Different study needs call for different spaces. Choosing the right spot can help you get more out of your study session – whether you need to concentrate, collaborate or recharge.

If you’re studying at any of our campuses or online, here’s how to find a space that works for you.

If you need quiet focus time

Choose a designated quiet or silent area when you need to read, write, revise or work independently.

Quiet spaces are helpful for:

• individual study
• reading and research
• writing assignments
• exam revision
• focused work with fewer distractions

Some campuses have clearly labelled quiet or silent areas. At Melbourne (Bundoora), for example, Level 1 of Borchardt Library Level 2 is for quiet study and Level 3 is for silent individual study.

If you need to chat, take a call or work with a group, choose a space where talking is welcome so you can focus on what you need to do without distracting others.

If you’re studying with others

Studying with other people works best when you have space to talk things through, share ideas and plan your next steps.

Use group study areas where you can talk freely for:

• group assignments
• planning and discussion
• presentation practice
• study sessions with classmates

Group study options vary by campus, from group tables to bookable rooms and flexible learning spaces.

At Melbourne (Bundoora), Level 1 of the Borchardt Library is the main space for talking and group discussion, and bookable meeting spaces and alcoves are available in The Learning Commons (TLC) next to the Library. Bookable accessibility rooms are also available for eligible students.

Depending on your campus, you may also find other buildings with desks and spaces to study if you are working in a group or are happy with a bit of background noise. For example, the ground floor of HS1 at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus has comfortable desks and booths that are great for a study session between classes.

If you need to take a call or join an online class

If you need to chat in an online class or take a phone call, choose a space where talking is okay. Make sure you use headphones to help you stay focused and keep the space comfortable for others nearby.

Some campuses have spaces designed for online classes, like the Online Learning Zone at Melbourne (Bundoora) and Online Learning Rooms at Bendigo.

If you want to chat, socialise or take a break

A quick catch-up or study break can help you recharge and come back ready to focus. To make the most of it, choose a space where you can feel comfortable chatting with friends.

Across our campuses, you will find social spaces, lounges and outdoor areas for a more relaxed catch-up.

At Melbourne (Bundoora), the Club House in the Agora is a great place to connect, join club activities or take a break to play some table tennis, while The Retreat offers a calming seating, puzzles and light reading.

Study closer to home at a study hub

If you want to save time travelling to campus or study closer to home, study hubs are a great place to focus. Services vary at each study hub, but can include quiet study spaces, free Wi-Fi, desktop computers, in-person support and opportunities to connect with other students.

You have free access to the Northern Study Hub in Broadmeadows and Epping, plus Country Universities Centres across the country.

The Library also offers a range of support online, including help with research, referencing, study skills and finding resources.

Check what’s available at your campus

Every campus is different, so make sure you check the Library page before you head in. You can find campus-specific spaces, floor plans and opening hours there.

Need help?

Library staff can point you in the right direction if you are struggling to find a suitable space.

Everyone needs to follow the Library’s conditions of entry when using Library spaces. If something in the Library is making it hard to study, you can speak to staff in person or contact the Library online.

The post Quiet study or group work? Find the right study space 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.

You may have heard the word Census at university, but the Australian Census is something completely different. 

The National Census, run by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), is Australia’s biggest survey. It takes place every five years and collects information about the people and households living in Australia. The results help governments, councils and community organisations plan services such as transport, healthcare, education and community programs. 

Who needs to take part? 

Everyone in Australia on Census night must be counted, including: 

• Australian citizens and permanent residents 
• International students 
• Temporary visa holders 
• Visitors and tourists 
• Children and babies 

If you are in Australia on Census night, you need to be included on a Census form. No exceptions! 

When is the Census? 

Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026. 

How do I take part? 

From late July, households will receive instructions on how to complete the Census. Most people will complete it online, although paper forms are also available. 

You can complete your Census as soon as you receive your instructions if you already know where you will be staying on Census night. If you are travelling, you still need to be counted wherever you are on the night. 

Find out more 

Visit the Australian Bureau of Statistics website for more information: 

• About the Census 
• How to complete the Census 

Don’t forget, the Australian National Census is not the same as La Trobe University Census date, which relates to enrolment and study administration. The National Census is a government survey that everyone in Australia is required to participate in.  

