Whether it’s your first year or you’re returning to study at La Trobe, there’s a lot that goes in to being a uni student.
We’ve pulled together some hints and tips to help you navigate life as a La Trobe student and get the most out of your time at uni:
1. What do all these codes on my timetable mean?
2. What is the difference between lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical classes and do I have to attend them all?
3. Where do I go to buy textbooks and other essential items for my course?
4. Where can I go to study on campus?
5. Can I study on campus after class?
6. How can I make new friends at La Trobe?
7. What is a reading list and where can I find the one for my course?
8. What is CellOPark and how do I use it?
9. How do I use the printers on campus?
10. What student discounts are available?
1. What do all these codes on my timetable mean?
You might be wondering what the codes mean on your timetable, so let’s break it down! We’ll use the below example to explain what each code means.
Campus – the letters in this column are an abbreviation of the campus location. The above example has a campus location of BU which is the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus. Here’s a summary of what each campus code means:
| AW | Albury-Wodonga Campus |
| BE | Bendigo Campus |
| BU | Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus |
| CB | City Campus |
| MI | Mildura Campus |
| SH | Shepparton Campus |
| OL | Online |
Location – the letters in the code represent the building location on campus. The first number after the letters is the level of the building and the second number is the room where your class is located.
The first row of the above example timetable has a class scheduled in LIMS1-02-204. This class is located on level 2 of the LIMS1 building in room 204.
Check out your campus map to find and locate each building at your campus.
Description – this last column displays your subject code, subject name the type of class. The above example this one is a workshop class. See a breakdown of class type codes.
2. What is the difference between lectures, tutorials, seminars and practical classes and do I have to attend them all?
- Lectures are normally 1-2 hours in length and are usually presented by the subject or instance coordinator. They can be face to face, recorded or both. Always take notes to refer to in tutorials and to prepare for exams.
- Tutorials or seminars are classes where you and your fellow classmates discuss content from the lectures. These are led by a tutor. Seminars usually have more students and run for 2-3 hours and tutorials are smaller and run for 1-2 hours.
- Practical classes that take place in a laboratory or in a clinical setting allow you to learn in a physical and practical manner.
You are expected to attend all timetabled activities unless your academic staff specify that they’re optional. Subject attendance requirements will be noted in the Handbook. If you are unsure, seek advice from your Subject Coordinator.
3. Where do I go to buy textbooks and other essential items for my course?
The School Locker is your one-stop shop for all of your textbooks and course essential items. You’ll also find course-specific uniforms like lab coats, scrubs and name badges here. There’s some pretty cool La Trobe merch available too!
Visit The School Locker store at the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus or shop online.
4. Where can I go to study on campus?
The Library is one of the best places to study with friends or find a quiet corner to study solo. There are lots of spaces available and you can easily access the Library’s reading and online resources. The Library is divided into three study space levels: Level 1 – Talk, Level 2 – Quiet and Level 3 – Silent.
Find out more about the do’s and don’ts of studying in the Library and check out these other study spaces available at your campus.
5. Can I study on campus after class?
Yes, you can! The Library is open late at the Albury-Wodonga, Bendigo, City and Melbourne (Bundoora) campuses. You can view their opening hours online.
If you’re on campus after dark, La Trobe’s Uni-Safe service security officers can escort you safely:
- between campus buildings
- to campus car parks
- to on-campus student accommodation
- to local transport points (Melbourne Campus only).
Please note: this service is only available at our Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo and Albury-Wodonga campuses.
6. How can I make new friends at La Trobe?
There are heaps of opportunities to make new friends at La Trobe! Here are just a few of our top picks:
- Attending on-campus and online events is a great way to make new friends and get to know your campus. You can find information about events and activities at your campus on MyLaTrobe. This regularly updated information has everything you need to know about what’s happening on your campus.
- Join a club or society! Clubs are a great way to meet new people, connect with your community and get involved in events and activities. Check out the clubs and socieities list.
- There’s also Student Theatre & Film (STF). STF provides the opportunity for students to direct, write, perform, crew, and compose for stage and screen, through a range of festivals, seasons and events. Find out more about Student Theatre & Film.
- Join a La Trobe affiliated sporting club! All our clubs are run by students with support from La Trobe Sport, providing something for everyone – including a great social atmosphere and competitions ranging from social participation through to the elite level. Find out more about La Trobe’s sport clubs.
- Connect with a La Trobe Leader. La Trobe Leaders are experienced students who help guide and support new students enrolled in their School. Find out how to connect with a La Trobe Leader.
- In addition to connecting with a La Trobe Leader, why not become a La Trobe Leader! The La Trobe Program is a great opportunity for you to meet other students as well as develop your leadership skills. You’ll get the chance to welcome incoming students, mentor your peers and participate in a range of engagement activities held on campus throughout the semester. Find out more about becoming a La Trobe Leader.
7. What is a reading list and where can I find the one for my course?
To help you get prepared for your studies, most subjects will have a list of recommended textbooks and other readings. Most of these reading lists are available online for free in La Trobe’s reading list system.
To see if your subject has a recommended reading list, search the reading list system by subject code or name. If you are having trouble accessing any of the content on the reading lists, contact the Library.
8. What is CellOPark and how do I use it?
CellOPark is a Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) app. It’s an easy alternative to parking meters because it allows you to pay via an app, phone or online and you only pay for the time you park. Find out how to register for CellOPark. HINT: when registering for CellOPark you DON’T need to enter your La Trobe student number.
This handy video explains how to use the CellOPark app:
9. How do I use the printers on campus?
You’ll need your Student ID Card to use the printers on campus. You can order your Student ID Card online.
You can print from any device with La Trobe network access, or internet access (if outside the network) using your La Trobe student log-in details.
To print from most applications:
- Select printer FindMe-BW or FindMe-Colour
- Head to your nearest printer – there are several Ricoh printers in the Library
- Scan your Student ID Card at the printer to release the print job
If you need to recharge your account, or you are a visitor, please visit our recharge page.
Other specialty printing services are also available.
10. What student discounts are available?
One of the best perks about being a student is that sweet student discount!
- Some students can obtain a concession card for discounted fares on Victorian public transport.
- Discounts are available on tech gear from Apple, Dell and Microsoft. Find out how to access discounts on tech gear.
- La Trobe University partners with GoGet car share service and as a La Trobe student, you receive a student discount on the GoGet annual membership ($35 annual membership fee).
Pay for the vehicle by the hour or by the day and get access to GoGet vehicles throughout Australia. No need to pay insurance, registration or maintenance. Fuel is covered in the cost of the hire of the vehicle. Joining GoGet means you don’t need to own a car which means you have more money for the things you need like rent, food and beverages.
Learn how GoGet works and register online to receive your Member Pack and Smartcard in the mail (or collect from a local retailer).
Other helpful resources for students:
FAQs
If you’ve got a burning question about being a La Trobe student, chances are we’ve already got the answer for you on our FAQs page. Visit our FAQs page.
Key dates
The Academic Calendar lists all the key dates you need to know as a student, like Census dates, university holidays and exams. Visit the Academic Calendar.
Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion
Discover ways to stay motivated, be healthy and live your best life. See what services are available.