What to do when you start your placement

We'll contact you during your sandwich placement to check on progress. Find out about the different kinds of support available during your placement.

Make sure to join our UWE Placements LinkedIn group to connect with other placement students. It's a place to share your pictures, your first day experiences, your commute, your questions and your advice. Please note, you'll need to make a LinkedIn account to view and join the group.

What to expect during your first week

Your placement will start with a welcome and induction on your first day. Remember to bring a pen and pad with you to every meeting, although you won't be expected to remember everything instantly, it will help you to jot down questions or points as they come up.

Typically, your first week will cover:

• IT set-up: your computer and email will be set up, usually in time for your arrival. For security reasons, don’t write any of your passwords down.
• A company overview: You’ll understand how your role fits into your team and the company. It's helpful to read your job description through a few times so you get familiar with it.
• An introduction to colleagues: You’ll meet key colleagues and understand their roles. It's a good opportunity to ask questions and show interest!
• An outline of company policies and procedures: This should include health and safety training, and sickness reporting.
• Objective setting: You'll set objectives for your placement with your manager which will be reviewed at catch-up meetings
• Company training: You'll discuss any training you'll need to help you do your role.

Make a good first impression

Make a good first impression during your placement and you’ll be more likely to succeed and get greater responsibility.

Show good office etiquette

• get to know your organisation’s working culture
• always treat your colleagues with respect and tread carefully around tricky subjects like politics and religion
• keep your desk tidy
• follow the rules and procedures explained in your induction, especially around internet and phone usage, health and safety, and sickness reporting
• if you are sick with a contagious virus, don't go into work and risk spreading it.

Own your mistakes

Nobody expects you to be perfect and know everything straight away, but if you make a mistake the best thing you can do is to admit it. Your manager will appreciate your honesty and can offer any additional support you might need. Remember that you'll learn from your mistakes.

Have a positive attitude

Enthusiasm is infectious, so smile and show your enthusiasm. If you’re more reserved then that’s okay – show an interest in the company and your colleagues. Remember to ask questions and be keen.

Dress appropriately 

If you are unsure of the dress code, we recommend contacting your employer beforehand so you feel less anxious on your first day. Every organisation will be different, but see what's acceptable in your organisation and adapt your clothes accordingly.

British working culture for international students

Further tips for success

Keep in touch

Check your UWE Bristol email account regularly so you don’t miss key information such as registration, academic matters and important updates from the Placement Team.

Please keep your contact details and term-time address up to date on MYUWE.

Please email the Placements Team at placements@uwe.ac.uk if there are any changes to your placement details, including your manager’s name and contact details, start and end date of your placement or any information you feel we need to know. We’ll need this so we can check in with you and your manager when you’re on placement.