Top Tips for a Successful Placement: What Students Say Really Helps
Based on feedback from 100+ Health & Society students.
Placements are an important part of your course. They help you apply theory, build confidence and develop professional skills. More than 100 students shared feedback on their recent placements, highlighting what supported them and what created challenges.
This guide brings together those findings along with practical tips and student support available at Salford while you’re on placement.
1. Before You Start: How to Know if a Placement Is Right for You
Check for clear organisation
Students highlighted that confusion about hours, unclear expectations, or last-minute placement information created unnecessary stress.
Questions to ask before you begin:
- “Who will my supervisor be?”
- “What will my first week look like?”
- “Are there specific learning goals or tasks for students?”
Well-organised placements can reduce anxiety and help you focus on learning.
Consider travel time and cost
Clinical students in particular can be placed far away, adding to travel costs and fatigue. Planning ahead can make a big difference. See: Travel Support below.
Think about learning opportunities
Students said they thrived most in placements where staff were supportive, inclusive and willing to invest in their development. If possible, try to get a sense of how “student-friendly” the environment is.
2. Preparing for Placement
Get all key information early
Ask for your hours, dress code, parking/transport guidance, supervisor contact details, and any required paperwork (like PARE access).
Students who prepared early felt more confident going in.
Plan your workload and self-care
Many students balance uni, work, and caring responsibilities alongside placement, which led to burnout for some.
Try to reduce shifts where possible and plan rest time into your schedule.
3. Thriving on Placement
Build relationships early
Students who felt valued and included has better learning experiences, simple introductions and showing interest go a long way.
Seek active, hands-on-learning opportunities
Students gained confidence when applying theory in real settings and interacting with patients or service users.
If things feel slow, ask to shadow or observe different staff.
Ask for regular feedback
Constructive feedback helps you grow throughout your placement rather than waiting until the end.
Try:
- “Could I get some feedback on how I’m progressing so far?”
Stay on top of paperwork
This was one of the biggest sources of stress for students.
Completing hours and documentation weekly (rather than at the end) prevents last-minute panic.
4. When Things Go Wrong
Know what to look out for
Students reported issues including:
- Bullying or exclusion
- Inconsistent supervision
- Poor organisation
- Limited learning opportunities
- Bias or misunderstanding relating to disability or neurodiversity
21% of students experienced discrimination in 2025, so support is essential.
Reach out early
Most students turned to their personal tutor first, and this is encouraged.
Document incidents with dates and details and seek help as soon as issues arise. Early escalation leads to better outcomes.
Wellbeing and Counselling Services
If your placement experience affects your mental health, emotional wellbeing or confidence, support is available. You can speak to the University Wellbeing and Counselling Service for help with stress, anxiety or anything related to your placement experience. This includes support if you have been affected by discrimination or harassment on placement.
www.salford.ac.uk/askus/topics/wellbeing-and-counselling
If you prefer to speak to someone outside the university, you can also contact:
- Samaritans: 116 123
- Shout: Text SHOUT to 85258
- Papyrus HOPELINE247 for under 35s: 0800 068 4141
5. Support Available While You’re on Placement
💷 Money Support
If placement affects your finances, from reduced hours to travel costs, you can get support through the university.
🍎 Emergency Food Bank Referrals
If you’re struggling financially during placement, the SU Advice Centre can provide confidential food bank referrals.
📋 Fitness to Practice Support & General Advice
If you experience illness, personal circumstances, professionalism concerns, or need help navigating university processes, the SU Advice Centre can support you.
This includes guidance for fitness to practice issues and making sure you understand your rights.
www.salfordsu.com/advice/advice-centre/
🚌 Travel Help
Free options
- 50 bus – completely free between Peel Park and MediaCity with your student ID.
Discounted travel
6. Final Tips for a Positive Experience
- Be proactive and ask questions
- Build relationships early
- Look after your wellbeing
- Reach out for help when needed
- Trust your instincts – you deserve a positive placement experience