I often feel that Menzies, as a residential space and experience, is sometimes misunderstood through the general word of mouth. People often think they know what Menzies is like, but they miss the part that matters most: it’s a genuine community – and I really mean that. 

I moved into Menzies at the start of February like everyone else. At first, if I’m honest, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. But after a few weeks of finding my feet and putting myself out there to meet people, I discovered what Menzies really is. 

It’s a place filled with laughter, late nights, tears, rants, hugs and shared dinners. A place where people genuinely look out for one another. Sometimes people have assumptions about Menzies before experiencing it themselves, but living here has shown me a completely different side. 

The Menzies way has completely changed my perspective on what it means to be part of a community that welcomes you as one of its own. Menzies is full of people from all over Victoria, different states, and even different countries, and somehow, we’ve created an environment that feels like home. 

The people here are some of the kindest I’ve met, and that’s something I don’t think gets talked about enough. 

This is my first time living independently, but the people around me have created such a comforting environment where we can all speak openly and support one another. That honestly feels like a milestone in itself. 

For a lot of this first semester, I’ve felt alone in different ways, but coming home after what often feels like the longest day and seeing familiar faces around Menzies really lifts a weight off my shoulders. 

You might wonder what makes Menzies different from any other college at La Trobe. Honestly, it’s a lot of small things. 

It’s waking up in the middle of the night craving chocolate and being able to grab some from the vending machine downstairs. It’s seeing your best friends (who you only met eight weeks ago) whenever you want. It’s going for walks around campus to clear your head or simply having a place where you can switch off and relax when you need it. 

Menzies has become that place for me. 

The post The Menzies Way! appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

We’ve answered a few commonly asked questions you may have on how face-to-face, supervised online and exams run by your school are going to work this Semester.  

1. When and where are exams held? 

When: The Semester 1, 2026 examination period runs from Friday 5 June – Monday 15 June 2025 including Saturdays. You need to be available during all official exam/assessment periods*. 

Where: The location of each of your exams will be included in your timetable  – find the timetable here. If there is a location listed, your exam will be face-to-face, if your exam is supervised online, the location will show ‘Online Supervised – Talview’, or if your exam is run by your school, the location will show ‘Refer to LMS’. Learn about how exams are delivered.

Make sure to check all pages of the timetable (or search for your subject codes). Some of the locations will be different from your lectures and classes so make sure you know where they are in advance. Keep checking in on the details regularly, as they may change.

*Please note: Students are required to be available for all days of the exam period, including weekends. If permitted, you may arrange an alternate exam time. 

2. How do I know if I have an exam for my subject? 

It may seem like a silly question, but not all subjects have exams and you may want to double-check so you don’t get caught short. Some subjects have exams as part of their assessment requirements and some don’t. If you need to double-check if your subject has an upcoming exam, you can do so using the Handbook. 

3. What are the rules for exams and what can I bring in? 

It’s definitely worth familiarising yourself with the exam rules – including bringing your student ID card, what else you need to bring and your expected behaviour during the examination.  

What to bring: remember to bring your writing materials (pens etc.) and your student ID card, so that exam supervisors can verify your identity. You can also bring other items listed in the exam rules and allowable materials list – read the full list here. 

What NOT to bring: Any AI enabled Device, including mobile phone, smartwatch, AI enabled calculators or other items not on the allowable materials list. 

4. What happens on the day of the exam? 

If you have a face-to-face exam, your seat number will be listed by student ID outside the exam venue. Find the subject code of your exam to locate your student ID and seat number. You can check approximately 30 minutes before the start of your exam.

If you have an supervised online exam or an exam run by your school, the details of your exam will be listed in your subject LMS.

Find out more about preparing for supervised online exams.

Make sure you arrive or log in on time. If you’re running late/miss the exam – you won’t be allowed to sit the exam if you are more than 30 minutes late from the start of writing time or 30 minutes after the start time of your online supervised exam. Be aware that you will not get any extra time if you arrive late to the exam. 

If you miss your exam entirely contact your subject/instance coordinator by email immediately. If you believe the reason you have missed your exam is grounds for Special Consideration, complete the online application form no more than five working days from the exam. 

