleep.
5. Spending time outdoors and in nature. The Mental Health Foundation has a Connecting with nature resource which outlines research showing the link to enhancing wellbeing. Ways to engage with nature can include walking, meditating and other activities.