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.

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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.

The post Apply for the Amgen Scholars Program and spend your summer on a research adventure appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

You Said, We Did is how we show you that we’re listening and taking real action based on what you’ve told us.

Ready to see your feedback in action? Here are four changes we’ve made recently. You can also head to the You Said, We Did page to see more ways your voice has shaped the La Trobe experience. 

You said: You want better placement support and more ways to build practical experience for your future career.

We did: We increased placement and industry project opportunities embedded in courses and strengthened pre-placement support, so you can access help in the way that works best for you.

This includes the PlaceReady LMS Hub, Welcome Zones and expanded in-person support, as well as the new Start Smart bundle to help international health students prepare before arriving in Australia.

You said: Cost-of-living pressures are impacting your studies and making it harder to manage the costs of food, placement and other study-related costs.

We did: We introduced new financial support, like the Distance Support Bursary that helps with the costs of travelling to placements.

We also made it easier to find and access financial support to help with cost-of-living pressures, including bursaries, financial counselling and food aid through the LTSU Food Bank at Bundoora and the LTSA Student Pantry at the Melbourne (City) and regional campuses.

You said: You want easier access to learning resources, study spaces and support, wherever you’re studying.

We improved access to learning wherever you’re studying through the Northern Study Hub in Broadmeadows and Epping, Country Universities Centres and other study hubs across the country.

We also improved the accessibility of resources in the LMS, making it easier to access alt text and video transcripts

You said: You want wellbeing spaces to feel calmer, more welcoming and easier to access.

We did: Supported by SSAF funds, we updated the sensory and physical environment of the Health and Wellbeing Centre to improve its comfort and accessibility, including adjusted lighting, sensory and calming resources, more accessible layouts and accessibility signage.

You said: You weren’t always sure what support is available to help you feel safe at uni, including where to go if you need help.

We launched the UniSafe app at our Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus, making it easier to get Security support when travelling around campus after dark.

We also launched our plan of how we will respond to the National Code for Gender Based Violence through Respect at La Trobe, including new programs and workshops.

You said: You want Orientation to be easier to access and fit around your schedule.

We did: We made Orientation easier to access in ways that suit you by launching on-demand sessions available online all year, welcoming online students to on-campus activities and combining key events into fewer days to better fit your schedule.

The post You Said, We Did – how your voice makes a difference appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The key is using AI responsibly in a way that supports your learning, meets your assessment requirements and demonstrates academic integrity.

Here are some simple habits to help you get the most out of AI while studying at La Trobe.

1. Check what’s allowed before you start

Before using any AI tool in your assessments, check what level of AI use is expected. Some assessments don’t allow AI at all, while others encourage it for planning, drafting or collaboration.

Every assessment task has an AI level. The AI Assessment Scale shows how much AI use is appropriate for each task, from Level 1 (no AI – supervised assessment only) to Level 5 (full creative AI collaboration). You’ll find your assessment’s AI level on your subject’s Assignment Task Sheet or LMS.

If you’re unsure, ask your subject coordinator before you start.

2. Use AI to support your thinking

AI works best when it’s helping you learn, not doing the learning for you.

You might use AI to:

• brainstorming ideas
• explaining difficult concepts in a different way
• creating practise quiz questions
• planning a study schedule
• getting feedback on the clarity of your writing.

A good question to ask yourself is “Am I using AI to support my thinking or replace it?”. If AI is doing all the thinking, you’re probably not getting the most out of the learning experience.

3. Don’t assume AI is always right

AI can sound confident, even when it’s wrong. It might include incorrect facts, misunderstand a source, invent references or leave out important context.

Always double-check information before you use it in your study. If AI points you towards a journal article or source, read the original rather than relying on the summary.

Your critical thinking will always be your most valuable study tool.

Want to learn more? The Library’s Artificial Intelligence guide has practical tips for evaluating AI-generated information and building your AI literacy. The SIFT method is one useful strategy for evaluating the credibility and accuracy of AI-generated content.

4. Think before you upload

Like any online tool, it’s important to think about what information you’re sharing.

Avoid uploading personal information, someone else’s work, confidential placement or workplace information and unpublished research or sensitive data.

If you’re using Microsoft Copilot with your La Trobe account, you’ll be using the University’s protected environment. Public AI tools may handle your information differently, so it’s worth understanding how the tool stores and uses your data.

5. Keep your own voice

AI can help you improve your work, but your assignment should still sound like you.

Instead of copying AI responses, use them as a starting point. Question the suggestions, rewrite ideas in your own words and make sure your final submission reflects your own understanding.

Remember, you’re being assessed on what you’ve learned – not what AI can produce. Using AI responsibly is part of maintaining academic integrity. Be honest about how you’ve used AI and follow your assessment’s requirements.

6. Maintain a record of how you used AI

If your assessment allows AI, save your prompts and outputs as you work.

