Most organisations aren’t actively recruiting… until they are. 

Australia’s economy is made up largely of small and medium-sized businesses, local councils, community organisations, private practices and not-for-profits. A clinic, a marketing agency, a local manufacturer – they might all benefit from passionate employees. But many of them don’t recruit students through formal campaigns. 

An email that starts a conversation 

Sometimes a proactive mail is about starting a conversation. Because professional relationships often begin with curiosity. Talk about your goals, your life and why you are interested in that organisation. It’s less about asking for a job and more about presenting yourself. And sometimes, both sides can see the value and proceed towards a firm offer.

Here is the biggest mistake students make 

Cold or speculative applications aren’t just about carpet bombing every recruiter in sight. A few but thoughtfully researched emails will almost always have more impact than a generic message. People can always tell when you’ve chosen them. 

Smaller logos, bigger opportunities 

It’s easy to be drawn towards the biggest names in your industry. Everyone wants to work there. But some of the richest placement experiences happen in smaller businesses. Here, you get access to senior managers, get noticed and learn more. These experiences then go on to become the stories you tell in interviews years later. 

Confidence comes before opportunity 

Hate approaching someone who doesn’t know you? Remember, every professional you’ve ever admired has had to introduce themselves to someone at some point. Learning to put yourself forward is a career skill in itself, and one you’ll use long after your placement has finished. 

Finally, you aren’t alone! 

La Trobe’s Career Ready team can help you identify opportunities, review your resume, provided access to resources to help you make making professional contact and prepare for placement. We have your back as you put your best foot. To learn more about how to create your own opportunities, join an upcoming webinar on 8th September.

The post How to tap into the hidden job market appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Applications for internal course transfers are open now! Applications will close 1 November 2026.

Please note that some course transfer applications need to be made via VTAC and some courses have special conditions.

Please also be aware that submitting an internal course transfer application does not guarantee a place in a different course, or that you will receive credit for previous study.

Your internal course transfer application will begin to be assessed after results have been released. You should also allow for processing time after the results release.

Visit the course transfer webpage for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

The post Applications for Semester 1 2027 internal course transfers are open! appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

A reflection on how moving away for university turned groceries, cooking, laundry and money into unexpected lessons in independence. 

I think my first real lesson in independence happened during a two-kilometre walk. 

My friend and I had just done our first grocery shop after moving to campus. Being completely new to shopping for ourselves, we apparently thought two people needed five full Coles bags. 

While walking back, we questioned our strength but thought we had no other option and barely knew our way around. 

About 500 metres into it, the realisation hit that we needed help. 

That was also the day we discovered UniSafe and its campus transport service. Getting picked up while standing there with five bags and very little hope felt like discovering a life hack I should have been told at Orientation. 

To this day, probably one of my favourite discoveries at university! 

Then came the next problem. 

What exactly was I supposed to do with all those groceries? 

My first meal here was instant noodles. 

A humble beginning. 

It wasn’t that I couldn’t cook. Back home, cooking was something I’d occasionally do when I wanted something different. Here, suddenly, it wasn’t a hobby. 

Apparently, I needed to feed myself every single day. 

So began my YouTube-chef era. 

I tried recipes, learned from friends, borrowed a few from home, started prepping curry bases and slowly figured out what I actually liked making. 

Food also became part of some of my earliest friendships. Getting invited to someone’s place for dinner suddenly felt like receiving a five-star invitation. I’d watch friends put together an entire meal and think, you MADE all of this? 

Living alone made me appreciate that effort differently. Cooking for someone takes time and planning, and there’s something really lovely about someone deciding you’re worth cooking an extra portion for. 

A few years later, I’ve somehow gone from instant noodles to being confident enough to cook for friends, host dinners and even pull off Christmas dinner. 

Character development, served with curry. 

And then there was laundry. 

At home, if I ignored the laundry long enough, somehow clean clothes eventually reappeared. A system I deeply respected. 

Living independently revealed the person behind that magic: definitely not me. 

Apparently, cleaning my room once a month wasn’t going to work either. You could clean everything one day and somehow need to do it again the next. Dishes needed washing. The bag on the table needed putting away. Laundry wasn’t finished when the machine beeped, it still needed drying, folding and putting into the cupboard. 

Even my water bottle needed filling by me. 

Turns out, younger siblings are an extremely underrated household service. 

