Got your first assessment results back? Now’s the perfect time to build on what you’ve learned and get ready for the second half of semester.

Join us online for Assessment Bootcamp on Thursday, 3 September — a day of practical workshops designed to help you use feedback from your earlier assessments, strengthen your academic skills and approach your upcoming assessments with confidence.

Get assessment-ready

Each workshop covers a specific topic, such as improving your academic writing, planning and structuring your assignments, effectively managing your time, referencing and searching for scholarly resources. Whether you want to improve on your first assessments or simply feel better prepared for what’s coming up, choose the sessions that will help you most.

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AI tools are becoming part of everyday study but using them appropriately is essential. At La Trobe, each assessment has its own rules about whether AI can be used and how it can be used. Before starting any assignment, students should carefully review the assessment instructions, marking rubric and LMS guidance.

It is compulsory for all students to complete the AIM (Academic Integrity Module) in their first study period

Not every assessment allows AI

La Trobe uses the AI Assessment Scale to indicate the level of AI use permitted in an assessment. Depending on the task, AI may not be allowed at all, or it may be permitted for planning, collaboration or more extensive use. The accepted level of AI use will be outlined in your assessment instructions

Your work must still be your own

Even when AI is permitted, you are responsible for demonstrating your own understanding and judgement. Students may be required to critically evaluate AI-generated content, refine ideas independently and ensure final submissions reflect their own learning.

Acknowledge AI use

If AI use is permitted, you must acknowledge how it was used in your assessment. La Trobe provides acknowledgement templates for different levels of AI use and recommends keeping records of prompts, outputs and drafts throughout the assessment process.

Protect your academic integrity

Academic integrity is built on honesty, fairness and responsibility. Inappropriate use of AI may be considered academic misconduct, particularly where students present AI-generated work as their own, fail to acknowledge its use or submit inaccurate or fabricated information. Learn more on La Trobe’s Academic Integrity webpage and check your LMS before using AI in any assessment

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A reflection on how moving away for university turned groceries, cooking, laundry and money into unexpected lessons in independence. 

I think my first real lesson in independence happened during a two-kilometre walk. 

My friend and I had just done our first grocery shop after moving to campus. Being completely new to shopping for ourselves, we apparently thought two people needed five full Coles bags. 

While walking back, we questioned our strength but thought we had no other option and barely knew our way around. 

About 500 metres into it, the realisation hit that we needed help. 

That was also the day we discovered UniSafe and its campus transport service. Getting picked up while standing there with five bags and very little hope felt like discovering a life hack I should have been told at Orientation. 

To this day, probably one of my favourite discoveries at university! 

Then came the next problem. 

What exactly was I supposed to do with all those groceries? 

My first meal here was instant noodles. 

A humble beginning. 

It wasn’t that I couldn’t cook. Back home, cooking was something I’d occasionally do when I wanted something different. Here, suddenly, it wasn’t a hobby. 

Apparently, I needed to feed myself every single day. 

So began my YouTube-chef era. 

I tried recipes, learned from friends, borrowed a few from home, started prepping curry bases and slowly figured out what I actually liked making. 

Food also became part of some of my earliest friendships. Getting invited to someone’s place for dinner suddenly felt like receiving a five-star invitation. I’d watch friends put together an entire meal and think, you MADE all of this? 

Living alone made me appreciate that effort differently. Cooking for someone takes time and planning, and there’s something really lovely about someone deciding you’re worth cooking an extra portion for. 

A few years later, I’ve somehow gone from instant noodles to being confident enough to cook for friends, host dinners and even pull off Christmas dinner. 

Character development, served with curry. 

And then there was laundry. 

At home, if I ignored the laundry long enough, somehow clean clothes eventually reappeared. A system I deeply respected. 

Living independently revealed the person behind that magic: definitely not me. 

Apparently, cleaning my room once a month wasn’t going to work either. You could clean everything one day and somehow need to do it again the next. Dishes needed washing. The bag on the table needed putting away. Laundry wasn’t finished when the machine beeped, it still needed drying, folding and putting into the cupboard. 

Even my water bottle needed filling by me. 

Turns out, younger siblings are an extremely underrated household service. 

