Placement Year Guide

We've broken down everything you need to know for your placement year.

It’s your placement year! We hope you’re ready for the adventure.

To help you make the most of your year, we’ve compiled a bunch of information for you to read through.

We cover all of the essential information, as well as advice for going abroad on placement, professionalism in the workplace, tips for staying healthy and happy, guidance on finances, and a whole lot more.

We’ve also got some useful contact details at the bottom of this page, including what to do in an emergency, so make sure you bookmark it.

Essential Information

Find out how to get your placement approved, how your Placement Tutor will support you, how to keep in touch with us, and everything else you’ll need to know during the year ahead.

Overseas Placements

If you’re going abroad as part of your placement year, read up on available grants, tips for moving to a new country, culture shock and more.

Professionalism in the workplace

The world of work can be quite a daunting prospect if you've never experienced it before. To help, we've put together some guidance on how to best navigate your workplace while on placement.

Finances

Got questions about money? In this section, we’re covering loans, fees, tax, national insurance, grants, and everything else finance-related that you might need to know.

Wellbeing

We want you to be happy and healthy on your placement, so we’re sharing some useful resources, tips for staying healthy at work, disability advice, and some places to turn if you need support.

Useful contact details

Emergency contact details

In the event of an emergency during placement, please get in touch with us as soon as possible.

In a serious emergency, please contact the most appropriate emergency services.

You can also contact Campus Safety, which is staffed 24 hours a day, on +44 (0)121 359 2922.

If you are overseas and have a medical emergency, email or call Global Response on +44 (0)2920 662425 and quote the details of Aston’s travel insurance policy provider. They'll tell you where to go to get medical advice in your location.

Your health and safety is critical to us. So that we can support you throughout the placement year, please download the SafeZone app so we can “check in” with you at your placement location.

When it is safe and feasible to do so, please update The On-Placement Support Team via email or call them on +44 (0)121 204 4141.

Key contacts

Here’s a useful list of contacts you might need during your placement year:

On-Placement Support Team

Any problems at all – get in touch with the dedicated On-Placement Support Team.

t: +44 (0)121 204 4141
e: OnPlacementSupport@aston.ac.uk

Careers Consultants

Fancy a chat with one of our Careers Consultants?
t: 0121 204 4757
e: careers@aston.ac.uk

Erasmus

Got an Erasmus question?
e: erasmus@aston.ac.uk

Aston Students’ Union Advice Team

Professional, independent, free and confidential advice.
e: advice@aston.ac.uk

Counselling and Mental Wellbeing Service

The Counselling and Mental Wellbeing Service is made up of a team of qualified counsellors and psychotherapy practitioners who are here to support you every step of the way.
e: counselling@aston.ac.uk
t: 0121 204 4007

The Disability and Neurodiversity Support Team

The Disability and Neurodiversity Support Team offer a confidential advice and support service.
t: 0121 204 5100
e: studentwelfare@aston.ac.uk

The Hub

Get support and advice on a range of issues including finance.
t: 0121 204 4007
e: thehub@aston.ac.uk

International Student Support

Seek advice and support on immigration issues.
t: 0121 204 4567
e: astoninternational@aston.ac.uk

IT Helpdesk

Contact the IT helpdesk if you’re having issues you’re your Aston email account, login details, or ID card.
t: 0121 204 3445
e: it_helpdesk@aston.ac.uk

The Library

t: 0121 204 4525
e: library@aston.ac.uk

Unite Students

For queries relating to final year accommodation.
t: 0117 302 7399
w: unitestudents.com

Careers and Placements Employer Engagement Team

If your placement organisation is looking to recruit another placement student, or perhaps a graduate, let the Careers and Placements Employer Engagement Team know.
t: 0121 204 5299
e: employerteam@aston.ac.uk