I quickly learned that ignoring chores doesn’t make them disappear. It just lets them pile up until carrying the laundry to the laundry room becomes its own workout. 

Whites and colours needed separating. Detergent and fabric softener were different things. Some clothes needed handwashing. 

Turns out, independence involves a surprising amount of putting things back where they belong. 

But perhaps the biggest lesson came from money. 

At first, it was about stretching what I received from home across the month so Week Four me didn’t suffer because Week One me felt rich. 

Then came finding a job and earning my first few dollars, and money suddenly became hours. 

Spending $40 wasn’t just $40 anymore. It was: Wait… I worked two hours for this. 

That’s also why discovering student support such as the LTSU Foodbank felt genuinely useful. Sometimes getting help with basic groceries meant one less grocery run and a little more breathing room in the weekly budget. 

Somewhere between grocery bags, curry bases, laundry piles, dirty dishes and bank balances, I think I finally understood independence. 

I used to think it meant freedom when nobody is telling you when to eat, clean, save or look after yourself. 

Turns out, independence is realising nobody needs to. 

Because slowly, you learn to become that person for yourself. 

Although if someone wants to invite me over for dinner, I’m still absolutely saying yes because what could be better than someone offering you food made with love? 

And if you’re learning these things for the first time too, learn them properly. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, managing money and looking after your health aren’t optional “adulting” extras. They’re basic life skills we all need. 

You don’t need to know everything immediately. Ask someone. Watch the tutorial. Try the recipe. Burn it. Try again. 

Independence isn’t knowing everything. It’s learning how to take care of yourself. 

Because you can absolutely survive on toast for a few days. 

Just probably not for life. 

The post Turns out, I’m the adult now  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Student Events

Finding Pride Workshop: Belonging, Pride & Self-Acceptance (online)

Tuesday 25 August, 1:30pm – 3pm
Online via Zoom
Registrations essential

We’re excited to offer a special online workshop during La Trobe Pride Week so that we can come together as a community and create a meaningful space for connection, reflection, and growth.

This interactive workshop is designed for LGBTQIA+ students and will provide a welcoming and affirming space to:

• Connect with other LGBTQIA+ students from across La Trobe.
• Explore experiences of identity, belonging, and self-acceptance.
• Reflect on the strengths and resilience that have helped you navigate challenges.
• Learn practical ways to respond more kindly to self-doubt and self-criticism.
• Celebrate pride, community, and what matters most to you.

Queer Club x Fencing Club – Come and Try! (Bundoora)

La Trobe Queer Club and La Trobe Fencing Club are teaming up to host an introduction to fencing! This session is for total beginners to come and try fencing in a LGBTIQA+ affirming environment.

Time: 6:30pm, 26 August 2026
Place: Menzies Studios 202
Registrations essential

Wear it Purple Day

Each year, the last Friday in August is Wear it Purple Day, a day to wear purple as a way to support creating safer, more inclusive and empowering environments for LGBTIQA+ community members.

Friday 28 August, we encourage all La Trobe community members to show their support by:

• Wear something purple
• Change your Teams or Zoom background to use during meetings and classes: Download a Wear it Purple Teams background
• Check out what’s on: Wear it Purple Calendar of Events

What else is happening?

The National Student Safety Survey (NSSS)

Have your say on campus and student safety in the NSSS, opening September 14 – keep an eye on your emails for the link. This survey shapes policies, services and other national initiatives that help keep university students safe from violence and other forms of harm, like discrimination.

The Hookup, Edition 2 is coming!

Did you know that La Trobe University has an exclusive student-focused, no-nonsense, evidence-backed sexual and reproductive health annual magazine? Now you do! Get your copy of The Hook Up Edition 2 (and Edition 1 if you missed out last year) on launch day Thursday September 10 in front of the Bundoora Library at 11am – 1pm, or take a copy from your campus library or student centre from late September onwards.

Resources for Learning and Action

Here are some useful links that may support your planning and learning this Pride Week.

La Trobe Library: LGBTIQA+ Guide
Curated resources from La Trobe Library to support learning and research around LGBTIQA+ topics.

Interaction: Intersex Briefings
Briefings and educational resources focused on the rights, needs and experiences of intersex people in Australia.

TransHub: Allies
Practical guidance for allies supporting trans and gender diverse people, including tips for respectful language and inclusive behaviour.

