Funded through the VicHealth Vaping Prevention Collective Impact 2.0 Grants program, the Hackathon brings together students from Deakin University, Monash University, La Trobe University, Australian Catholic University, Federation University and the University of Melbourne.

Participants will form multidisciplinary teams of six students, with one representative from each university to support cross-institutional collaboration and diverse perspectives. The winning team will receive an intensive two-week internship to bring their idea to life, working with stakeholders to refine, develop and support implementation of their solution across university campuses.

There are 20 places available for La Trobe students from all disciplines, and each selected student will receive a $50 Prezzee gift voucher to help with travel costs to attend the in-person event.

Applications close Thursday 30 July 2026.

Eligibility

To be eligible to join this program, you must:

• be a currently enrolled student at La Trobe University
• continue to be a current student during the internship phase, from December 2026 to February 2027
• have the necessary work rights to take part in the full-time internship at the University, if you progress to the internship stage

The program is open to both international and domestic students of all disciplines.

Key dates

Applications

Applications open: Monday 15 June 2026
Applications close: Thursday 30 July 2026

Program dates

Hackathon kick-off event: Wednesday 26 August 2026, 11 am – 1 pm, online
Hackathon Day: Wednesday 23 September 2026, all day, in person at the University of Melbourne, Parkville
Solution design submissions due: Wednesday 7 October 2026
Winning team announcement: Friday 23 October 2026

Internship dates

Internship dates will be confirmed with the winning team and will take place between December 2026 and February 2027.

By participating, you will:

• develop a range of experience and skills while working in a dynamic team
• learn to develop a proposal and pitch your ideas to real industry professionals
• collaborate with students across degrees and disciplines from other universities across Victoria
• be recognised with Melbourne Plus and receive the Innovation digital badge

How it works

Have any questions?

If you have any questions about the application process or how the program works, email stacey.bracksleyogrady@latrobe.edu.au.

The post Help shape vape-free campuses – apply for the Vape Free Uni Hackathon appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

This year’s theme focuses on guys looking after themselves with the ‘see a GP’ campaign.
Thus highlighting the importance of seeking support and looking after our physical, mental and
emotional wellbeing.

Check out the Australian Men’s Health Foundation (AMHF) to find out more: About – Men’s Health
Week. The AMF also have a great resource Know your man facts – AMHF –
Australian Men’s Health Forum with toolkits to support your physical and mental health. Take a look
for yourself or share it with some of the important men in your life.

Men’s Wellbeing here at La Trobe

The Men’s Health & Wellbeing service provides dedicated support and information for the men of La
Trobe. This includes counselling tailored specifically to men’s needs and experiences, with a focus on
creating a relaxed, confidential space, centred on you and what you want to achieve.

For more information or to organise a counselling session, check out our section on men’s health and wellbeing.

Happy Men’s Health Week!

The post Men’s Health Week 2026 appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

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.

Heywire is a lived experience storytelling competition for young people living in regional, rural and remote Australia. For over 20 years, Heywire has been celebrating the bravery and honesty it takes to share your story – your way.

What might seem everyday to you could be epic to someone else, whether that’s sharing what life’s like where you live, what you care about or what frustrates you.

Stories can be in any format: text, video or audio – whatever suits you best! All that matters is that it’s a true story about some aspect of your life in regional Australia.

Why should I enter?

Heywire isn’t a spelling or grammar competition – they’re looking for real, powerful stories from young people. Winners get the chance to: 

• Work with ABC producers to share their story nationally 
• Have their story featured across the ABC – on TV, radio, online and social media 
• Win an all-expenses-paid trip to the Heywire Summit in Canberra

How to enter

Entries for the 2027 competition are now open. Submit your story by Monday 1 September on the ABC Heywire website. Looking for some inspiration? You can also check out the incredible stories of previous Heywire winners.

The post Regional students, tell your story with ABC Heywire appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science student made the leap back into study after a long career in finance.

“After more than 24-years, I decided to pursue something I’s always been passionate about: sport. Following a redundancy last year, I took the opportunity to make a career change and begin a new chapter.”

At 52, Stuart is embracing the challenge of starting over — inspiring others to do the same.

“Friends and family often say that what stands out most is my willingness to chase a dream at this stage of life.”

Adjusting to university life wasn’t without hurdles, however.

“Balancing a demanding study load with work and life responsibilities took much of my first semester to adjust to. Over time, though, I’ve built a routine and settled into student life. Even though I’m much older than most of my classmates, we all share a common passion and purpose, which has made it easy to connect. Building friendships may not earn you a degree, but it certainly makes the experience richer.”

It helps when you can embrace your new future with such enthusiasm, like Stuart.

“After completing my degree, I hope to move to Europe and work on the DP World Tour. I feel I still have plenty of working life ahead of me and am excited by the prospect of building a meaningful second career.”

