Try some of the below tips to see if you can take control of your worries, and if not, there is always free support available to you at the Health and Wellbeing Resource Centre. Reach out to have a chat with our Student Wellbeing Advisors for short and long-term support.

1. Put your worries into perspective

While worries are sometimes valid, they can feel difficult to cope, especially in stressful times like the lead up to exams and final assignments.

It might be helpful though, to ‘get out of your own head’ and look at it from another perspective. Keep your eye on the bigger picture and know that one fail or low grade isn’t going to derail your plan. There are always options to re-take or re-do courses, or other pathways to get to where you want.

2. Manage your caffeine intake

A little bit of caffeine can be helpful for an extra boost, but too much can actually damage our memory retention and ability to sleep. So control your intake of coffee or Red Bull just so you can continue to cram all day and night!

3. Get enough sleep

In addition to reducing caffeine, make sure you’re getting enough shut-eye. Sleep replenishes your energy and helps you retain the information you’ve learned during the day. It also plays an important part in regulating our emotions and makes us better able to concentrate during the day.

Reach Out – Tips on how to get a good night’s sleep

4. Get active!

Exercising may seem difficult to do when you’re stressed, but work-outs are proven to help with stress and anxiety. So even if you don’t feel like it, take a gentle walk, do some stretching, play with your dog or whatever you can just to get your heart rate up and blood flowing. Aren’t you feeling calmer already?!

5. Take enough breaks

Make sure you take short, quality breaks every hour of study. This will help you remain on task. Studying for hours on end can cause you to lose concentration. Taking regular breaks can help us recharge and be more productive. It’s not the time you study, it is the quality of your hours.

6. Schedule time for things you enjoy

All work and no play makes everyone dull. Make sure you continue doing the things you enjoy outside of study. Chat with your friends, work-out or watch that latest Netflix show (within reason!). Try and give your brain a break so you can stay active, energised and happy. This will help you feel refreshed when you come back to study.

7. Remember, not all stress is bad

In some cases, when we need to get something done, a little bit of stress can be the push we need to get moving. It can make you more alert and motivate you to study when you need to or get your mind ready for an exam. The trick is to know when it is too much stress.

If you’re losing control of a situation, or you’re doing things to help the stress and it isn’t going away, then you might need some support. Reach out to the Health and Wellbeing Resource Centre to discuss options for short and long-term support! That’s what we’re there for!?

All the best for your upcoming exams!

The post 7 tips to look after your wellbeing during the exam period appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Well, it’s SWOTVAC Time!

SWOTVAC stands for Study Without Teaching Vacation – so we are sort of on vacation, right? Wrong! Don’t switch off just yet, we have a few more weeks to go before exams are over. So, how can we get the most out of SWOTVAC?

Take away distractions

We are constantly connected with mobile phones, instant messaging, Facebook, and Instagram, not to mention the lure of that new series on Netflix. These are all distractions we can switch off for a few hours each day so we make the most out of our SWOTVAC week. We don’t have to eliminate them and go into hibernation for the whole week, but maybe save these things for your reward time.

Chunk your study time

We can’t study the whole day and expect we will retain all the information. Work out which part of the day you work best and use this time to do the harder work. 

Try the Pomodoro technique. The idea is to set yourself a list and work in 25-minute blocks, taking short breaks. After 4 sets of 25 minute ‘Pomodoros,’ you take a longer break. This link explains it perfectly, and helps you create your list which you can tick off as you go. What a great idea!

Reward yourself

Let’s be honest, there are things we have to go without or not do to prioritise our studies. But wait, after we have finished our planned study for the day, let’s reward ourselves! Binge on some Netflix, check in with your social media or whatever you enjoy doing. It’s good to reward yourself with a good break doing something you love.

Look after yourself

Don’t just rely on dodgy takeaway or two-minute noodles to get you through. If you have to order food, then choose a better option, like a good burger with salad or grilled fish and salad from your local fish and chip shop. Snack on fruits, vegetables and nuts and drink lots of water. Keep moving, go for a walk, run or play your favourite sport with friends. Finally, don’t forget to sleep! It’s tempting to stay up late to fit in a little extra study, but to feel your best on exam day and stay healthy, sleep is good!

