Hi, I am Riya, and I will soon be starting my Psychology placement as an Honorary Psychologist at St George’s NHS Trust, London. While I am very excited for my first step into the clinical setting, I’ve realised how helpful it has been to do some planning in advance for this year. I understand the anxieties and uncertainties that come with starting a new placement, which is why I'll be sharing a brief outline of the preparations I have done so far (and wish I’d known about sooner):
Housing
Sounds obvious enough, but this step can often be one of the trickiest. For me, finding housing in London was quite different from Bath- it’s much faster-paced, with listings often going within days. I highly recommend talking to your placement manager to know more about what avenues to use (like Spareroom), or contacting previous students with your role to find ideal locations for your placement. Above all, I realised the importance of viewing rooms in person before signing any contracts. As I was not in the area, it really helped having relatives and friends to view on my behalf instead!
The Role
Even before inductions and official training, it may help to brush up on relevant skills for your placement. As my service is centred around Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, I’ve made it a point to read up more on the disorder and its treatment. Granted that this is not a mandatory step, it helped me to recall and sharpen the course knowledge I had already acquired from uni. Importantly, I’ve found it useful to read testimonials and blogs from students who’ve done similar placements (like this one😉). While it may not cover everything, it helps avoid being completely blindsided by your role’s responsibilities.
The Location
Having ways to unwind after work is vital to having a healthy and productive placement experience. As someone who is new to London, I’ve been keeping an eye on things I want to attend in my free time- including festivals, markets, restaurants, and landmarks in the area. After all, placement year is a chance to experience a new city. Moreover, it is worth researching places that suit your specific needs, like for example, vegetarian or halal food spots near your workplace.
Enjoy Yourself!
These are just some of the ways I’ve been preparing for my placement, though every industry and location will come with its own unique checklist. The key I've realised is to think ahead about your own priorities- it really does make the transition smoother. But above all, I’m reminding myself to approach the year with an open mind, to enjoy the process, and to treat each new challenge as part of the experience. After all, a placement year is as much about personal growth and making memories as it is about professional development.
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