The post Australia’s National Census is coming  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The Student Experience Survey is now open until 31 August. Current first and final year undergraduate students and all postgraduate coursework students who are eligible will receive an invitation to participate via your La Trobe student email.

Your feedback will be used to shape the future of La Trobe, while also helping to improve the overall student experience in Australia.

The insights gained from previous Student Experience Surveys have helped us to:

• make it easier to access wellbeing services, including counselling and legal support
• provide you with more support to plan and develop your career skills
• introduce exciting new ways to meaningfully connect with other students

Learn more about the ways your feedback drives meaningful change through You Said, We Did.

Have your say for a chance to win

Complete the Student Experience Survey and you’ll automatically go into the draw for QILT’s weekly gift card draws, with prizes valued at up to $1,000.

That’s not all – complete the survey by 5pm on Monday 31 August and you’ll also go into the draw to win one of La Trobe’s exclusive prizes*:

• First prize: 13-inch MacBook Air (Apple chip, 16GB RAM)
• Second prize: Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
• Third prize: Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones
• Fourth prize: Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones

*Terms and conditions apply

How to complete the survey

Complete the survey using the personalised link in your La Trobe student email, or head to the QILT website to learn more and access the survey.

If you have any questions, please email surveys@latrobe.edu.au.

The post Have your say in the Student Experience Survey appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

You can review and comment on the updated Assessment Procedure – Adjustments (including Special Consideration) from Monday 20 July until 5pm on Friday 31 July.

These changes aim to make the process clearer, fairer and easier to use.

Please note there are no changes for Semester 2, 2026. The current process still applies.

What is proposed to change:

• The current three-day short extension process will be removed.
• Instead, you’ll be able to submit assessments up to 24 hours after the due date with no late penalty – no application required.
• After 24 hours, late penalties will apply, increasing each calendar day (up to a maximum of 20%, lower than the current 25% cap).

In short: you won’t need to apply for short extensions – everyone gets a 24-hour grace period.

Learning Access Plans (LAPs) continue to accommodate later submission dates with the duration of the additional time permitted determined by the student’s plan.

There are no changes to Special Consideration for students who don’t have a LAP, including extensions as outcomes through that process.

Students with a LAP who experience an exacerbation of their condition, will need to provide verifiable evidence of the exacerbation as part of their Special Consideration application.

Why the changes are proposed:

These changes aim to:

• reduce confusion for students and staff
• improve consistency across subjects
• ensure that formal adjustment pathways are used for genuine, documented circumstances

Students who need additional support due to disability, ongoing health conditions or unexpected circumstances will continue to have access to Learning Access Plans (LAPs) and Special Consideration.

How to give feedback: You can provide feedback on the proposed changes via the Bulletin Board from Monday 20 July until 5pm on Friday 31 July.

Feedback will be reviewed, and the updated policy is planned to apply from Term 6, 2026. 

The post Give your feedback – proposed changes to Short Extensions appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The University of Melbourne together with the Amgen Foundation invites applications for the Amgen Scholars Program 2027 for undergraduate students entering their third year of study in 2027.

The program is designed for undergraduate students considering a future in research and provides invaluable research experience, professional development and networking opportunities.

Students will also be given the opportunity to travel to Japan to attend the Amgen Scholars Program – Asia Symposium in August, 2027 where they will connect with fellow Amgen Scholars and leading researchers from across the Asia-Pacific.

The 2027 program will invite 11 high-achieving undergraduate students from eligible countries to work in a research lab for seven weeks (3 January – 19 February 2027). 

Applications for the Amgen Scholars Program close at 5pm on Monday 31 August.

Successful applicants receive:

• Accommodation and meals
• Return travel to Melbourne (from your home university city)
• A stipend to support living costs
• Access to program activities, workshops and seminars

Check out the website for more information about the Amgen Scholars Program, eligibility criteria and how to apply, or see the list of participating research labs.

