Choosing a placement

Your college or university will run sessions on placements, these may be in the form of meetings, seminars or workshops, and will likely consist of the information you need to know and experiences from previous placement students. If you are unsure about doing a placement or what it might entail, these are useful places to get information and ask questions. Here are some things to consider:

Location

It’s important to work out where you would like to live while doing a placement and consider any support networks you may have in place. Don’t forget to look at transport too!

Company

Research the company you’re looking at doing a placement with. Looking at their website or social media such as LinkedIn can be useful to get a ‘feel’ for the company. You can get advice from your lecturers or placement coordinator team. They may be familiar with the companies offering placements, or be able to put you in touch with other students who have previously completed placements with them.

Time

If you are invested in doing a placement start applying early as placement positions are often limited at each company. Don’t get discouraged if you get a “no” and keep applying!

Applying for a placement

When writing your applications, make sure your CV is updated with any relevant skills, and personalise your cover letter and CV for the position you are applying for. If you need support in doing this, your placement coordinator, personal tutor or careers advisor may be able to help you with this.

Financing your placement

Student Finance works a little differently when doing a placement year, and you often receive less support than during a normal academic year. Therefore, it’s important to consider how you will fund your essential expenses.

• If possible, look for a placement that pays. This can be a great way to support your Student Finance payments, and potentially earn some additional money during your studies.

• When doing a placement year, you will still pay university fees. These are often a reduced rate and are highly dependent on your course and institution - if unsure your placement coordinator should be able to provide you with this information.

• You will have to inform Student Finance you are doing a placement year so they can organise the correct loan for you. You may be eligible for a means-tested, reduced maintenance loan.

• If you receive a scholarship or bursary through the university, you will have to contact the awarding body to check whether you are still eligible throughout a placement year.