From university to placement: Building confidence in a new environment
✔️2.6 Field trips and placements
✔️2.8 Social interaction and communication
As part of their course, the student was required to complete a work placement for the first time. The opportunity was exciting, but also brought feelings of anxiety about travelling to unfamiliar locations, meeting new people, and adapting to a fast-paced workplace. The shift from the predictability of campus life to a new environment felt overwhelming at times.
With Brain in Hand
The student used Brain in Hand to prepare for the transition and manage their nerves. Using the diary feature, they mapped out their placement schedule in detail—recording shift times, locations, and travel routes. Prompts and reminders helped them remember what to take each day and when to set off, giving them confidence that they were organised and ready.
They also accessed their personalised solution packs, which they had created with their coach when setting up the app. These included practical strategies for managing travel anxiety, handling social interactions, and staying focused in busy or distracting environments.

On particularly stressful mornings or when unexpected changes occurred, the student pressed the on-demand support to connect with a trained responder. Talking things through in the moment helped them calm down, regain perspective, and feel more capable of handling whatever the day brought.
The results
With Brain in Hand, the student was able to approach their placement with greater confidence and calm. Planning travel, shifts, and daily tasks in advance reduced anxiety and made the transition from university life smoother.