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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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.

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 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.

The post Five ways the Library can make uni life easier appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

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.

They’ll be joined by a range of experts from teams like:

• Placements
• Career Ready Ambassadors
• Student IT Support
• Graduate Research School
• Medibank
• La Trobe College Australia

Where do I find a Welcome Zone?

You can visit our Welcome Zones located in the  ASK La Trobe Help Zones at the Melbourne (Bundoora) and Bendigo campuses between Monday 6 July – Friday 17 July.

Before you arrive

• Activate your student account in StudentOnLine so that you can connect with staff
• Read our New Student Guide online
• Make sure to bring your own laptop so our team can assist you on the spot with enrolling, submitting forms, timetabling and any other questions you may have

Prefer online support?

If you can’t make it to campus, don’t worry – you can always connect with us via ASK La Trobe’s range of contact options including:

• Ask a Question Online: Submit your enquiry and we’ll get back to you
• LiveChat: Talk with a friendly staff member in real time
• Phone: 1300 528 762 (in Australia) or +61 3 9479 6000 (from overseas)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Got a question? Chances are we have a FAQ that can help!

Workshops and support sessions

We recommend registering for an online New to La Trobe: Essential Information Workshop. Learn about subject selection, enrolment, academic skills and goal setting. Available until classes start and recommended for all students.

International students: Join International Student Support Sessions covering safe travel and settling in. Access sessions via the Orientation Planner.

Enrol in your subjects now

Make sure you’re enrolled as soon as possible so that you can get your timetable sorted.

Resources to help you

We have plenty of on-demand resources available. These include:  

• Ready, Set, La Trobe – a series of short videos covering all the hot topics such as activating your account, password resets, enrolment and more. 
• A New to La Trobe: Essential Information Workshop presented by Student Advising introduces the university Handbook, course structures, subject selection, important dates and enrolling correctly. 
• Study Plan Guides to help visualise your course enrolment. 
• Orientation resources are available all year.  
• Frequently Asked Questions – got a question? Chances are we have an FAQ for that! 

The post Find the support you need at on-campus Welcome Zones appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

A new semester is here! Whether you’re returning to campus or starting at La Trobe for the first time, taking a few minutes to get organised now can make your first weeks much smoother.

Here’s your Semester 2 checklist.

1. Make sure you’re enrolled

Before classes begin, double-check your enrolment in StudentOnLine and make sure your subjects match your course requirements in the Handbook. While you’re there, it’s also a good idea to check your personal and emergency contact details are up to date. Learn more about enrolment here.

2. Plan your Orientation

Orientation runs from 4 – 17 July and is your chance to meet your teaching staff, connect with other students and discover the support services available throughout your studies.

Across our campuses you’ll find:

• Course Meet & Greets
• Starting Strong sessions
• Support Services Expo and Showcase
• International Meet & Greets
• Student association events, clubs and free activities

Use the Orientation Planner to build your personalised schedule before you arrive and remember on-demand Orientation resources are available 24/7!

3. Log into the LMS

Before your first class, spend a few minutes exploring your subjects in the Learning Management System (LMS) or read this handy LMS guide.

Check for:

• subject learning guides
• assessment information
• announcements from your teaching team
• lecture and Zoom links (if you’re studying online)

Getting familiar with your LMS subjects before Week 1 will help you hit the ground running.

4. Know where you’re going

Save yourself the first-day stress by checking your timetable and locating your classrooms before classes begin.

If you’re studying on campus get to know your campus maps, or take some time during Orientation to explore the buildings you’ll be using most.

5. Set yourself up for success

A little planning now can make a big difference later.

Before Week 1:

• add key semester dates to your calendar
• note assessment deadlines as they’re released
• explore Library workshops and study support
• download any software you’ll need, including Zoom if you have online classes

6. Find your people

University is about more than lectures.

Orientation is the perfect opportunity to meet classmates, join a club or society, connect with your student organisation and discover what’s happening on your campus throughout the semester.

7. Know where to get help

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

If you have questions about enrolment, timetables, fees, results or student systems you can explore our handy Current Students FAQs.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? The friendly staff at ASK La Trobe can help. You can also access academic support, Wellbeing Services and Student Advising whenever you need them.

Your Semester 2 checklist recap:

Before classes start, make sure you:

✓ Confirm your enrolment

✓ Plan your Orientation

✓ Check your timetable

✓ Log into the LMS

✓ Read your subject information

✓ Add important semester dates to your calendar

✓ Find out where to get support if you need it

See you soon!

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