La Trobe University is teaming up with La Trobe Sport and the Carlton Football Club to bring international students a uniquely Melbourne experience: AFL Game Day at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Places are limited, so book today!

A beginner-friendly experience

If you’ve never been to an AFL game before, don’t worry – this event is designed with you in mind. Think of it as more than just a match. It’s a chance to experience Melbourne culture, connect with other students, and try something new.

You’ll be part of a La Trobe student group, so you won’t be attending alone. Before the game, you’ll also be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group, making it easy to meet others and stay connected.

What’s included

Students who attend can expect:

• Early access to tickets via the priority list
• Free entry to the game
• Vouchers included as part of the experience
• A group-based event – attend with other La Trobe students
• A welcoming, social atmosphere designed for international students

Event details

Cheer with the Locals: AFL Game Day
Carlton Blues vs Geelong Cats
Friday 29 May
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG)

Why you shouldn’t miss it

AFL is one of Australia’s most popular sports, and attending a game at the MCG is a bucket-list experience for many. Whether you’re new to Melbourne or looking to make new friends, this is your chance to be part of something special.

The post Cheer with the locals: Join the AFL game day experience appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The Student Feedback on Subjects and Teaching survey is your opportunity to have your say about your learning experience. Your feedback helps us understand what’s going well and what could be better.

Your answers will help us plan the future of teaching and learning at La Trobe. Some teaching staff may also ask for feedback on how they can improve the way they deliver their subjects.

You can learn more about how your student voice drives meaningful change at You Said, We Did.

All responses are confidential and the privacy of everyone invited to take part is protected. Please make sure you limit comments to issues relating to teaching and learning in line with the Student Charter.

Have your say for a chance to win

By completing the survey, you’ll automatically go in the running to win one of the below*:

First prize: 1 x $500 Mastercard gift card

Runner ups: 1 of 10 $200 Mastercard gift cards

Check out the winners from Semester 2 2025!

How to access the survey

You should have received an email from surveys@latrobe.edu.au with a link to the survey on Monday 18 May. You can also access the survey from your LMS homepage.

Can’t see the email? Make sure you check your junk and spam folders in case it has ended up there.

The survey closes at 11:59pm AEDT on Saturday 15 June, so don’t miss your chance to have your say!

If you have any questions, please reach out to surveys@latrobe.edu.

*View the Terms and Conditions

The post Have your say on subjects and teaching appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

How I went from “I’ll Just Observe” to “I’ll Host the Event”. 

If school knew me as “the quiet girl,” uni genuinely never got the memo. 

When I first imagined university life in Australia, I thought it would mostly be classes, part-time work, assignments, and the same routine every week. 

Study. Work. Repeat. 

Very practical. Very responsible. Very international student coded. 

But deep down, I wanted the full movie version of uni life. 

I wanted random friendships, campus events, late-night conversations, and the confidence to introduce myself first instead of rehearsing a sentence in my head six times before speaking. 

The problem was — I wasn’t naturally that person. 

Back in school, I was quiet, underconfident, and honestly a little too comfortable staying unnoticed. I always wanted to be involved in things, but from a safe distance. Like emotionally supporting the event without actually attending it. 

But moving to Australia unexpectedly gave me something I’d never really had before: 

A reset. 

Nobody here knew me as “the shy one,” which meant I could finally stop acting like I had to stay that way. 
 
And somehow, I actually started trying. 

Audio – First few weeks at uni 

Audio transcript: 
Hi, are you also new?  
Oh, what are you studying? Oh, I see, hmm alright. Nice, I’ll see you later, bye. 

It started with Res events. 

Which, looking back, is dangerous — because free food and “just come for a little while” are genuinely gateway experiences into campus involvement. 

One event became another. Then another. 

At some point, I stopped waiting to feel confident first and just started showing up anyway. 

I started talking to random people, joining conversations instead of pretending to check my phone, and meeting students from completely different countries and backgrounds. 

Then came the unexpected parts. 

The random friendships. 
The quiet campus crushes. 
The realisation that I suddenly had stories from campus instead of just classes. 

And somewhere in between all of that, I became… social? 

Not fully. Let’s not get carried away. 

But enough for someone to once tell me: 

“You don’t look like an introvert.” 

Honestly? That weirdly felt like a compliment. 

Not because being introverted is a bad thing, but because for the first time, it felt like people were seeing the version of me I always secretly wanted to become. 