Australian Government Style Manual: Inclusive Language
Guidance on writing respectfully and inclusively about gender and sexual diversity in professional and public communications.

Looking for support?

La Trobe provides free and confidential wellbeing support to students, including counselling, financial advice, legal services and more: Visit the Wellbeing Services page.

Our dedicated LGBTIQA+ counselling service for free, confidential support from professional LGBTIQA+ counsellors.

Safer Community provides, confidential service for students to report concerning, threatening, inappropriate or uncomfortable behaviour they may have experienced or witnessed at the University.

The post Pride Week at La Trobe in 2026 appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

1. Visit the Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary

Reconnect with nature right on campus! The La Trobe Nangak Tamboree Wildlife Sanctuary is a hidden gem where you can walk among native flora and fauna, volunteer or even join guided tours. It’s a peaceful way to unwind and learn more about local biodiversity. Located at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus. Don’t forget to wear something warm!

2. Complete online workshops

Rather than doom scrolling on the couch, why not use the time to sharpen your skills? La Trobe offers a range of free online workshops through the CareerHub and library. Topics range from learning how to reference and assignment writing to managing your time and improving your presentation skills. Check them out!

3. Explore the La Trobe Art Institute

If you’re near Bendigo, drop by the La Trobe Art Institute for exhibitions featuring contemporary Australian artists. It’s a great way to get inspired and support the arts.

4. Catch up on career planning

Use the break to update your resume, look for a job, polish your LinkedIn profile or book a virtual appointment with a Career Ready advisor. You can also explore internship opportunities or prep for upcoming grad roles. Visit CareerHub for all your career needs.

5. Attend an event

Check out the Student Events Calendar to find out about events near you. From free food and coffee to Library workshops and movie nights, there’s something for everyone.

6. Take a campus walk or picnic

Whether you’re at Melbourne (Bundoora), Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga or another campus, take advantage of the open spaces. Grab a few friends, pack some snacks and find a nice, sunny spot to enjoy a laid-back picnic.

7. Volunteer or give back

Semester break is a great time to volunteer either on campus or in your local community. Check out opportunities through Volunteering at La Trobe with the La Trobe Leaders Program or connect with local organisations that align with your interests.

8. Study like a pro

La Trobe offers a range of tools and spaces to help you study smarter and the semester break is a great time to catch up or get ahead on your studies. Check out what’s available:

9. Get active with La Trobe Sport

With a range of fun health and fitness activities at both our Melbourne (Bundoora) and Bendigo Campuses, you will find a huge range of classes from HIIT style training to yoga as well as active challenges and personal training. Plus we have a fully equipped gym with a range of cardio, functional and strength zones. Are you ready to move with us? The semester break is a perfect time to start.

10. Take time out for yourself

Whatever you choose to do, remember that breaks are for balance. Whether you’re upskilling, exploring or simply resting, make sure it’s something that brings you joy and sets you up for a strong return. If things feel overwhelming or you just need that little extra support, there are a range of wellbeing supports on offer.

The post 10 ways to make the most of your semester break appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The 2026 National Student Safety Survey will open soon in participating universities across Australia.  

The survey is an opportunity for students to share their perceptions and experiences of sexual violence and harm. It provides important information to help inform prevention efforts, strengthen support services and drive continued action across Australian universities. 

Who is being asked to complete the survey? 

The survey is for all students in participating universities, irrespective of whether they have experienced sexual violence or harm. Participation in the survey is voluntary and responses will be completely confidential.  

When will La Trobe students be asked to complete the survey? 

Between Monday 7 September and Monday 5 October, you will receive an invitation and reminders to participate in the survey. 

Who is running the survey? 

The survey is being conducted independently by Roy Morgan on behalf of Universities Australia. 

Why complete the survey? 

Your voice matters. If you choose to participate, your experiences and perspectives can help inform positive change and contribute to safer campuses for current and future students.  

How will my answers be shared? 

Your individual responses will be confidential and will not be shared with the University. The survey will not ask for your name, dates, or any other information that could identify you or anyone else. 

More information about the survey 

Visit the Universities Australia website for detailed information about the survey and to read their frequently asked questions. 

La Trobe support services 

We know discussing sexual violence and harm can be very distressing for some people in our community. We have many free and confidential support services that can help.  

