University placements can feel like a marathon you never signed up for. Between managing coursework, part-time jobs, and personal responsibilities, adding hundreds of unpaid hours to your schedule can feel almost impossible. I just finished my 600-hour social work placement, and I’ll admit, there were moments when I questioned everything, from time management skills to career choice.
For international students like me, it’s even tougher. You don’t get travel concession cards, weekly work hours are capped, and placement hours are unpaid. Balancing financial stress with emotional exhaustion becomes a daily routine. Over time, I found ways to make it, using strategies that kept me grounded, focused, and (mostly) sane. Here’s what I learned, and what I wish someone told me before I started.
- Plan Like Your Sanity Depends on It
Once your placement begins, your schedule fills up faster than you expect. Plan your weeks carefully, factor in travel time, meals, readings, and downtime. A clear routine helps you stay consistent and prevents last-minute chaos. Budgeting becomes crucial, especially for international students. Since placements are unpaid, find ways to manage expenses, cook meals at home, use student discounts, and plan grocery lists. Try to pick up weekend or evening jobs that don’t clash with placement hours. A few casual shifts can help you stay financially afloat without burning out. - Keep Your Reflections in Check
Reflection logs might seem tedious, but they’re more than just an assessment requirement; they help process your learning. Write small notes daily or weekly while things are fresh in your mind. These reflections can become valuable insights for supervision or final reports. - Stay on Good Terms with Your Supervisors
Your supervisor can make or break your placement experience. Communicate openly, ask questions, and be a proactive learner. If you make a mistake, own it and show you’re eager to improve. Supervisors appreciate honesty and enthusiasm more than perfection. Don’t cut corners. Whether it’s case notes, research, or client observations, do things properly. It’s not about completing hours; it’s about building professional integrity. - Log Your Hours Regularly
Don’t wait until the end of the week, or worse, the end of your placement, to update your logbook. Record your hours daily or every few days and get them signed off promptly by your supervisor. It saves you stress later and ensures everything aligns correctly for final verification. - Stay Connected With Your Tutor and Course Coordinator
Your course tutor and placement coordinator are your greatest allies during this time. They understand the challenges students face and can guide you through difficult situations. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re struggling with workload, expectations, or personal circumstances, they’re there to help you navigate it. - Learn from Your Peers
Placements can feel isolating, especially when everyone’s placed at different organisations. Staying in touch with classmates can make a difference. Check in with them, exchange stories, and learn from their experiences. You might pick up strategies that could help certain challenges. Knowing someone else is going through the same thing makes it easier to persist. - Take Care of Your Mental Health
There will be days when you feel emotionally drained, especially if placement involves client work or heavy caseloads. Don’t ignore those signs. I reached out to WSU Counselling Services, which helped me regain balance and perspective. It’s completely free for Western students. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or burnout, booking a session can make a difference. - Remember: This Is Temporary
Placements can feel endless when you’re in the middle of them, but they end, and you’ll walk away with more than just hours completed. You’ll develop patience, confidence, and real-world understanding that no textbook could provide.
So, plan smartly, ask for help when you need it, stay connected, and keep your sense of humour intact. Before you know it, you’ll be signing a final timesheet with a mix of relief, pride, and gratitude that you made it through. Take it one day, one reflection, and one cup of coffee at a time. You’ve got this.