Voice note – Two years later 

Audio Transcript: 
 
Hey, you seem new here. Oh, you’re from Kenya. So cool! I really want to go on a safari there someday. Also wait, have you tried the kebabs in the Agora yet? You definitely should. They are actually so good and there are some more good spots to eat around uni.  

At some point, “just volunteering once” turned into helping run events, speaking in front of crowds, and becoming a Senior Leader — which genuinely sounds unreal if you knew first-year me. 

And somehow, alongside that, I also became a Storyteller. 

Which basically means holding a camera, filming students, interviewing students around campus, and somehow acting confident while doing it. 

There was a time when introducing myself to one new person felt emotionally exhausting. 

Now I walk up to strangers and ask them to be in one of my reels. 

Honestly? Still slightly terrifying sometimes. 

But also really fun. 

And weirdly enough, I love it. 

The same thing happened with job interviews. 

Voice note – First interview era 

Audio Transcript: 
Hi, this is Niharika and firstly I really want to thank you for this opporunity. To let you know my strengths are I am a quick learner and I can work well with a team. 

 Voice note – Current era 

Audio Transcript: 
Hi everyone, I am Niharika and what really stands out to me about this role is the opportunity to connect with people through customer service and uni leadership roles I have realised I generally enjoy fast paced, people focused environments and I am really keen to get started on this one. 

Still nervous, obviously. Some traditions survive character development. 

And maybe that’s the strangest part of all this. 

I spent so long thinking uni accidentally changed my personality. 

But looking back now, I’m starting to think it was never really an accident. 

Maybe this version of me was always there – just waiting for a place where she felt brave enough to show up first. 

The post The personality I accidentally built at uni  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their feedback. The insights from these surveys will help us to improve subject content, teaching quality and the overall student experience at La Trobe.

The Student Feedback on Subjects and Teaching survey is now open for Semester 1 2026 – don’t miss your chance to have your say and go in the draw to win!

The winners

Congratulations to Kayla, who took home the first prize of a $500 Mastercard gift card!

These 10 runner ups also got to take home a $200 Mastercard gift card:

• Adel
• Anastasija
• Jiajun
• Gigi
• Jessica
• Rachel
• Jessica
• Abigail
• Elanor
• Laura

All winners have been notified via email.

Want to learn more about surveys at La Trobe?

Your voice matters. That’s why we ask you to share your feedback via surveys throughout the year, so that we can see what’s going well and what we can improve. You can learn more about how your feedback drives change at You Said, We Did.

The post Student Feedback on Subjects and Teaching survey winners announced appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Located just steps from public transport in Broadmeadows and Epping, the hubs make studying closer to home easy. With free public transport across Victoria extended to the end of May, then half price until the end of the year, there’s never been a better time to leave the car behind and save time and money.

Open to students from any university and any course, the Northern Study Hub is completely free to register and use, with high‑speed Wi‑Fi, quiet study areas, private meeting rooms and access to academic and wellbeing support.

More than just a place to study, the Northern Study Hub is a place to belong.

Why you’ll love the Northern Study Hub

• Available for all: Students studying any degree at any university can use the Northern Study Hub. Have a friend at a different uni who you want to study with? Get them to register too! 

• Spaces designed to meet your needs: Each hub features free high-speed Wi-Fi, printers, quiet zones, group workspaces and more, all in an inclusive, student-friendly environment. 

• Centrally located with flexible access hours: Close to public transport, shops and cafes, these hubs help you save on travel costs while offering a safe, secure place to study with swipe card access (during opening hours). 

• Support to help you succeed: Learning Support Advisors will be available to help you settle into study and show you the tools you’ll need to succeed while at uni. 

• Make yourself at home: You’re welcome to bring your own device and use our charging points while you study. You can even make yourself a coffee or tea in the kitchen. 

• Connect with a new community: On top of meeting other students, you can join workshops, meet employers and get career ready with local industry events and personal support from our expert advisors. 

Register now to visit the Northern Study Hub

The Northern Study Hub is now open at two locations:

• Broadmeadows – 1/1079 Pascoe Vale Road, Broadmeadows
• Epping – Cnr Cooper St & Dalton Rd, Epping

Ready to experience the space yourself? Both locations are staffed each business day (in line with opening hours), so feel free to pop by during staffed hours or register now via the Northern Study Hub website. Once you register your interest, the team will be in touch with details on how to complete your registration and collect your access card.

To stay up to date with everything happening at the hub, make sure you follow the Northern Study Hub on Instagram.

The post Save time and money – study at the Northern Study Hub appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

It’s Friday evening. After a long week, you open the webpage for a new takeaway place your friend recommended.