I quickly learned that ignoring chores doesn’t make them disappear. It just lets them pile up until carrying the laundry to the laundry room becomes its own workout. 

Whites and colours needed separating. Detergent and fabric softener were different things. Some clothes needed handwashing. 

Turns out, independence involves a surprising amount of putting things back where they belong. 

But perhaps the biggest lesson came from money. 

At first, it was about stretching what I received from home across the month so Week Four me didn’t suffer because Week One me felt rich. 

Then came finding a job and earning my first few dollars, and money suddenly became hours. 

Spending $40 wasn’t just $40 anymore. It was: Wait… I worked two hours for this. 

That’s also why discovering student support such as the LTSU Foodbank felt genuinely useful. Sometimes getting help with basic groceries meant one less grocery run and a little more breathing room in the weekly budget. 

Somewhere between grocery bags, curry bases, laundry piles, dirty dishes and bank balances, I think I finally understood independence. 

I used to think it meant freedom when nobody is telling you when to eat, clean, save or look after yourself. 

Turns out, independence is realising nobody needs to. 

Because slowly, you learn to become that person for yourself. 

Although if someone wants to invite me over for dinner, I’m still absolutely saying yes because what could be better than someone offering you food made with love? 

And if you’re learning these things for the first time too, learn them properly. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, managing money and looking after your health aren’t optional “adulting” extras. They’re basic life skills we all need. 

You don’t need to know everything immediately. Ask someone. Watch the tutorial. Try the recipe. Burn it. Try again. 

Independence isn’t knowing everything. It’s learning how to take care of yourself. 

Because you can absolutely survive on toast for a few days. 

Just probably not for life. 

The post Turns out, I’m the adult now  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Why apply?

Here is what Westgate Social Work Bursary recipient Jasmin had to say about the application process and receiving her bursary.

A scholarship or bursary can make a real difference while you study. Here’s what you can expect:

• Scholarships start at $5,000 per year for the duration of your course
• One-off bursary payments start at $1,000
• You only need to submit one simple application
• We’ll match you to the scholarship or bursary that best fits your circumstances

Who can apply?

You could be eligible if you’ve faced financial hardship, experienced personal challenges, come from a disadvantaged background.

It’s easy, and it could make a big difference in 2027.

Key dates

Applications are open now and close 5pm, 9 October 2026.

The post Get financial support through a La Trobe Access Scholarship or Bursary appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Different study needs call for different spaces. Choosing the right spot can help you get more out of your study session – whether you need to concentrate, collaborate or recharge.

If you’re studying at any of our campuses or online, here’s how to find a space that works for you.

If you need quiet focus time

Choose a designated quiet or silent area when you need to read, write, revise or work independently.

Quiet spaces are helpful for:

• individual study
• reading and research
• writing assignments
• exam revision
• focused work with fewer distractions

Some campuses have clearly labelled quiet or silent areas. At Melbourne (Bundoora), for example, Level 1 of Borchardt Library Level 2 is for quiet study and Level 3 is for silent individual study.

If you need to chat, take a call or work with a group, choose a space where talking is welcome so you can focus on what you need to do without distracting others.

If you’re studying with others

Studying with other people works best when you have space to talk things through, share ideas and plan your next steps.

Use group study areas where you can talk freely for:

• group assignments
• planning and discussion
• presentation practice
• study sessions with classmates

Group study options vary by campus, from group tables to bookable rooms and flexible learning spaces.

At Melbourne (Bundoora), Level 1 of the Borchardt Library is the main space for talking and group discussion, and bookable meeting spaces and alcoves are available in The Learning Commons (TLC) next to the Library. Bookable accessibility rooms are also available for eligible students.

Depending on your campus, you may also find other buildings with desks and spaces to study if you are working in a group or are happy with a bit of background noise. For example, the ground floor of HS1 at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus has comfortable desks and booths that are great for a study session between classes.

If you need to take a call or join an online class

If you need to chat in an online class or take a phone call, choose a space where talking is okay. Make sure you use headphones to help you stay focused and keep the space comfortable for others nearby.

Some campuses have spaces designed for online classes, like the Online Learning Zone at Melbourne (Bundoora) and Online Learning Rooms at Bendigo.