His advice for anyone facing a career crossroads that’s considering future study:

“My advice is simple: just go for it. There’s so little to lose and so much to gain.

It can feel daunting at first, but the real question is: what’s the best that could happen? Life is far too short not to take opportunities when they arise. You never know where it might lead.”

The post Chasing a new dream career at 54 appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

This free and live pitch event is the exciting finale of the 12‑week La Trobe LaunchPad program, where great ideas begin their journey into real‑world ventures.

After months of hands-on workshops, mentoring and idea refinement, the top 10 finalists from the March 2026 cohort will showcase their concepts by pitching live to a panel of industry experts and competing for up to $5,000 in cash prizes.

Lift Off Pitch Night is a celebration of innovation, creativity and the entrepreneurial mindset driving real change across the La Trobe community.

If you are considering applying for the August 2026 LaunchPad intake, this event offers a valuable chance to see the program in action and to find out more. From the types of ideas developed to the skills participants gain, Lift Off Pitch Night provides an insight into what the LaunchPad experience is really like.

Attendees will hear inspiring pitches, vote for the Audience Choice Award, learn more about the LaunchPad program and connect with like‑minded innovators, industry professionals and staff.

LaunchPad Lift Off Pitch Night: Event details

When: Wednesday 17 June, 5.00–8.15 pm
Where: Eagleworks Innovation Centre (Level 2, Jenny Graves Building) on La Trobe’s Melbourne (Bundoora) campus.
Cost: The event is free and open to all. Complimentary food and refreshments provided.

Interested in applying for LaunchPad?

Visit the La Trobe LaunchPad website for more information, or register for an online info session.

These free, online info sessions are designed for aspiring founders, innovators and entrepreneurial students who are interested in exploring the La Trobe LaunchPad program and learning how to put together a strong application.

LaunchPad info session 1
Tuesday 14 July, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Register here

LaunchPad info session 2
Wednesday 22 July, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Register here

You could also join the Inside Startup Life: LaunchPad Founder & Information Session. This free, online session is an engaging introduction to the LaunchPad program and the entrepreneurial community behind it.
Hear directly from people who have participated in the entrepreneurial program. They’ll share their experiences, lessons learned, challenges they’ve overcome, and the practical insights that helped them move from idea to action. You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with LaunchPad program leaders, ask questions, and gain a clear understanding of what the program offers and how to get involved.
When: Friday 19 June 2026 12:30 pm-2:00 pm

Find out more

The post LaunchPad Pitch Night: See what it takes to go from idea to lift off appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

At this point, campus life feels familiar to me. 

Which made me wonder: Does university feel like this everywhere else too? 

So instead of doing my actual work for the day, I messaged friends studying in different countries and asked them a simple question: “How would you describe uni life in three words?” 

What came back was surprisingly thoughtful. 

Somewhere between the replies, I realised we’re all technically “doing university”, but what that experience looks and feels like can change completely depending on where you are in the world. 
 

Kenya- Community, Energy, Adaptability 

Key finding: Campus life feels experience-driven 

Tiffany’s response came in fast: 

“Fun, adventurous… and honestly, every day feels different.” 

That last part stayed with me — every day feels different. 

What came through from her, and from other Kenyan responses, was a university experience that feels deeply social and community driven. People show up for each other. Friendships are not just a side effect of uni life — they are a big part of the experience itself. 

There is also a strong sense of independence that builds naturally. You figure things out. You adapt. You grow through the unpredictability as much as the academics. 

Honestly? That energy felt familiar. 

Just on a different campus. 

South Korea- Structured, Focused, Motivated 

Key finding: Academic culture shapes the pace of campus life 
 

My friend described Korean uni life as highly driven and academically focused. 

There’s a strong culture around discipline and study routines, where students are constantly encouraging each other to work hard and stay motivated. 

One thing she noticed after coming to La Trobe, though, was the different pace of campus culture here. 

At La Trobe, students still work hard – but there’s also visible space for clubs, events, hobbies, and community activities alongside academics. 

Not better or worse. Just a different balance. 

Hong Kong- Quiet Classrooms, Strong Communities 

Key finding: Participation looks different everywhere 

Joanna noticed one difference almost immediately after studying here. 

At La Trobe, students are often open during tutorials and discussions. Conversations happen naturally, and participation feels encouraged. 

Back home, classrooms can be quieter and more structured, with students expressing themselves more through coursework and assessments rather than open discussion. 

But the biggest contrast for her was not just academic. 

It was the campus community. 

The events, clubs, and social activities here made university feel connected in a way she had not experienced before. 

It was a reminder that participation does not look the same everywhere — sometimes it is loud and conversational, and sometimes it is quieter but still meaningful. 