Acknowledging when and how you use AI is now part of submitting your assessments. For each unsupervised assessment task, you’ll be asked to complete a short acknowledgement about how you used AI. This helps to promote transparent AI use and build good habits, rather than monitoring how you use AI.

Keeping a record makes it much easier to complete your AI acknowledgement if required and helps you reflect on how AI supported your learning.

7. Continue building your AI skills

Knowing how to use AI effectively is becoming an important skill at university and beyond.

That doesn’t just mean knowing how to write a good prompt. It also means understanding AI’s strengths and limitations, evaluating what it produces and making informed decisions about when and how to use it.

The Library’s Artificial Intelligence guide is a good place to start, with more in-depth practical guidance on writing better prompts, choosing an AI tool, using Microsoft Copilot and the Library Research Assistant, referencing AI correctly and checking AI-generated information.

The post Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) responsibly at uni appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Here are five ways the Library can make uni life a little easier.

1. Find trusted information and access software

Need to find sources for an assignment? Instead of relying on Google alone, start with the Library.

Use the Library Collections Search to find books, ebooks, journal articles, videos and other materials from your Reading Lists in one place. You also have access to subscription databases and specialist research tools, giving you access to peer-reviewed journal articles, newspapers, magazines, book reviews and other reliable sources you won’t always find through a regular web search.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? The Library may even be able to source books, journal articles and other resources from another library through its Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery Service.

2. Build your study skills with workshops

Whether you’re tackling your first assignment or getting ready for exams, the Library’s free workshops can help you build your confidence.

Choose from sessions on academic writing, referencing, finding quality sources, time management, presentations, maths, coding and more. Workshops are available online throughout the year.

3. Get support whenever it suits you

Need help after hours or prefer to learn at your own pace? The Library has a range of Learning Guides available whenever you need them. These guides are designed to help you find and use a variety of resources for your study or research, including information specific to your discipline and general study skills.

Explore Achieve@Uni for self-paced learning to help you build confidence and develop your study skills. These resources give you practical advice on academic writing, study strategies, finding information, referencing and using AI responsibly.

4. Make assignments easier with practical tools

The Library has a range of online tools to help you stay organised and approach assignments with confidence.

Use the Academic Referencing Tool to create accurate citations, the Assessment Planner to map out your deadlines, or explore other study resources to help you stay on track throughout your studies.

5. Get help from real people

If you’re feeling stuck, you don’t have to figure it out on your own! Whether you need help finding information, understanding an assessment or improving your academic writing, the Library team are here to help.

Our expert team provide support at every campus and online, depending on your needs:

• Academic Skills Advisors for writing, language, and thesis support (available via appointment)
• Peer Learning Advisors (PLAs) for study tips and assessment help (available via drop-in sessions and online chat)
• Librarians for referencing and research guidance (available via drop-in sessions, online chat and appointment)

If you’re an international student, the Library also offers study support for international students to provide you with the knowledge, skills and confidence you need to be successful at La Trobe.

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We’re proud to have students like you in every corner of Australia. Whether you live near one of our campuses or further afield, study hubs are one of the many support options available to help you achieve your goals at La Trobe!

They can help you with accessing Wi-Fi and IT facilities, finding somewhere quiet to study or connecting with in-person support and networking opportunities.

We’re so excited to partner with study hubs across the country, so that all students can access the services and support they need to succeed.

Study hubs are available near you to suit a range of situations, whether you’re:

• studying fully online
• in a different area for placement
• travelling from your enrolled campus to visit friends and family near home

What are study hubs?

Study hubs are dedicated spaces designed to provide you with all the perks of on-campus study, all conveniently close to home.

Services and resources at each study hub vary, but can include:

• Comfortable, distraction-free study spaces
• Free Wi-Fi
• IT facilities with desktop computers and docking stations
• In-person support and guidance
• Connections to exam invigilation (supervision) services
• Workshops, networking, social events and more

Find a study hub near you

With locations across the country, there are a variety of study hubs available to you as a La Trobe student.

Country Universities Centres

Country Universities Centres (CUCs) are a network of community-owned study hubs that operate in more than 35 communities across regional NSW, QLD and Victoria (with more locations coming!). Our partnership with the Country Universities Centre means all La Trobe students can access their free, specialised study spaces and support – all conveniently close to your local area.

Regional University Study Hubs

Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH) provide physical spaces and support for students studying online at any Australian institution, with the goal of helping students in rural, regional and remote Australia to succeed in tertiary education without having to leave their communities. 

Northern Study Hub

Are you studying in Melbourne’s northern suburbs? The Northern Study Hub is a free, local space for you to study, connect and access support – without the long commutes or fuel costs.

Located just steps from public transport in Broadmeadows and Epping, the Northern Study Hub helps you save time and money while staying focused on your studies.

It’s open to students from any university and any course – and it’s 100% free to register! Learn more about why you’ll love the Northern Study Hub or pop by during staffed hours to learn more.

The post How Study Hubs can help you succeed appeared first on MyLaTrobe.