5. How long do I have to complete my exam? 

On-campus face-to-face and supervised online exams have the exam duration specified on the exam timetable. For unsupervised online exams, refer to your subject LMS. Some unsupervised online assessment tasks will have a set start and finish time. Some online assessment tasks are to be completed within a “window of time, for example 12 or 24 hours”. You are not expected to use the entire window of time and you should not write more than what is required. Your subject coordinator will provide you with an indicative writing time to give you an indication of how long it will take to complete the assessment task. Check the LMS for the full details of the unsupervised online assessment task and for the allocated time you will have to complete it. 

6. What do I do if I am unable to attend my exam?

If you’re unable to attend your exam due to unavoidable circumstances, you may have options through our support programs. Check the table on this website to see which support options may apply to your situation. If you become unwell before or during your exam, the normal process of Special Consideration applies.

To see if your exam is online or in person, check your exam timetable.

7. What do I do if I run into trouble during an exam session?

If you’re in an exam venue and you need assistance, raise your hand and a supervisor will assist you.

If you are experiencing unexpected technical issues during your online exam, please contact IT support immediately. 

There is also a range of academic support resources available to you.

8. Two of my exams are on at the same time – what do I do? 

Sometimes exam clashes occur when two exams are scheduled at the same time. If this happens, you’ll be contacted by the Examinations Office two weeks before your exam to make alternative exam arrangements. 

9. Where can I get study tips? 

Want some tips for studying for an exam and answering specific types of exam questions? The Peer Learning Advisers (PLAs) are available to provide academic support. PLAs are high-performing students who have been carefully selected to help you with your study and assignments. They are friendly and eager for you to drop-in via Zoom for a chat. You can also find a bunch of study tips on the MyLaTrobe website, which has its own page solely dedicated to study advice for students!  

10. I’m really stressed out – where can I get support? 

If your study and exam preparation is causing you added stress and affecting your wellbeing, drop in or call the University’s Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Resource Centre.

The Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Resource Centre can provide you with a safe space to receive information. Speak to one of the Student Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion Liaison Officers on a range of health and wellbeing matters and gain access to support services.

Visit the website for a full list of our support services. Have more questions? ASK La Trobe: Exam FAQs 

The post 10 fast facts about exams appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

We are expanding our existing services to support you with your studies. For students who are currently on, or about to begin placement for your studies, we are increasing our support as we recognise that placements for students can add pressure and uncertainty at this time.

Financial and academic support 
Depending on your circumstances and course there are several supports available. If you’re feeling the impact, we may be able to support you with financial bursaries and scholarships to ease financial pressures. 

If you’re unsure where to start, Student Advising or Wellbeing Services can help point you in the right direction and provide advice about your study options as you approach Census date.

La Trobe is continuing to monitor the rising cost of living and may make additional services available.

This is a difficult period, and you are not expected to manage it on your own. Please reach out and make use of the support available to you—we are here to help.

The post Are rising costs of living affecting you? appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Dearest Scholarly Reader,

It is with the greatest academic delight that I share the latest worthy gossip circulating the campus. This May, you are cordially invited to the most instructive events of the season: the Spotlights on Success online workshops.

Feeling more wallflower than academic diamond? These sessions offer insider strategies to help you study smarter, build confidence and finish the semester with flair.

From Monday 4 May to Wednesday 20 May, you may attend a single study salon – or, for the truly ambitious academic socialite, the entire learned assembly.

Each online workshop runs for 60 minutes and is led by our esteemed Academic Skills Advisors, alongside our ever‑resourceful librarians (vigilant custodians of scholarly wisdom).

Prudent students would do well to peruse the program, select the sessions best suited to their studies and secure their place via CareerHub without delay.

Yours truly,
Lady Pagequill of La Trobe

P.S. The Etiquette Code: Each online gathering is held live (as any respectable salon should be) and is not recorded. However, all attendees will receive the slides – ensuring the wisdom may be revisited at leisure.

The post Finish the semester with flair: Spotlights on Success workshops 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 weren’t always sure how to get help to feel safe on campus and wanted more options to access on-campus support.

We did: We launched the UniSafe app and our plan to respond to the National Code for Gender Based Violence, including new programs and workshops. 