If you want to chat, socialise or take a break

A quick catch-up or study break can help you recharge and come back ready to focus. To make the most of it, choose a space where you can feel comfortable chatting with friends.

Across our campuses, you will find social spaces, lounges and outdoor areas for a more relaxed catch-up.

At Melbourne (Bundoora), the Club House in the Agora is a great place to connect, join club activities or take a break to play some table tennis, while The Retreat offers a calming seating, puzzles and light reading.

Study closer to home at a study hub

If you want to save time travelling to campus or study closer to home, study hubs are a great place to focus. Services vary at each study hub, but can include quiet study spaces, free Wi-Fi, desktop computers, in-person support and opportunities to connect with other students.

You have free access to the Northern Study Hub in Broadmeadows and Epping, plus Country Universities Centres across the country.

The Library also offers a range of support online, including help with research, referencing, study skills and finding resources.

Check what’s available at your campus

Every campus is different, so make sure you check the Library page before you head in. You can find campus-specific spaces, floor plans and opening hours there.

Need help?

Library staff can point you in the right direction if you are struggling to find a suitable space.

Everyone needs to follow the Library’s conditions of entry when using Library spaces. If something in the Library is making it hard to study, you can speak to staff in person or contact the Library online.

The post Quiet study or group work? Find the right study space appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

A Census date is the last date you can withdraw from a subject without being financially liable i.e. having to pay for the subject. Each subject of study offered at the University has a Census date. Make a note of the key dates to help you succeed..

We’ve listed six things you should know about Census date.

1. Your current subjects may have different Census dates

Did you know your current enrolled subjects may have different Census dates? Census dates vary depending on whether your subject is running in a Term, Semester or non-standard teaching period, so you may have multiple Census dates relevant to your study plan. The best way check the Census dates for different study periods is to view the Census date webpage. You can also see your subject Census dates on your Statement of Account in StudentOnLine.

2. You can drop subjects until the study period Census date without paying for them

A few weeks in and you’re just not feeling a subject or struggling to balance university and outside life? In most circumstances, you can drop a subject without penalty before Census date. Dropping a subject and getting the balance right before the Census date is definitely a better option than struggling and stressing about it for the rest of the Semester or Term. It’s also better to drop a subject before the Census date to avoid paying for it. For Semester 2, 2026 the date is 12 August 2026.

Find out how to change your subjects/enrolment.

3. Your personal details need to match up between La Trobe, the USI registry and the ATO

Make sure the personal details you have listed with La Trobe match the details you have listed with the Unique Student Identifier (USI) registry and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Your details in the USI registry need to match La Trobe the entire time you’re studying. You need a valid USI to access government assistance (such as a Commonwealth Supported Place or HELP loans) and to receive your qualifications once you’ve completed your degree.

You can check your ATO personal details by creating an account and logging into myGov. If your details don’t match up, the Government can’t verify your enrolment details. This may impact your funding, including Centrelink benefits and your ability to access HELP loans.

If you need to, you can update your La Trobe personal details via StudentOnLine.

4. Your financial arrangements need to be finalised

Make sure you pay all fees marked ‘Required’ on your Statement of Account by Census date. For Semester 2, 2026 the date is 12 August 2026.

If you’re eligible for a HELP loan, you can choose to pay your fees upfront or defer them to pay later. To access a HELP loan, you need to complete a Request for Government Assistance and have your application approved by Census date.

Any fees that can be deferred will show as ‘Optional’ on your Statement of Account. You can make upfront payments toward these optional fees until Census date. After that, any unpaid amount will be deferred to your HELP loan.

5. You can take leave without cost

There are heaps of reasons why you may need to take some time off your studies and it’s a great option if you need some time to deal with personal issues, address your finances or you simply need a break for self-care.

You may be able to take up to 12 months’ leave from your course, and if you do so before Census date, you won’t be liable for the Semester or Term fees.

Speak with your Student Advisor or course coordinator before you apply to discuss the possible impact on your study plan. One thing to consider is that taking leave from your studies can affect the duration of your course.

6. Support and advice are available for you

Every uni student has had second thoughts at some point – there are so many things that play on your mind while you’re studying, from your personal life to your studies, to the odd existential career crisis.

