Hi, and firstly, welcome to La Trobe! 

Congratulations on taking a big step out of your comfort zone and starting a new chapter in Melbourne. You’ve probably already heard plenty about uni life, from finding your classes to settling into campus. But for this guide, let’s step away from uni and explore the city around you. 

After all, Melbourne isn’t just where you’ll study, it’s the city you’ll explore, make memories in, and come back to after a long day. 

And the best part? There are plenty of ways to experience Melbourne on a student budget. 

So, let’s get exploring and let me be your virtual tour guide! 

First stop: the side of Melbourne you can explore for free 

Don’t know where to start? Hop on the 86 from Bundoora and make your way to Melbourne Museum. Your student ID can get you free general entry, and trust me, this isn’t a “walk around for 20 minutes and leave” situation. 

I went in expecting a museum. I ended up exploring wonders of the natural world, pieces of history and even an entire house inside a museum. Safe to say, I lost track of time. 

Then there’s the NGV, Federation Square, walks along the Yarra, and Melbourne’s beautiful gardens especially the Royal Botanic Gardens on a sunny day. Pack a little picnic, find a spot on the grass and trust me, you’ll want to stay longer than you planned. 

And please visit State Library Victoria as soon as you can. I left it embarrassingly late and regretted it. 

Student-budget tip: Before paying anywhere, check if your student ID gets you free or concession entry. That little card can do more than get you into class. 

Second stop: Experience Melbourne while finding your community 

Exploring is great. Having people to explore with? Even better. 

The Couch is a great place to start. I’ve tried activities, attended workshops, danced my heart out and had one of my favourite Christmas celebrations there, all while meeting people from around the world. 

Then there’s Study Melbourne, which helped me in a completely different way. Through its events, I gained direction in my networking journey, met new people and found opportunities to hear from professionals and learn beyond university. 

Student tip: Moving countries can make walking into a room full of strangers intimidating. My advice? Don’t overthink it just show up! If nothing else, you’ll probably walk away with a full stomach, a bigger network and a story to tell. 

Third stop: Experiences worth spending a little extra on 

I love “free” as much as the other students, but some experiences are worth opening the wallet for. 

Melbourne is also full of experiences that are worth spending a little extra on. Keep an eye out for ticketed exhibitions from cultural and art exhibitions to immersive experiences, there’s always something new happening around the city. And if you’re ready to venture a little further, use a day off to explore beyond Melbourne and discover places like the Mornington Peninsula. Sometimes, spending a little extra is worth it for an experience that turns an ordinary day into something memorable. 

Student tip: The trick? Don’t rush to book. Exhibitions and experiences sometimes release special offers and discounted tickets, so keep checking before paying full price. And never be afraid to ask about student discounts. Your ticket might be concession-priced, but the experience doesn’t have to be. 

So yes, Melbourne will keep giving you new things to discover. You’ve already made the big move, now go make some stories worth taking back with you. 

Happy exploring! 

The post New to Melbourne? An international student’s guide to making the most of the city  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Build Skills for a Strong Finish

Whether you need help finding motivation, managing your time, improving your research skills or preparing for exams, there is a workshop to support your goals. You’ll have the opportunity to learn proven study strategies, connect with friendly staff and ask questions in a supportive environment.

The series covers a wide range of topics, from assessment planning and academic writing to referencing, library databases and exam preparation. These sessions are designed to help you work more effectively, reduce stress and feel ready to tackle upcoming deadlines.

Workshops commence on Monday 14 September.

Registration is available through CareerHub

Workshop Schedule

The post Spotlights on Success: Get Ready for Final Assessments and Exams appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

As part of these works, access arrangements within BS1 have been temporarily modified while works continue over the coming weeks.

What students need to know

• Teaching and learning activities are continuing
• You should continue to attend classes as scheduled and check LMS announcements, emails and timetable information for any updates relating to teaching locations
• Pedestrian access between BS1, BS2 and the RLR buildings via the linkways is still available
• Access to most areas of BS1 remains restricted and signage is in place to identify these areas
• The passenger lift within BS1 is currently unavailable
• Follow all signage, barriers and directions in place within and around the precinct

Support

If you have questions about a class location or teaching activity, please contact your Subject Coordinator in the first instance. 

If you’re impacted by access arrangements, please seek support via:

• ASK La Trobe
• Student Wellbeing Services

Further updates

We will continue to provide updates if access arrangements change or if further information becomes available. 

The post Temporary access arrangements for BS1, Melbourne (Bundoora) campus appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

AccessHack 2026 is a hands-on innovation challenge where students from across Australia will work in teams to tackle a real-life problem developed in collaboration with the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Hosted at La Trobe University’s Bendigo campus, this beginner-friendly event is open to students from all disciplines, with a particular focus on engaging students from regional communities. Across 2.5 days, you’ll collaborate with others, explore new technologies and approaches, develop a solution and pitch your ideas to a panel.

No coding or IT experience is required. Whether you’re studying business, communication, health, law, design, technology or something else entirely, AccessHack is an opportunity to build practical skills, connect with industry and create something you can showcase in future job applications. Prizes to be won!
Note: The challenge statement will be revealed at the beginning of the program.