India- Ambition, Expectations, Determination 

Key finding: Expectations often shape the student experience 

From Utkarsh, the word that came through most strongly was ambition. 

There is a significant focus on academics, performance, attendance, and future goals. Students often balance high expectations while working towards long-term career opportunities. 

At the same time, conversations around wellbeing, extracurricular involvement, and campus life are continuing to evolve across many institutions. 

It reminded me that access to support systems, social opportunities, and community experiences can vary greatly depending on where students study. 

For many students, university is not just about learning. It is also about expectation, pressure, growth, and trying to build a future that feels worth all the effort. 
 

Australia – Supportive, diverse, dynamic 

Key finding: Community is built into campus life 

When I asked students at La Trobe the same question, the words that kept coming up were: 

Community. Flexibility. Opportunities. Exposure. 

And honestly, that feels accurate. 

Because somewhere between random campus events, awkward introductions, free food, volunteering, late-night conversations, and meeting people from countries I had never visited before, uni became more than just lectures and assignments. 

It became people. 

It became the friend who saves you a seat. 
The person you meet once at an event and somehow keep running into. 
The staff member who remembers your name. 
The group chat that starts for an assignment and accidentally becomes emotional support. 

And maybe that is what I realised most through these conversations. 

No matter where we study, everyone is trying to build something for themselves — friendships, confidence, opportunities, memories, and a version of life that feels a little more their own. 

The environments may look different. 

The classrooms may sound different. 

The expectations may feel different. 

But the experience of figuring life out along the way? 

That feels surprisingly universal. 

Final Thought 

These conversations reminded me that university is never just one experience. 

It changes depending on where you study, the people around you, the culture you grow up in, and the expectations you carry with you. But across countries, campuses and classrooms, students are often searching for similar things: belonging, growth, confidence, opportunities, memories, and a version of life that feels a little more their own. 

And if La Trobe has taught me anything, it is that the best part of uni life is not just where you study. 

It is who you become while you are there. 

The post Uni life but make it global appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Services will be unavailable during this time. 

All services will resume on Tuesday 9 June 2026.

The post King’s Birthday Public Holiday 2026 appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Pride Week at La Trobe | 18 – 22 August 

To make sure more students can get involved, we celebrate Pride Week later in the year. In 2026, Pride Week will run from 24–28 August, with events and activities held across our campuses. More details will be shared closer to the date.

In the meantime, here are a few ways to connect and get involved:

Find community

The La Trobe Queer Club is a student-run group that hosts weekly meet-ups at the Bundoora campus, along with online spaces and special events throughout the year. It’s a great way to meet people and find your community.

Share your voice
Private Lives is Australia’s largest national survey on the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ adults, run by La Trobe’s Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society (ARCSHS). If you identify as LGBTIQA+ and live in Australia, you’re encouraged to take part. You can also join the ARCSHS mailing list to stay up to date with their research.

Happy Pride Month!

The post Pride Month 2026 appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

When people think about studying Media and Communications, they usually imagine cameras, microphones, writing, interviews and maybe a little bit of editing. 

And yes, there is definitely all of that. 

But what I didn’t expect was how many different pieces make up the experience: the late-night edits, the class jokes, the studio chaos, the feedback sessions, the new friendships and the moments where you realise you’re slowly learning how the media world actually works. 

So far, my Bachelor of Media and Communications has felt less like one single subject area and more like a collection of little elements that all come together. 

Media and Communications is more than cameras, scripts and edits. 

It is the people you learn with, the projects you build, the feedback you receive, and the confidence you slowly gain along the way. 

It is creative, chaotic, practical and funny- sometimes all in the same class. 

And honestly, that’s what makes it so memorable. 

Infographic summary (accessible text version)

The Edit 

• Editing takes way more time than people expect

• Scripting, reshooting, fixing audio and choosing clips can be a lot

• But finishing an edit feels so satisfying

• Feedback from classmates makes the process easier when you’ve been staring at the same project for too long 

The Family 

• A good media family makes the degree so much better.  

• Class feels less stressful when you have people to laugh, create and learn with 

• The people around you turn long classes and group projects into actual memories

Class Antics 

• Classes are full of unexpected side quests

• From messing around with microphones and headsets in the studio, to filming vox pops in the Agora, there’s always something happening  

• Somehow, we’re learning and laughing at the same time

Industry Experience 

• The degree gives us hands-on opportunities to build real media skills 

• In first year, Intro to Media gives us a taste of working in a newsroom-style environment

• Later opportunities, like Upstart, help connect what we learn in class to the media industry

Majors 

• The Bachelor of Media and Communications has four majors:  

• Journalism  

• Sports Media  

• Marketing  

• Creative and Professional Writing  

• These majors help us explore different career paths and figure out where we might want to go next

The post More than cameras: My media and comms experience  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.