• In an emergency, call 000, then La Trobe Security on (03) 9479 2222. 

• Contact Wellbeing Services by completing the online self-referral form or calling (03) 9479 2956 during business hours. 

• Specialist counselling and support for gender-based violence, sexual violence and sexual harm, including referrals to specialist services is also available. Find out more on our website.  

• For concerns about gender-based violence, sexual violence, harassment, bullying or abuse, contact Safer Community for advice, support and referrals. 

• If you need urgent support outside business hours, call 1300 146 307 or text +61488 884 100. This service operates weekdays from 5pm to 9am, and 24/7 on weekends and public holidays. 

Support services available outside of La Trobe 

There are a variety of support services outside the university which are also free and confidential.  

The National Student Safety Survey Counselling Line on 1800 572 224 is a 24/7 free and confidential support service with trained counsellors who specialise in sexual, domestic and family violence support.  

Or take a look at the variety of services available on the Universities Australia website. 

The post The National Student Safety Survey is coming soon appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Attend an event you’ve never been to

Whether it’s a workshop, careers event, club activity or campus celebration, challenge yourself to attend at least one event outside your normal routine. You might discover a new interest, meet like-minded people or learn something that helps your studies or future career.

Find events using our Student Events Calendar

Find your perfect study spot

Every campus has hidden gems. This semester, explore a new library space, quiet study area, outdoor location or Study Hub. Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to boost your focus and motivation.

Learn more about our spaces for everyone

Learn something beyond your course

Uni is a great time to explore skills outside your degree. Attend a careers workshop, learn a new digital tool, volunteer, join a club or take advantage of opportunities that help you grow personally and professionally.

Learn more about life at La Trobe

Prioritise your wellbeing

Look after yourself during the winter season. Instead of hunkering down, make time for activities that support your mental and physical health. Go for a walk, spend time with friends, attend a wellbeing activity or simply schedule regular breaks from study.

If you need wellbeing support, free counselling and support services are available to all students, no matter where you are studying.

Create a memory you’ll remember after graduation

Try something new before the semester ends. Visit a new part of the state, attend a university event, join a social activity or take part in something you’ve been putting off. Years from now, you probably won’t remember every assignment, but you’ll remember the experiences that made university life memorable.

Don’t forget to tell us about it! Share your story with us

Finish the semester strong

Before SWOTVAC and exams arrive, set one academic goal you’d like to achieve this semester. Whether it’s improving a grade, staying on top of weekly readings or seeking support when you need it, small actions now can set you up for success at the end of semester. Pick a few goals, challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone and make Semester 2 one to cherish!

The post What’s on your Semester 2 bucket list? appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

This blog was written by Semester 2 Storyteller, Shubi.

Everyone’s university week looks busy on paper – classes, deadlines, the usual chaos. But zoom in, and no two people are living the same week at all. Some weeks run on caffeine and back-to-back timetables. Others are held together by one small ritual nobody else even notices.

I decided to find out just how different. I reached out to three final-year students, from three different degrees and backgrounds, and asked them the same four questions about their week- no script, just their honest answers.

Turns out, “a normal week at university” depends entirely on who you ask.

Meet Georgia: Friends, food and a lot of laughs

Georgia is finishing her Bachelor of Podiatry, and her week runs on a simple, solid rhythm: drive to university, meet her friends, go to class, grab food, hang out, head home.

When I asked what she looks forward to most, she didn’t hesitate. My favourite part of her answer was how sure she was about it.

Her friends.

“We always have so much fun together and somehow manage to make even the longest university days enjoyable,” she told me.

Her five words for university: friends, food, jokes, laughs, walking. After years at La Trobe, Georgia’s found something worth holding onto – the people who make the ordinary days good ones.

Meet Jalaj: Classes, work, gym, friends, chaos

Jalaj, known to most as Jay, is finishing his Master of Financial Analysis, and his days are proof that a packed schedule doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. Mornings start with a dash to class, then it’s coursework, gym, work and – energy permitting – more time with friends.

His weekly reset is tennis: an hour where deadlines disappear and it’s just him, the court, and good company.