The post Apply for the Amgen Scholars Program and spend your summer on a research adventure appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Sessions are available at both public St John venues or at La Trobe University venues, so you can choose what’s easiest for you.

The St John Ambulance 1-day course has no pre-learning material or requisites, the program is delivered multimodally to address different learning styles. Assessments are undertaken throughout the program using participants’ smart device (tablet or phone).

Ongoing assessment allows the trainer to focus on any areas that require further attention or explanation to build a confident and competent first aid responder. Follow-up cardiopulmonary resuscitation refresher training is also available as a half-day program and is recommended to be undertaken annually.

Courses available

HLTAID011 – PROVIDE FIRST AID (INCLUDES CPR)

• La Trobe venue bookings: Your special pricing is already applied.
• St John venue bookings: To get your special pricing of $100 per person, enter promo code LTUPFA at the checkout.

HLTAID009 – PROVIDE CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR)

• La Trobe venue bookings: Your special pricing ($55) is already applied.
• St John Venue bookings: To get your special pricing of $55 per person, enter promo code LTUCPR at the checkout.

The post Discounted first aid training now available in Semester 2 appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Backed by LaunchVic and delivered by La Trobe University, LaunchPad helps you take your first real steps into the startup world. You’ll be supported at each stage of the founder journey, before you sharpen your pitch in readiness for presentation.

Over 12 weeks, you’ll learn how to:

• Validate a real problem worth solving
• Build and test a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
• Talk to early customers and users
• Develop the confidence and core skills to launch a venture

You’ll also receive hands‑on mentoring, pitch coaching and access to masterclasses covering venture foundations, teams and business models. Midway through the program, you’ll take part in a Pitch Mastery Clinic, before pitching at the LaunchPad Lift‑Off showcase, where $5,000 in prizes is up for grabs.

Successfully completing LaunchPad also earns you 15 microcredential credit points towards La Trobe University’s Global MBA.

Important information

Applications close: 9 August at 11.59pm
Only 50 places available. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis until the submission deadline – so don’t wait. Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 3 August.

The application includes a short video submission and some applicants may be invited to interview. If you need help with your application, support is available.

Cost: Thanks to LaunchVic support, the program fee for Victorian participants (including La Trobe students) is $449 (standard value $2,295).

Location: The program is delivered in a hybrid format. Most sessions are held online, with key in-person events. 

Check eligibility, find out more and apply via the La Trobe LaunchPad website.

The post Launch your startup and compete for up to $5,000 to fuel your venture appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

When Emily McDonnell graduated from the Bachelor of Social Work in Bendigo in 2019, she couldn’t have known just how far her career would take her.

Since graduating, Emily has moved to the Northern Territory, where she has had the opportunity to learn, share, grow and work across nine First Nations Communities spanning more than 162,000 square kilometres. She has also worked in the international humanitarian space in the Pacific and, later this year, will support the next generation of social workers as a supervisor and field educator for students undertaking their social work placement in Nepal.

Along the way, Emily has also co-authored a journal article and a book chapter over the past two years, describing both as “another wonderful learning opportunity!”

Looking back on her time at La Trobe, Emily says the Bendigo campus opened doors she never expected.

“La Trobe presented so many beautiful opportunities for me, including a semester abroad in Sweden (in the winter!), my first placement in Broken Hill and my final placement in Nepal.”

Among those experiences, one stands out most.

“A highlight was being a part of the Bendigo Association of Social work Students (BASS) and creating opportunities to connect with others from all different years!”

For anyone considering a career in social work, Emily hopes they recognise the privilege that comes with the profession.

“I think it is a real privilege to call myself a social worker and remind myself constantly of this. It is a privilege to hold hope, for when others may not be able to at the time. A privilege to give but actually receive more, learn more and share more. Social work presents so many career opportunities, and opportunities that can take you to all different spaces and places.”

The post Where social work can take you appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Online spaces make university life more connected and accessible. Group chats, social media, gaming spaces, dating apps and online study groups are an everyday part of student life. Everyone should be able to use online spaces, feeling safe and respected. 

Unfortunately, sometimes, online behaviours can make you feel uncomfortable or unsafe. When that happens, it can impact how you feel on campus, and it can also affect how you feel at home, in your relationships and wider community. 