Remember, help is still available – Library resources are available online 24/7, the Library Learning Services PLAs can chat with you online or face-to-face on campus, and Wellbeing are here to support you.

The post How to get the most out of SWOTVAC appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

1. Know what’s expected

Start with the subject outline provided by your tutor. Check due dates, penalties, word counts and required readings. Review the marking criteria so you know exactly what’s being assessed.

2. Focus on key subjects

Think about your goals and where each subject sits. Is one assignment worth more? Do you need to boost a particular grade? Prioritise accordingly and remember that the earlier you start, the smoother it’ll be.

3. Balance study and rest

Schedule study blocks and downtime. Let friends and family know your deadlines so they can support you. Check out these time management tips and remember to make time for the things that bring you joy as well.

4. Schedule each task

Use the Assessment Planner to create a timeline for your assignments. Add your own start date and get a friend to be your “deadline motivator” – someone who’ll check in and keep you accountable.

5. Check the criteria

Find the marking guide on the LMS. Make sure you’re answering the question – underline key words and keep checking back as you write. A brilliant essay that misses the point still won’t score well.

6. Plan before you write

Outline your main points, evidence and referencing style. Need help? See what study support is available via the Library to help guide you through it.

7. Reference as you go

Seriously – don’t leave referencing to the end. It takes longer than you think to format citations properly. Paraphrase well, cite your sources and give yourself time to get it right. If you need help, check out the Library’s referencing guide.

8. Stick to the word count

Too short or too long? You can lose marks either way. Most assignments allow a 10% buffer – so a 1,000-word limit means you can go up to 1,100.

9. Proof it properly

Take a break before reviewing. Read it aloud or ask someone to check for typos.

10. Submit early

Don’t risk last-minute tech issues. Submit with time to spare. If something’s going on, contact your subject coordinator before the deadline – not after.

Need extra help?

Make the most of the academic support options available to you, from drop-in sessions with Peer Learning Advisers to one-to-one appointments with Librarians or Academic Skills Advisers.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just need someone to chat to, we also offer free counselling and wellbeing support for all students.

The post 10 steps to help you get a great mark appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The key to great notes is making them work for you. That means building them throughout the semester and engaging with them in ways that boost memory and understanding when you’re revising.

Ready to upgrade your note-taking? Here are six easy ways to make your notes more effective.

1. Use dot points to summarise each topic

Dot points are quick, easy to scan and great for highlighting key info. Numbering each point can help with recall in exams.

It’s easier to remember individual details when they’re grouped into mini sections. Make a list of the areas you need to know in each subject and break them down with headings and subheadings — then summarise each section with dot points.

2. Try mind maps or diagrams

Mind maps, flow charts and grids are great for showing how ideas connect. They’re especially helpful when you need to recall complex info during exams. Bonus points for colour coding your notes – this can help with memory too.

You can draw things out by hand or use free tools like Freemind, Bubbl.us or Thinkgraph.

3. Make flash cards

Flash cards are perfect for testing yourself — especially for multiple choice questions. Write a question on one side and the answer on the back. You can make them by hand or use apps like Quizlet.

4. Build a glossary

Keep a small notebook or document where you record new terms for each subject. Some first-year subjects might already have glossaries in LMS or lab manuals as well, but building your own helps reinforce learning.

5. Create your own quiz

Quizzing yourself is a great way to build confidence and master the details. You can use free online tools to make your own and even share them with your study group.

6. Record audio notes

Try recording your summaries or answers to practice questions. Listening while reading boosts comprehension, and you can play them back while doing other things – whether that’s going for a walk or on public transport.

Want more study tips or support?

Make the most of the academic support options available to you, from drop-in sessions with Peer Learning Advisers to one-to-one appointments with Librarians or Academic Skills Advisers.

The post 6 tricks to make study notes you’ll actually remember appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

We’ve answered a few commonly asked questions you may have on how face-to-face, 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 online it will be listed as online 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 exam run by your school, the details of your exam will be listed in your subject LMS.

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. 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 online exams have the exam duration specified on the exam timetable.