You’re ready to choose your meal, but the page is hard to use. The colours are distracting, images are scattered between blocks of text, and there’s no clear way to tell which description matches which dish.

After a few minutes of zooming, scrolling and trying again, you give up. Not because you don’t want the food, but because the page makes it too hard.

Now imagine that happening when you’re trying to access a reading, watch a lecture recording, submit a form or take part in online learning.

For some people, this is not occasional – it is part of everyday life online. That is what GAAD asks us to notice.

What is GAAD?

GAAD is a global day to think about how accessible our digital world really is – and who might be left out. For students, digital accessibility can affect how you:

• access readings and lecture recordings
• use the LMS
• complete online forms
• work on group assignments
• take part in online learning.

When digital content is accessible, it’s easier for more people to use. This includes people with a disability, people using assistive technology, people studying in noisy spaces and people learning in a second language.

Tools and support at La Trobe

There are a range of tools and support at uni to help you access content in ways that work better for you.

You can:

• Join the Assistive Tech Teams Channel via Teams to access a current list of available technologies, guides for each tool, a chat forum to discuss options and regular updates about new technology.
• Register with Accessibility to get tailored support for your accessibility requirements during your studies.
• If accessibility requirements are impacting your wellbeing, reach out to the Wellbeing team.

Small changes can help everyone

Digital accessibility is often discussed in relation to disability, but accessible design choices can make study better for everyone.

For example:

• Captions and transcripts support deaf and Deaf students, students with auditory processing needs and students learning in a second language. They also help when you’re watching a video somewhere noisy, or somewhere you can’t use sound.
• Clear headings help people using screen readers or keyboards move through a page. They also help you skim readings and find what you need.
• Alt text describes important images, graphs and tables for people who use screen readers. It also helps make sure key information is not missed.

What you can do

You don’t need to be an accessibility expert. When you create slides, documents, videos or group assignment materials, try to:

• use clear headings
• add captions or transcripts where you can
• describe important images, charts and tables
• check your content is easy to read on a phone or laptop.

These changes can help your classmates, your group members and your future self.

Learn more this GAAD

Each year, the GAAD community hosts free global events about digital accessibility. This includes the Accessible does not equal equitable webinar on 20 May and GAAD Conference 2026 on 26 June. Sessions will be recorded if you can’t join live due to the time difference.

You can also check out Deakin University’s Everyday Accessibility Basics for simple changes you can make to your digital content or use WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) to check webpage accessibility and learn how to improve your pages.

This GAAD, the aim is not perfection. It’s noticing what gets in the way, making small improvements and helping to create digital study spaces that work for more people.

The post Building accessibility into our digital places appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Some health services you can access

• Mental health support and referrals
• Sexual and reproductive health information and advice
• Check-ups and health screening
• Pain relief, feeling unwell or specialist referrals
• Vaccines, special immunisations and travel medicines (Some of these services may attract fees. Contact the clinic to find out what you will need to pay.)

Fees…no out-of-pocket!

The clinic offers a bulk-billing service to students, children under 16 years and Concession card holders.  A practice fee may apply for other patients or for consultations not eligible for a Medicare rebate. International students with valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) card can also use this service at no additional cost.

Location and hours

La Trobe University Medical Centre’s GP Clinic is operated by Latrobe Community Health Service and open to La Trobe Uni students, staff and the general public. The clinic is located at Level 1, Health Sciences 1 Building, La Trobe University Budnoora and is open from Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm, and on Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm. To make an appointment phone (03) 9473 8885 or book an appointment online. 

Looking for other bulk billed clinics?

It’s now easier than ever to find GP clinics that offer bulk billing or no-cost services https://www.health.gov.au/bulk-billing

The post La Trobe University Medical Centre GP Clinic (bulk billed for students) appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

We are excited to announce the funded projects for 2026 and are thrilled by the range and creativity of ideas aimed at enhancing the student experience at La Trobe.

The funded projects reflect a strong focus on peer connection, belonging, employability, wellbeing and hands-on learning. A sincere thank you to all students who submitted applications!

Funded projects for 2026

ChemKrew creating connection through chemistry

ChemKrew: Connecting Chemistry Students Through Peer Learning, Careers Insight and Community, led by Henry Bellette, will support a student-led chemistry community focused on building academic confidence and peer connection.

The project will deliver free exam revision trivia nights and a student-focused Chemistry Careers Fair to help undergraduate and postgraduate students connect, develop career awareness and feel supported throughout their studies.