The UniSafe app launched at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus to help you get around safely after dark. Available between 6pm and 6am, the app lets you book someone from the Security team to accompany you on foot or via vehicle. UniSafe has already supported you with more than 4,800 escorted trips this year! 

You said: You want more opportunities to connect with other students, collaborate in your course and feel part of the La Trobe community.

We did: We expanded opportunities for students to connect and collaborate through initiatives such as the Student Council, student‑led clubs and activities and Student Experience Grants that support peer connection, belonging and student‑led projects. 

In 2025, we launched our Student Experience Grants, awarding more than $25,000 to student‑led projects that improved the student experience. These grants empowered students like you to turn ideas into reality – creating new spaces to belong, practical tools to support learning and events that helped students to connect with each other and industry. Learn more about last year’s recipients and how their projects have made an impact. 

We also continued to support connection through the Student Council and student‑led clubs and activities. There are now 80 affiliated student clubs across our campuses, which helped to organise more than 700 activities over 2025 – creating more ways to meet people, get involved and feel part of the La Trobe community. 

You said: You want access to health, wellbeing and support services that fit around your study and life commitments.

We did: We introduced outside standard hours counselling appointments and expanded ASK La Trobe service hours during busy periods, so that there’s more support available when you need it most. Whether you’re juggling classes, work or personal responsibilities, we know life doesn’t always fit neatly into business hours and we’re here to support you. 

You can now book free counselling appointments outside standard hours, with later sessions and flexible options that let you connect in the way that works best for you.  

We also extended ASK La Trobe service hours during peak times, so help is available when demand is highest – from enrolment and fees to timetables and results, we’re here to help. 

You said: Starting uni and knowing where to find the right information felt overwhelming and confusing. 

We did: We rebuilt the New to La Trobe website and launched the New Student Guide to make starting at La Trobe clearer, simpler and easier to navigate, working closely with students to make sure it covers what matters most when you’re new to La Trobe.  

The New to La Trobe website puts all the essential information in one place, with clear steps, key dates and support options to ensure you feel prepared, connected and ready to make the most of your uni experience. We  

We’ve also created the New Student Guide – your step‑by‑step guide to everything you need to know in your first study period. From Orientation and first classes to exams and final assessments, it’s there to help you start strong and stay on track. Even if you’re not a new student, it’s a handy guide you can come back to whenever you need a reset or reminder. 

The post You Said, We Did – your voice matters appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Study hubs are one of these support options. 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 – wherever you are appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Located just steps from public transport in Broadmeadows and Epping, the hubs make studying closer to home easy. With free public transport across Victoria throughout April, there’s never been a better time to leave the car behind and save time and money.

Open to students from any university and any course, the Northern Study Hub is completely free to register and use, with high‑speed Wi‑Fi, quiet study areas, private meeting rooms and access to academic and wellbeing support.

More than just a place to study, the Northern Study Hub is a place to belong.

Why you’ll love the Northern Study Hub

• Available for all: Students studying any degree at any university can use the Northern Study Hub. Have a friend at a different uni who you want to study with? Get them to register too! 

• Spaces designed to meet your needs: Each hub features free high-speed Wi-Fi, printers, quiet zones, group workspaces and more, all in an inclusive, student-friendly environment. 

• Centrally located with flexible access hours: Close to public transport, shops and cafes, these hubs help you save on travel costs while offering a safe, secure place to study with swipe card access (during opening hours). 

• Support to help you succeed: Learning Support Advisors will be available to help you settle into study and show you the tools you’ll need to succeed while at uni. 

• Make yourself at home: You’re welcome to bring your own device and use our charging points while you study. You can even make yourself a coffee or tea in the kitchen. 

• Connect with a new community: On top of meeting other students, you can join workshops, meet employers and get career ready with local industry events and personal support from our expert advisors. 

Register now to visit the Northern Study Hub

The Northern Study Hub is now open at two locations:

• Broadmeadows – 1/1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows
• Epping – Cnr Cooper St & Dalton Rd, Epping

Ready to experience the space yourself? Both locations are staffed each business day (in line with opening hours), so feel free to pop by during staffed hours or register now via the Northern Study Hub website. Once you register your interest, the team will be in touch with details on how to complete your registration and collect your access card.

