Students with Placements

Student Placements are an important part of many degree programmes 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 you navigate different environments and experiences. GCU have a number of resources for supporting our students whilst on placements which you can find on this webpage. You can access any of the support below throughout your time as a GCU Student - including before, during, or after your placements.

The Student Wellbeing Team at Glasgow Caledonian University

Students can access free and confidential advice and support from our dedicated Student Wellbeing Team who aim to support you through your time at University including whilst you engaging with your placements.

We offer support through Counselling, Wellbeing Advice, Mental Health Advice and a Disability Team, alongside other resources including online information, wellbeing workshops, 24/7 online support through Togetherall and more. All support offered by our service is free. You can find out more and book an appointment with us at the GCU Wellbeing Webpages,

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 have published a resource which highlights the New Economic Foundations five ways to better wellbeing.

In addition to these five tips, the Student Wellbeing Team at GCU have also highlighted some self-care suggestions below:

  1. Engaging in physical activity and exercise can enhance feeling of wellbeing and help you to manage stress. There are a number of ways you could engage with this, and the Student Wellbeing Service also offer free yoga sessions for students and staff. The Mental Health Foundation have produced a resource "How to look after your mental health using exercise" 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 has 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. GCU students and staff can access Togetherall which have some informative resources on how to enhance your sleep.
  5. Spending time outdoors and in nature. The Mental Health Foundation have released a resource "Connecting with nature" which outlines research showing that the link to enhancing wellbeing. Ways to engage with Nature can include through walking, meditating and other activities.

GCU have a published a webpage with information and support for Placement Costs

GCU have a Student Placement Procedure and Placement Risk Assessment which are completed for student placements. These templates and additional resources can be found at the webpage "Placements, fieldwork and work experience"