We have lots of support services available to assist with all of these issues when they occur. Our Student Wellbeing team can provide advice if you’re struggling personally in any way, course and subject coordinators, Library Support and Student Advisors can assist you with your studies, and our Career Ready team can assist with any careers questions that you have.

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Let’s decode university life together… 

Starting university is a bit like joining a TV show halfway through. 

Everyone else seems to know what’s going on. They’re casually talking about rubrics, consultations, and the census date, while you’re still trying to work out whether you’re in the right building. 

The good news? You catch on quicker than you think. 

The official definitions are easy enough to find. This isn’t that. This is the version I wish another student had explained to me in my first week- the little translations that make university life feel a whole lot less confusing. 

“It’s on LMS.” 

Let’s be honest… if you don’t know what LMS is yet, you will very soon. 

It’ll become your most-visited website before you realise it, and before long you’ll probably catch yourself saying, “Have you checked LMS?” Too. 
 
Need a quick introduction? Our What is the Learning Management System (LMS)? video is a great place to start. 

Once the first assignment rolls around, you’ll start hearing a whole new set of phrases. They sound intimidating at first, but they’re actually there to help. 

“Check the rubric.” 

First-year brain: 
“I’ll read it after I’ve finished writing.” 

Second-year brain: 
“Wait… the rubric is basically telling me how to get good marks.” 

A rubric is a marking guide that shows what you’ll be assessed on and what different grade levels look like. Don’t leave the rubric until the end, spending five minutes reading it before you start can save you a lot of guesswork later. 

“Have you booked a consultation with the tutor?” 

What you think it means: 
“Am I in trouble?” 

What it actually means: 

Not at all. 

Consultations are simply a chance to chat with your lecturer or tutor before you submit your work. Whether you want to test an idea or ask a question, they’re there to help. Think of them as one of university’s most underrated resources. 

“Don’t forget the Census date.” 

Unlike some of the other phrases on this list, this one’s more of a friendly reminder. 

You’ll hear people mention the Census date a lot because it’s important. You need to have your enrolment finalised by Census date, so it’s one of those dates worth adding to your calendar early. Future you will definitely appreciate it. 

But let’s be honest, staying organised all semester is a little harder than it sounds… 

Student thoughts 

Week 1: 
“I’ve colour-coded my calendar. I’ve got this.”  

Week 4: 
“Why do I suddenly have three assignments due… and how is it only Wednesday?” 

If that sounds familiar, welcome to university. 

Not everything about university revolves around assignments. Some of the phrases you’ll hear aren’t really “university lingo” at all- they’re just little moments that become part of campus life. 

“I’m just grabbing a coffee.” 

Translation: 

That’s usually the plan. 

What actually happens is you bump into someone from your tutorial, chat with a friend you haven’t seen since Orientation, wave at your tutor walking past, and suddenly your “quick coffee” has turned into a 20-minute catch-up. 

At some point, you’ll realise coffee runs at university are rarely just about coffee. 

“I’m going to the library.” 

Translation: 

Sometimes it means studying. 

Sometimes it means finally finding a quiet corner to finish the assignment you’ve been avoiding. 

Sometimes it means borrowing a charger because, somehow, yours is always sitting at home. 

And sometimes it means opening your laptop, chatting with your friends for half an hour and convincing yourselves that simply being in the library counts as being productive. 

Honestly… all of the above still count. 

“Let’s meet at Agora.” 

What you think it means: 
A quick catch-up before class. 

What it actually means: 
You’ll hear this phrase a lot, and before long, you’ll probably be saying it too. 

Need a coffee? Agora. 

Grabbing lunch? Agora. 

Meeting your group? Agora. 

Somewhere between your first week and your first assignment, it quietly becomes the unofficial meeting spot on campus. Before long, “Where should we meet?” turns into “See you at Agora.” 

The funny thing about university is that nobody teaches you this language, you simply pick it up along the way. 

One lecture becomes ten. One assignment becomes another. One coffee run turns into recognising familiar faces around campus. Before you know it, the words that once sounded completely foreign become part of your everyday conversations. 