To stay up to date with everything happening at the hub, make sure you follow the Northern Study Hub on Instagram.

The post Save time and money – study at the Northern Study Hub appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Use of AI is part of the University’s academic integrity expectations, so to help ensure that you can be transparent about your use of AI, we’ve introduced new compulsory AI Acknowledgements.

From 17 November 2025, if your subject allows AI use in your assessment, you’ll need to submit an AI Acknowledgement – even if you didn’t use AI.

The type of acknowledgement form you use will depend on the type of AI use permitted in your assessment.

You’ll find the full details of what type of AI use you’re allowed to use and the AI Acknowledgement in the Assessment section in your subject LMS.

You’ll be able to submit your acknowledgement via an online form in the subject LMS or via a Word doc. If the submission info in your subject LMS is not clear, contact your subject coordinator for advice.

What to expect

Each subject’s LMS will clearly outline:

• Whether AI is permitted in your assessment.
• What type of AI use is allowed.
• Which AI Acknowledgement you need to submit.

How do I submit the form?

Depending on your subject, you’ll be able to submit your acknowledgement via one of two forms:

• A Word document, available in the Assessments section of your LMS site
• An online questionnaire, also available in the Assessments section of your LMS site

Check the LMS for instructions specific to your subject. Not all subjects are the same so, you may find that submission instructions vary between subjects. If you’re unsure, contact your subject coordinator for clarification.

Understanding the AI Assessment scale

The AI Assessment Scale is used to provide guidance on the appropriate use of AI in assessments and outlines the ways that Generative AI can be used in assessment tasks.

Each assessment task will include a statement in the LMS to let you know what kind of AI use is accepted. For detailed information on the statements and for a handy quick reference guide, see the Library Guides Generative AI in Assignments webpage.

Why is this important to you?

• Using AI responsibly is part of La Trobe’s academic integrity expectations.  
• Employers are increasingly looking for graduates who can use AI with good judgement. Learning to use AI ethically and appropriately now will be an asset when you start your career.

Need help?

• Visit the Library’s AI Guide
• Read Advice for Using AI on MyLaTrobe
• Ask your subject coordinator if anything’s unclear.

The post How to acknowledge AI use in assessments appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Dearest Scholars,

It has not escaped this author’s notice that mid‑semester assessments are beginning to circle. Deadlines approach, confidence wavers and one hears a great many sighs echoing through the University halls.

Fear not.

For those seeking both composure and wonderful grades, the Assessment Bootcamp is poised to make its distinguished return—an entire day devoted to the fine art of academic survival.

On Thursday 9 April, students may attend a series of practical workshops designed to sharpen study skills, strengthen writing and steady even the most flustered of minds. One may sample a single session or indulge in the full program—attendance, as ever, is entirely in your hands.

What to expect

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.

The Day’s Engagements – Thursday 9 April

Write that Essay!
10am – 11:30am

Learn to plan and compose essays with strong structure, well‑chosen evidence and introductions and conclusions worthy of admiration. Register here.

Write that Report!
12pm – 1:30pm

Discover how to present information clearly and correctly, understand report formats and avoid the most common (and most regrettable) errors. Register here.

Using Evidence in your Writing
2pm – 3:30pm

Master the refined practice of quotations, paraphrasing and in‑text citations—an elegant defence against plagiarism and confusion alike. Register here.

A Final Word

Registration is available via CareerHub and prudent students would be wise to plan ahead and secure their place. Those who do may find this semester unfolding far more favourably than expected.

And should one wish to remain informed of future opportunities, the Library’s Training, Workshops and Events calendar is, as always, at your disposal.

Yours in scholarly observation,

This humble author (The University Library)

The post Assessment Bootcamp: The most sensible shortcut to scholarly success appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Bendigo campus  – 1st April 2026 between 6:00pm -11:00pm.

Melbourne (Bundoora) campus – 2nd April 2026 between 6:00pm-11:00pm.

During this window, there will be a campus-wide, wireless interruption lasting approximately 5–10 minutes.

Please plan ahead if you have any work scheduled during these times.

The post Planned network changes – Melbourne and Bendigo campuses appeared first on MyLaTrobe.