For exams run by your school, refer to your subject LMS. Some 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 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.

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.

All workshops are held online and include an open Q&A session, where you can ask questions and get advice on anything study related.

Get tips and advice on how to:

• write great assignments
• improve your search skills
• find credible resources
• reference your assignments, and more

View recordings via Library Learning Support Modules (LMS).*
*Not all workshops are recorded.

Keep up to date via the Training, workshops and events calendar.

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If you didn’t get the grades you wanted, you might feel a range of emotions, from worry and fear, to sadness, guilt or feeling left out. All of these are normal emotions to feel and can be necessary for the healing process, but there are some things you can do help process this.

The most important thing to remember is that you don’t need to go through it alone – there are a range of Wellbeing Services available to you, and we recommend making the most of them.

Don’t panic and be kind to yourself

You aren’t the only one who didn’t receive the grade they wanted. It may feel like the end of the world now, but it’s important to be kind to yourself. It can be helpful to think of how you would respond to a friend who didn’t get the mark they wanted. Would you be hard on them? The answer is probably no. Try pretending you were that friend and think about what you would say to make them feel better. Now, say it to yourself.

Don’t underestimate how much it can help to talk to someone, whether that’s a friend, family member or a professional. It’s okay to need some extra help, especially during tough times. All La Trobe students can access free, caring and effective support through our counselling and mental health services.

Your grades don’t define your success

Success is not a straight line. Think of it as a squiggly line that goes up and down all over the place, but ultimately trends in a positive direction. Without some failure or hard times, it’s difficult to grow.

Your grades don’t define you

For some, grades are important. For others, grades are just a small part of their life. Regardless of your relationships with your grades, your grades don’t define you. There’s more to life than your grades, and there are so many other things about you that matter.

Think about all the other qualities you bring to the world: how much you care about your friends/family/partner, your kindness to others, your loyalty or passion, your hobbies and your sense of humour. Your achievements exist outside of academics – there are so many areas you can be successful in, and you deserve to recognise yourself for that.

Map out your options

If your results have changed your plans, you might feel like your options have been taken away from you. It can be helpful to sit down and write down all the potential paths you could take from here, whether that be talking to your course coordinators, choosing an alternative course, additional training or retaking your course.

Write your options down so that you can see them all in front of you and plan from there. You might find there are more options than you thought, and you can think your next steps through more clearly when it’s written down.

You don’t have to do it alone – get in touch with ASK La Trobe for one-on-one support looking into what options are available to you.

Learn from it (but do it with joy)

Try to look at the situation as something you can learn from and something that can help you grow and add to your repertoire of life experiences. Ask yourself:

• What can I learn from this?
• What could I do differently next time?
• Do I need to take proactive steps now to avoid it happening again?

Write down the answers and try to act based on what you have learned.

Remain ambitious

Don’t let disappointment hold you back from what you want to do. Take your courage, strength and ability to bounce back from disappointment and use these valuable assets to steer you into whatever you want to do in the future. 

The post How to handle failure or disappointment at results time appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The Semester 2 2025 release date is Wednesday 26 November 2025.

Where to find your results

Once your results are released, we’ll send an email to your student email address to let you know they’re ready.

To access your results in StudentOnLine, you can either:   

• Click on the ‘My Study’ tile and view your results under your course on the ‘Academic History’ page; or
• Visit the ‘My Studies Summary’ in ‘My Summaries’, select your course and view your results in the ‘Subject and results details’ section.

In some cases, results may become visible earlier than the release date. If you check your results early and don’t see all your results, please be patient. There’s no need for you to contact ASK La Trobe or Student IT Support, your results will be released by the published results release date.

Note that your results may be amended after initial release, especially in the case of withheld or missing results.

If you’re waiting for results from a different study period, check our results release page or academic calendar for dates.

Why can’t I see my grade in StudentOnLine?

Unpaid fees are the most common reason you may not see your grade. Check if you have any fee sanctions by going to the ‘My Details’ tile in StudentOnLine, then go to ‘Sanctions’ in the menu on the left-hand side. Check out our FAQ for more info.