My favourite part of Jalaj’s week, though, has nothing to do with tennis or the gym. Jalaj arrived in Australia from India last March, unsure what to expect and quietly overwhelmed by how different everything felt. Now he lives on campus and helps organise cultural nights and social events for hundreds of residents – which means he’s no longer just living the res life experience – he’s actively shaping it for everyone around him. It’s a good example of how res life gives students the chance to step into leadership roles and genuinely support their peers, often before they’ve even realised that’s what they’re doing.

His five words: classes, work, gym, friends, chaos. Somewhere along the way, a new country slowly became home.

Meet Evelyn: Camera, coffee, deadlines, A’s and BIG

Evelyn, a final-year Business Analytics student, has a routine built around getting ahead of her own second-guessing. She’s a morning-class person on purpose – start early, “before my brain has time to change its mind.”

From there: her usual Agora latte, a full day in the library, and a bag packed for every possible scenario – laptop, notebooks, chargers, snacks, and a lunch she packs and, in her words, “enjoys.”

My favourite part of Evelyn’s week has nothing to do with coffee, though. Since high school, she’s kept a quiet habit of watching how the trees around campus change with the seasons. At La Trobe, that habit has become a weekly ritual – the same trees, watched every week, like a slow, peaceful show only she’s following.

“It feels like a very slow, very peaceful TV series,” she said.

And then, of course, there’s ice cream – the one thing on her list that asks for zero patience.

Her five words: camera, coffee, deadlines, A’s, big. A whole semester, somehow captured in five words and a lot of quiet routine.

Three weeks, one campus

What struck me most, comparing these answers side by side, is how differently a “normal week” can look depending on who’s living it.

For Georgia, it’s friends, food and lovely conversations that follow. For Jalaj, it’s a full schedule and a slowly-built sense of belonging in a new country. For Evelyn, it’s coffee, trees, deadlines, and the small rituals that make a big campus feel familiar.

Same university, same semester – three completely different weeks.

Maybe that’s the real takeaway. We arrive expecting to remember the big things: first class, first assignment, final exam. But it’s often the small things that stay with us – the friend you always grab food with, the coffee order you don’t think twice about, the weekly tennis match, or the tree you’ve quietly watched change since March.

Three students, three routines, and three different ways of making La Trobe feel like their own.

So, what are your five words to describe La Trobe? Maybe it’s time to find out.

The post One university, three very different weeks appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

However, with freedom comes responsibility. It’s important to understand your rights, know how to protect them and recognise when something isn’t right.  

Academic freedom and why your behaviour matters 

Academic freedom is your right to: 

• Express your ideas and opinions openly and respectfully 
• Engage in your studies without external pressure or manipulation
• Expect your personal information and academic work to remain secure
• Seek support and advice without fear of reprisal or intimidation 

Being part of a respectful academic community means maintaining high standards of behaviour.  As a La Trobe student, you are expected to: 

• Treat others with respect, regardless of differences in opinion, background or identity 
• Avoid any behaviour that could be seen as bullying, harassment, discrimination or intimidation 
• Engage in academic discussions constructively and respectfully 
• Support a safe and inclusive learning environment for everyone 

Want to learn more? 

Visit the Academic Freedom and Support page for further information. 

The post Your role in making La Trobe a safer community  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Have you ever received an important university email and thought, “this is too much to take in”, “what does this mean?” or “what am I supposed to do next?” 

We’re looking for 15 students to help improve how important communications are sent to students at La Trobe University.

University communications can contain a lot of important information, and when students are busy or have a lot going on, it can sometimes be difficult to know what to read first, what it means or what action to take. 

We’re inviting students to participate in a one-hour consultation session where you’ll review examples of University letters and notices and provide feedback on how they could be made clearer, easier to understand and more supportive. 

We’re particularly interested in how we can better help students understand: 

• what the communication means 
• what actions they need to take 
• where they can access support and advice 

Students selected to participate will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for their contribution. 

You’ll only need to attend one of the following sessions: 

• In person: Tuesday 15 September, 11.00 am–12.00 pm – Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus 
• Online: Friday 18 September, 10.00 am–11.00 am 
• Online: Friday 18 September, 4.00 pm–5.00 pm 

When completing the Expression of Interest form, you’ll be asked to indicate which session(s) you’re available to attend. 

The sessions will be facilitated by the Student Voice & Partnerships team, with specialist staff attending to provide additional context where required. 

Your feedback will directly influence future student communications, helping ensure important information is easier to understand and navigate. 

Expressions of Interest close Friday 29 August. 

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