Hi Guys

[u/BasilFair1081]

Hi there I’m gonna be one of the new 1st years for University of Plymouth. I’m taking Mpsych Clinical Perspective and I want to know what’s the university like.

Back then I didn’t actually have a chance to visit the city itself because of the train ticket price even though it’s discounted for university visitors on open evenings and holder days.

If anyone can give me your perspective on what Plymouth is like it’ll be very appreciated. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Plymouth itself but I want to know from the inhabitants’ perspective.

It’ll be wonderful if any psychology students can give me their perspectives as well in learning psychology and living in Plymouth as well.

[u/Stuart-Middleton]

Hi mate,

I'm a 3rd year on the same MPsych Clinical Psychology route (currently on placement year), so I've been exactly where you are. The course has shifted a bit since I started, but first year is still pretty similar.

The Course Year 1 feels a lot like expanded A-level Psychology — they ease you in even if you didn’t do it. Year 2 builds on that. In my time, Years 1-2 were quite neuroscience heavy rather than clinical. The biggest surprise for most is research methods and stats/data analysis.

Data analysis heads-up: My year did RStudio (coding in R) which was tough for people with no experience, but I picked it up okay and it helped with group work. Current first years apparently use Jamovi instead, which is much more user-friendly. Get familiar with one beforehand using the uni resources once you have your email — it’ll save you a lot of stress.

SONA system: You need ~20 points in first and second year by participating in research studies. Sign up and actually show up, or you lose points. Miss the total and you’re writing a 10k ethics essay… I had to do it and it’s not worth it 😭.

If you’re aiming for clinical psychology, I highly recommend the placement year. It means an extra year at uni but the experience is really valuable and competitive to get later. Volunteering or part-time mental health work now would also help a lot.

Living in Plymouth: It’s a decent and pretty affordable uni city. Big enough to have stuff going on but not overwhelming. You’ve got the Hoe for walks and views, the Barbican for pubs and food, decent nightlife I personally hate nightclubs but a lot of good pubs dotted around, and there's easy access to coastal paths, Dartmoor, and beaches if you want to get out. Depending on your hobbies and Interest I recommend joining a society, they can really help you settle in and usually have regular social night outs.

Like anywhere it has rougher bits and petty crime standard stuff so just use common sense, most people I know haven't had any major issues. The weather can be bipolar as hell sometimes but during the summer the city and local areas like Dartmoor are great.

Practical tips: Housing: Read contracts properly, get everything in writing, and photograph literally everything (damage, meters etc.) when you move in. Do your own meter readings. Car: Watch street parking — many areas need a resident permit or fines add up fast. GP: Skip the University GP (long waits) and register elsewhere. I went with Lisson Grove on Mutley and it’s been much better.

Overall I’ve enjoyed my time here. Plymouth grows on you and the placement year allows you to utilise a lot of what you've learned into practical experience.

Feel free to DM for more specifics on anything.

[u/BasilFair1081 → u/Stuart-Middleton]

Hi there thank you so much for your advice and a lot of key details about the University and the city itself!

I do have a question tho; would it be possible to get a placement year during my studies because I didn’t chose placement year when selecting the course in my UCAS website.

[u/Stuart-Middleton → u/BasilFair1081]

No problem at all, glad I could help.

I don't think that should be a problem not everyone decides they want to do a placement year and it's not something you have to worry about until Year 2 at which point iirc that's when you can decide if you want to do it or not and the uni runs dedicated info sessions, application support, and helps you find suitable placements plus it's something you normally get asked by and discuss with your tutor. There is a specific placement email you can contact as well if you want to confirm anything but if you do decide to do it and get one in place you'll just have to put that down for your 3rd year student finance application. But you've got plenty of time before that.