That is why online safety is an important part of building a safe and respectful La Trobe community. Running from 13 July to 14 August, the Safe and Respected campaign reminds us that our online interactions can shape how safe and respected people feel across campus, while helping raise awareness of behaviours that constitute sexual and online harm.  

What is online harm or abuse?  

Online harm or abuse can include:  

• repeated unwanted messages, threats, intimidation or harassment 

• pressure to send intimate images or videos 

• sharing or threatening to share intimate images without content 

• Monitoring, controlling or tracking someone online without their consent  

Online harm can also include sexual harm. 

Did you know that there are Online Safety Laws in Australia? 

The laws protect against: 

• sharing explicit images or videos without consent 

• illegal and violent content including the sexual abuse of children or encouraging terrorism 

• cyberbullying – when someone uses the internet to humiliate, harass, intimidate or threaten a person under the age of 18 

• severely abusive content that is menacing, harassing or offensive and intended to cause serious mental or physical harm to someone who is 18 or older 

Online safety laws address the most severe types of online abuse and enable the  eSafety Commissioner to remove severely harmful online content. 

How can you ensure safety online? 

If online spaces feel unsafe, report and seek support early. You can also regularly check and update your privacy and location settings on online media. Use the restrict, block or report options where possible. If someone threatens you, do not continue engaging with them and cut all contact. 
 
If you are supporting someone experiencing online harm, check in with them privately and encourage them to seek support or report the issue. Understanding what online harm looks like can make it easier to respond effectively and get the right support. Check out the e-safety guide or Young People | eSafety Commissioner to help you navigate social platforms safely.  

Learn what you can report to eSafety and how to report abuse or content to eSafety. 

Have you seen our campaign videos on MyLaTrobe socials?  

Watch our campaign video on the E-safety Commissioner. Week 3 – Online Safety 1 – e-safety commissioner.mp4) 

Get involved in the campaign 

1. Sign up for Respect at La Trobe Student Leaders Training (open for all students). 

2. Explore the new RESPECT AT LA TROBE webpage for events and resources. 

3. View the Safe and Respected at La Trobe campaign website to learn more. 

4. Watch out for updates on the National Student Safety Survey where you can have your say on safety. Visit the NSSS page to learn more. 

For more information about this article and the Safe and Respected campaign, email  respect@latrobe.edu.au.  

 
Supports:  

•  La Trobe’s Safer Community Service, a free and confidential support service for all La Trobe students and staff. If you witness or experience inappropriate, threatening or concerning behaviour of any kind, online, or in-person, please visit the Safer Community website to contact the service.  

• Connect with La Trobe’s Wellbeing Services, including Student Wellbeing Connect. 

• Out-of-hours mental health and wellbeing support can be accessed anytime 24 hours a day by calling 1300 146 307 or texting 0488 884 100.   

External supports: 

• 1800 RESPECT: National sexual assault, domestic, family violence counselling service. Tel: 1800 737 732  

• ESafety Commissioner: Information and reporting about online abuse.  

• CASACV: Trauma-informed counselling, advocacy and support for students who have experienced sexual assault.  

• NCASA: Sexual assault service located in Heidelberg. An NCASA counsellor also visits the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus weekly and can be accessed through Health Wellbeing and Inclusion. Tel: 03 9496 2369 

• Sexual Assault Crisis Line: Crisis response, support and advocacy for people who have experienced sexual violence. After Hours Tel: 1800 806 292 

• Djirra: Support for Aboriginal women and particularly to Aboriginal people experiencing family violence.  Tel: 1800 105 3030 

• Daisy app: Connecting women who are experiencing or have experienced sexual assault, and domestic and family violence to services in their state and the local area.  

•  QLife: Counselling for LGBTIQ people, by LGBTIQ people. Tel: 1800 184 527  

• Men’s Line: Free professional 24/7 telephone counselling support for men with concerns about mental health, anger management, family violence (using and experiencing), addiction, relationships, stress, and wellbeing. Tel: 1300 78 99 78 

The post Safe and Respected – Online appeared first on MyLaTrobe.