Residential life

Whilst each residence has their own special customs, traditions and culture, every resident who lives on campus at La Trobe has the opportunity to benefit from the vast and diverse range of residential life programs and support activities coordinated by the Centre for Residential Life that run throughout the year.

See for yourself what our students think about living on campus.

Academic and study support

Making a successful transition to tertiary studies is never easy, but if you join a student residential community at La Trobe you will find the going much smoother. You will have access to study groups that meet regularly and provide information and advice. We offer first years the chance to join others in their course for practical advice. Through our tried and tested mentoring programs, you will have every chance of not only passing your subjects but doing far better than students outside the college system.

Each first year is assigned to a Study Focus Group, meeting weekly or as needed, and receives dedicated help from trained student Mentors. We also help with our textbook buying scheme, great academic resources, a full time Coordinator of Learning Programs, links to university Academic Associates from all departments, Faculty dinners, one-on-one support, tutorials as needed, visiting speakers and lots more. We take studying seriously and are proud of the talented students who join us each year, many of them winners of university scholarships.

Sports

Student campus accommodation provides residents with superb resources, and access to a very varied sporting program. The inter-college sporting competition is keenly contested and covers sports ranging from football, basketball and swimming to baseball, netball and hockey. Over 15 sports are included in the competition, and students also get involved in social sports throughout the year, with the university gym, tennis courts, swimming pool, ovals and cricket nets available on campus.

Social and cultural

All work and no play not only makes for a dull life but it is likely to impede your studies. The student Social Club leaders organise exciting social and cultural activities to include all residents. There are dramatic productions, bands and superb parties, balls, excursions, cocktail evenings, wine tasting, open mike nights, international events and much, much more.

Community and outreach

If you’re interested in community work, you will find plenty of opportunities to get involved. Student support projects overseas (see Global Programs) and each year run fundraising events, fun runs and sponsored activities. In past years, students have worked in areas as teaching English to migrants, AIDS projects, famine relief, legal aid and women’s refugees. The future promises to offer bigger and better opportunities for you to get engaged with community projects.

Global programs

Last year around 100 residents took part in our Global Programs. They travelled to countries as varied as Kenya and Nepal, Cambodia and China, Thailand and Bosnia. In each case, they joined organised and sponsored tours, each lasting around three weeks, and got involved in cross-cultural programs, community projects, seminars and meetings with local university students. In many cases – in fact, in just about every case – the trips turned out to be life changing. Whether residents had travelled overseas before or not, they all returned quite overwhelmed by their experiences.

Pastoral care

Wherever you stay in our campus accommodation you have access to dependable and effective pastoral care. Residential Assistants are carefully selected and trained to help you adjust to your new life, to get involved in activities and events, and to deal with any concerns you may have during your time in residence. Residential Supervisors and other dedicated staff are available and eager to help you make the most of your time.

Leadership opportunities

Living in residence provides an abundance of opportunities to take on leadership roles in a variety of areas. Later-year residents are encouraged to apply for social, pastoral and study leadership roles in each residence. The benefits are diverse and varied with special discounts, opportunities for personal development and all successful candidates receive training tailored to their role.