When: Monday 14 September to Wednesday 16 September 2026
Where: La Trobe University, Bendigo Campus (Nancy Long Dining Hall)

Find out more and register

The post Learn, collaborate and create at AccessHack 2026 appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Create a poster that showcases your ideas, insights or innovations for improving patient safety and safe nursing care. Posters will be displayed during World Patient Safety Day celebrations from 17 to 23 September 2026. 

Key dates

• Poster entries close: 22 September
• Poster display week: 17-23 September
• Awards presentation: 23 September, 12 pm 

Prizes

• 1st Prize: Dean’s Award Nurse’s Kit including a Littmann III Stethoscope
• 2nd Prize: Littmann III Stethoscope
• 3rd Prize: Nursing Diary and Accessories
• People’s Favourite Award: Nursing Accessories (voting on 23 September) 

How to enter

Submit your poster to the La Trobe Rural Health School, HHS2 Level 2 Bendigo Campus, or at the LTSA. Posters may be submitted in A4, A3 or A2 format and must include the participant’s name and student ID.

The fine print:

• All posters must include appropriate references and citations for any sourced information, images, or data.
• Any assessment-related work submitted as a poster entry must have already been formally submitted for assessment
  prior to entry.
• Note that submitted posters will be displayed in a public venue. Entrants should ensure that no confidential or sensitive
  information is included.
• While reasonable care will be taken, the event organisers accept no responsibility for loss, theft, damage, or
  deterioration of submitted work.
• By submitting an entry, participants acknowledge that their poster may be publicly displayed for the duration of the
  event on La Trobe University Bendigo Campus.

The post Share your vision for safe nursing care and win great prizes! appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

WILDFIRE (Monash University Rural and Indigenous Health Club), LARHC (La Trobe Rural Health Club) and BOHDS (Bendigo Oral Health and Dentistry Society) are teaming up for an epic collaboration event. And you are invited!

Join us at Soundbar Bendigo on Thursday 17 September from 7pm for a night of great company, free food, house wine, tap favourites and soft drinks.

If you’re from Monash or La Trobe and studying health, this is your chance to unwind, meet new mates and enjoy a great night out.

Dress Code: Smart Casual – let’s dress it up a little bit!

The post Monash x La Trobe Uni Rural Health Mixer @ Soundbar Bendigo appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Visit your campus Help Zone and speak directly with the Placement Team about any questions you have regarding your upcoming placement or project.

What can the Placement Team help with?

Bring along your questions and get support with:

• Understanding the pre-placement or project requirements you need to complete
• Meeting your pre-placement or project requirements
• Uploading documents through InPlace

Drop in between 10 August – 24 September 2026

No booking is required. Simply bring your questions and any relevant pre-placement information to your campus Help Zone on the day your discipline is scheduled.

The post Placement and project drop-in sessions this August and September appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The La Trobe Entrepreneurship Drop-In Series is a new, flexible way for students to explore entrepreneurship, build practical skills and connect with others, all in just one hour. 

Held at the Eagleworks Innovation Centre, these sessions are designed to be low-pressure and accessible. There’s no registration, no prerequisites and no need to commit to a full program.  

Just drop in, learn something new and take a step towards turning your ideas into action. 

What to expect 

Each session focuses on a different stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from generating ideas to pitching, prototyping and understanding how to bring a concept to life. 

You’ll take part in interactive activities, learn practical skills and hear real insights that can help you shape your thinking and build confidence. 

Whether you’ve got a side project, a business idea, or you’re just curious about startups, there’s something here for you. 

You don’t need to have a fully formed idea or any experience at all. Sometimes, all it takes is one hour to spark something bigger. 

Upcoming sessions 

Wednesday 16 September, 12:30-1:30pm – Making It Real (IP, funding and next steps) 

Where: All sessions will be held in Room 103, Level 1, Eagleworks Innovation Centre – Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus 

No registration is required. You’re welcome to arrive at any time during the session and stay after for an optional 30-minute networking opportunity (bring your own lunch). 

The post Find out how an hour can turn your ideas into action appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

This is particularly relevant at our Bundoora campus, where extensive waterways and natural areas support large and diverse populations of native birds. These environments are an important part of the campus ecosystem, but the concentration of waterbirds can also create opportunities for disease transmission. Bird flu can cause sudden illness and death, and significant outbreaks have the potential to affect local populations and biodiversity. 

Does bird flu affect humans?

For people, the risk of becoming infected remains very low. Human infections are rare and are generally associated with close contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Nevertheless, sensible hygiene and biosecurity practices remain important. Read about possible signs of bird flu here

What steps should you take to stay safe?

If you see a bird or other animal that appears sick, is behaving unusually or has died:

• Do not touch, handle or move it.
• Keep away from the animal and encourage others to do the same.
• Keep pets away from sick or dead wildlife.
• Practise good hand hygiene, particularly after spending time around waterways or wildlife areas.
• On campus, contact Campus Security and provide the location and a description of what you have observed.

Agriculture Victoria also advises that sick or dead waterbirds should be reported, even when only one bird is affected.

Protecting our campus wildlife is part of protecting the health, biodiversity and sustainability of our University environment. By observing wildlife from a distance and reporting concerns promptly, we can help reduce unnecessary exposure and support an appropriate response.

The post Bird flu: protecting wildlife and our campus community appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

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.

The post Assessment Bootcamp – your training ground for academic success appeared first on MyLaTrobe.