Equity-focused support for HDR students

Led by Juanita Low, the Student-led, Equity-focused Program for HDR Students at LASEM will enhance onboarding and support for new Higher Degree by Research students at the La Trobe Sports and Exercise Medicine Research Centre.

Through student-led social and cultural initiatives, the project aims to foster belonging, ease the transition into research study and provide targeted support for students from low- and middle-income countries.

A fresh start for The Patch

The Patch Revamp, led by Orla Weaver, will revitalise the campus garden into a thriving student-run veggie and herb space.

Focused on wellbeing, sustainability and food security, the project will create opportunities for students to share skills, contribute creatively and access free healthy produce in an inclusive and welcoming environment.

Students interested in getting involved will soon be able to participate in the project’s first working bee as The Patch begins its transformation.

Celebrating engagement and employability in SCEMS

Led by Akshad Shelar, the SCEMS Engagement & Employability Celebration will pilot a new student-led event recognising the many ways students contribute to the School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematical Sciences beyond academic achievement.

The hybrid celebration will feature awards, lightning talks, networking opportunities and industry and alumni engagement, with a focus on leadership, innovation and community contribution.

Hands-on learning through Pipettes and Platters

Pipettes and Platters, led by Jesse Schilling, will combine practical laboratory skill development with peer connection and discussion.

The student-led workshop will give science and education students hands-on experience in transferable lab techniques, including aseptic practice, agar work and plant tissue culture, before concluding with a relaxed networking and Q&A session.

Real-world experience through Cyber Clinic Day

Led by Mary George and Adam Mardiryan, La Trobe Cyber Clinic Day will provide cybersecurity students with supervised, real-world experience supporting small businesses and not-for-profit organisations.

Working in teams, students will assess cyber hygiene challenges and deliver practical recommendations, helping strengthen cyber resilience in the local community while building employability and industry experience.

Looking ahead to 2026

The Student Experience Grants continue to empower students to shape the La Trobe experience through innovative, student-led initiatives that strengthen connection and community across the University.

Updates on the funded projects will be shared throughout 2026 as the initiatives progress and begin making an impact across the La Trobe community.

The post 2026 Student Experience Grants recipients announced appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Not only is riding fun and good for you, it’s also a more sustainable transport option. As a little extra motivation, anyone who rides to uni on the days listed below can enjoy breakfast on us – just show your helmet at the collection point to pick up your café voucher.

No registration required.

2026 Bikers’ Brekkie dates

• Wednesday 4 March
• Thursday 16 April
• Tuesday 12 May
• Wednesday 5 August
• Thursday 10 September
• Tuesday 6 October
• Wednesday 14 October (Ride 2 Uni Day)

Bikers’ Brekkie details

Melbourne (Bundoora) campus

Simply show your helmet and collect your voucher from the Sustainability representative stationed at Caffeine Café between 8.00am and 10.00am.

All food and drinks will be served on Reusable Revolution crockery, supporting La Trobe’s commitment to reducing waste.

Albury–Wodonga campus

Show your helmet and collect your voucher at La Moka Café between 8.00am and 10.00am.

Bendigo campus

Show your helmet to the on‑site bike mechanic behind the LSU building (near the flag poles) between 9.00am and 11.00am to collect your JD Café voucher. You can also get a free bike check while you’re there!

The post Bikers’ Brekkie 2026: Ride to uni and enjoy a free breakfast appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

We are expanding our existing services to support you with your studies. For students who are currently on, or about to begin placement for your studies, we are increasing our support as we recognise that placements for students can add pressure and uncertainty at this time.

Financial and academic support 
Depending on your circumstances and course there are several supports available. If you’re feeling the impact, we may be able to support you with financial bursaries and scholarships to ease financial pressures. 

If you’re unsure where to start, Student Advising or Wellbeing Services can help point you in the right direction and provide advice about your study options as you approach Census date.

Help shape cost-of-living and transport support
We want to better understand what you’re experiencing, so we can figure out what support would actually help.

That’s why we’re inviting you to complete our Cost of Living and Public Transport Survey. The insights you share will shape future support options and services at La Trobe.

As a thank you for your time, you can also choose to go in the draw to win one of two $200 Mastercard gift cards when you complete the survey.

*Terms and Conditions available here

La Trobe is continuing to monitor the rising cost of living and may make additional services available.

This is a difficult period, and you are not expected to manage it on your own. Please reach out and make use of the support available to you—we are here to help.

The post Are rising costs of living affecting you? appeared first on MyLaTrobe.