So, if you’re still quietly Googling the occasional university term, don’t stress- we’ve all been there. And one day, without even noticing, you’ll catch yourself saying, “Just check the rubric,” like you’ve known what it meant all along. 

The post Lost in translation? A student’s guide to La Trobe lingo  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

How these scholarships can help 

At La Trobe, our access scholarships and bursaries support coursework students from all walks of life to thrive at university.

They can support students who may have: 

• Faced financial pressures
• Experienced personal hardship
• Come from a disadvantaged or underrepresented background 

How much are they worth? 

Access scholarships start at $5000 per year for your course duration. Bursaries are a minimum $1000 one-off payment.

We also offer merit-based scholarships to recognise academic achievement. These are automatically assessed based on your results and don’t require an application. 

Easy application process 

Applying is simple. You only need to complete one application – we’ll take it from there.

If your application is successful, we’ll match you with the scholarship or bursary that best suits your circumstances and eligibility.

VTAC information 

All prospective and current La Trobe students can apply for access scholarships through VTAC.

If you’re a current La Trobe student, you’ll need to submit a scholarship only application through VTAC. And remember, you don’t have to apply for a course to submit a scholarship only application. 

You will need to create a new VTAC account, if you didn’t create one for the 2025/2026 round (this account can now be used in future years). For help, check out the VTAC guide on how to create a profile. 

There is no charge to create a VTAC account to apply for scholarships. 

Tips for applying 

Want to ensure your application has the best chance of success? Upload all relevant supporting documents and evidence in the sections where they’re requested.

Refer to the  guide on supporting documentation for more information.  

Want to submit an application?  

Submit your application for a La Trobe access scholarship and let us support you to help achieve your goals. 

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You can review and comment on the updated Assessment Procedure – Adjustments (including Special Consideration) from Monday 20 July until 5pm on Friday 31 July.

These changes aim to make the process clearer, fairer and easier to use.

Please note there are no changes for Semester 2, 2026. The current process still applies.

What is proposed to change:

• The current three-day short extension process will be removed.
• Instead, you’ll be able to submit assessments up to 24 hours after the due date with no late penalty – no application required.
• After 24 hours, late penalties will apply, increasing each calendar day (up to a maximum of 20%, lower than the current 25% cap).

In short: you won’t need to apply for short extensions – everyone gets a 24-hour grace period.

Learning Access Plans (LAPs) continue to accommodate later submission dates with the duration of the additional time permitted determined by the student’s plan.

There are no changes to Special Consideration for students who don’t have a LAP, including extensions as outcomes through that process.

Students with a LAP who experience an exacerbation of their condition, will need to provide verifiable evidence of the exacerbation as part of their Special Consideration application.

Why the changes are proposed:

These changes aim to:

• reduce confusion for students and staff
• improve consistency across subjects
• ensure that formal adjustment pathways are used for genuine, documented circumstances

Students who need additional support due to disability, ongoing health conditions or unexpected circumstances will continue to have access to Learning Access Plans (LAPs) and Special Consideration.

How to give feedback: You can provide feedback on the proposed changes via the Bulletin Board from Monday 20 July until 5pm on Friday 31 July.

Feedback will be reviewed, and the updated policy is planned to apply from Term 6, 2026. 

The post Give your feedback – proposed changes to Short Extensions appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The University of Melbourne together with the Amgen Foundation invites applications for the Amgen Scholars Program 2027 for undergraduate students entering their third year of study in 2027.

The program is designed for undergraduate students considering a future in research and provides invaluable research experience, professional development and networking opportunities.

Students will also be given the opportunity to travel to Japan to attend the Amgen Scholars Program – Asia Symposium in August, 2027 where they will connect with fellow Amgen Scholars and leading researchers from across the Asia-Pacific.

The 2027 program will invite 11 high-achieving undergraduate students from eligible countries to work in a research lab for seven weeks (3 January – 19 February 2027). 

Applications for the Amgen Scholars Program close at 5pm on Monday 31 August.

Successful applicants receive:

• Accommodation and meals
• Return travel to Melbourne (from your home university city)
• A stipend to support living costs
• Access to program activities, workshops and seminars

Check out the website for more information about the Amgen Scholars Program, eligibility criteria and how to apply, or see the list of participating research labs.

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