DEEP DIVE: How students are surviving mandatory placements

DEEP DIVE: How students are surviving mandatory placements

From Hack by triplej

June 12, 2026 · 12 min

About this episode

This episode explores the challenges students face during mandatory placements, particularly regarding housing and financial stability amidst a cost of living crisis.

Going on placement is supposed to be one of the most exciting parts of uni. It's where nursing, teaching, social work and allied health students finally get hands-on experience in the jobs they've been studying for. But for many students, the biggest challenge isn't the work itself. It's figuring out where they're going to sleep. Mandatory placements can mean weeks away from home and your regular income, while you're still paying rent and bills. As the cost of living crisis shows no sign of abating, this week's deep dive explores the measures some students are taking to survive their placements. Get the whole story from hack: Follow us on Instagram and TikTok Subscribe to the hack podcast Listen on the triple j app or on your radio live every weeknight at 5:30pm

People in this episode

Host: triplej

Topics covered

  • student placements
  • cost of living
  • university experience
  • nursing
  • teaching
  • social work
  • survival strategies

Keywords

  • student placements
  • cost of living
  • university
  • nursing
  • social work
  • housing
  • financial challenges

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: triplej

Books & works: hack

Places: Australia

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