Understanding your grades

Sometimes your grades may appear a little confusing, so we put together this resource to help you understand your grades. Find out what the letter grades or percentages mean on your coursework, and understand what common administrative codes mean.

Things to do before your next study period

If you’re continuing studies, now’s a good time to check that you’re correctly enrolled!

What to do if things don’t go as planned with your results

Let’s be real, things don’t always go as planned. You might not get the results you wanted on your assignment, and that can be disappointing.

If this is you, take some time to put together a plan to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. Here are our top strategies for how to handle failure or disappointment at results time.

If you failed a subject, read our Failing a subject – next steps FAQ.

• If the subject is a pre-requisite for another subject, you will still need to pass it before being able to progress to the follow-on subject (i.e. you will need to repeat it if you do not pass).
• If it’s an elective, you might choose to complete the same subject again or another subject worth the same amount of credit points.  

If you believe your results are incorrect you may request a review of your marks. Requests must be made within 10 working days of results publication.

To help you achieve your best, both academically and personally, La Trobe has a number of support services available, like:  

• study support services, including the Learning Hubs   
• academic support resources and workshops, covering themes like time management and tips for successful study habits  
• wellbeing services, including counselling.    

Calculate your WAM

La Trobe uses a Weighted Average Mark (WAM) calculation instead of a Grade Point Average (GPA). A WAM is an average mark that takes into account the credit point value of the subjects that you have completed. Learn how to calculate your WAM here.

Have questions or need help?

If you need help or assistance with any matter, please visit ASK La Trobe FAQs or speak to your subject coordinator or course coordinator.

The post When will results be released and where can I find them? appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

1. Re-enrol for 2026

Lock in your subjects early and avoid the last-minute rush. Re-enrolment is open now!

2. Apply for campus accommodation

Thinking of living on campus next year and experiencing the perks of campus life? Applications are open, secure your spot early.

3. Boost your employability

Find casual work, internships or placements to increase your employability. Applications are now open for new elective University Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subjects, starting in Semester 1 2026.

If you are thinking about undertaking a placement in Semester 1 2026, you still have the option to secure your own placement or collaborate on an industry project.

Student-Sourced Applications close: 13 Feb 2026
Project intake closes: 4 February 2026
Uni-Sourced Applications close: Now closed

4. Register for a study hub near you

Studying over the break and needing a quiet place with good Wi-Fi? Or just wanting to set yourself up for the new year? The Northern Study Hub is here to help you succeed. Register today.

5. Join La Trobe’s Student Mentorship Program

Are you a new student at La Trobe starting your course in Semester 1, 2026? Register now to become a mentee. The program starts on 23 February 2026 during Semester 1 Orientation Week. So register now!

6. Enrol in Summer School

Catch up or get ahead with summer subjects. It’s a great way to lighten your 2026 study load.

7. Join Summer Library Workshops

Running 12 January – 27 February 2026, these workshops will help you sharpen your research and study skills. Perfect for students studying over summer or anyone looking to sharpen their skills ready for the new year.

8. Apply for a Student Experience Grant

Got a project that could improve student life? Apply for funding before 31 March 2026.

9. Apply to study abroad

Applications are now closed for both general student exchange and the Yani Global Exchange but read how Amy’s semester in Sweden opened up a world of opportunities for her!

10. Plan your timetable and select your preferred class times

From 9 December 2025 – 19 January 2026, you can start planning your 2026 timetable as part of the Preference Entry Mode. Get in early for your preferred options. If you haven’t submitted your preferences by the time Preference Entry Mode closes, you’ll be automatically allocated to class times.

11. Vote for La Trobe in the Shaping Australia Awards

La Trobe is a finalist in the 2025 Shaping Australia Awards, nominated in the Community Champion category for Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) at La Trobe University. Vote by 19 January to show your support!

12. Take time out for yourself

Relax, connect with friends and family and focus on your wellbeing. You’ve earned it A reminder that La Trobe has a range of wellbeing services available to you if you need it. Not sure where to start? Student Wellbeing Connect can help you find the right support, at the right time.

13. Spread the word

Tell a friend about MyLaTrobe and follow us on socials to stay in the loop!

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