You Said, We Did is how we show you that we’re listening and taking real action based on what you’ve told us.

Ready to see your feedback in action? Here are four changes we’ve made recently. You can also head to the You Said, We Did page to see more ways your voice has shaped the La Trobe experience. 

You said: You want better placement support and more ways to build practical experience for your future career.

We did: We increased placement and industry project opportunities embedded in courses and strengthened pre-placement support, so you can access help in the way that works best for you.

This includes the PlaceReady LMS Hub, Welcome Zones and expanded in-person support, as well as the new Start Smart bundle to help international health students prepare before arriving in Australia.

You said: Cost-of-living pressures are impacting your studies and making it harder to manage the costs of food, placement and other study-related costs.

We did: We introduced new financial support, like the Distance Support Bursary that helps with the costs of travelling to placements.

We also made it easier to find and access financial support to help with cost-of-living pressures, including bursaries, financial counselling and food aid through the LTSU Food Bank at Bundoora and the LTSA Student Pantry at the Melbourne (City) and regional campuses.

You said: You want easier access to learning resources, study spaces and support, wherever you’re studying.

We improved access to learning wherever you’re studying through the Northern Study Hub in Broadmeadows and Epping, Country Universities Centres and other study hubs across the country.

We also improved the accessibility of resources in the LMS, making it easier to access alt text and video transcripts

You said: You want wellbeing spaces to feel calmer, more welcoming and easier to access.

We did: Supported by SSAF funds, we updated the sensory and physical environment of the Health and Wellbeing Centre to improve its comfort and accessibility, including adjusted lighting, sensory and calming resources, more accessible layouts and accessibility signage.

You said: You weren’t always sure what support is available to help you feel safe at uni, including where to go if you need help.

We launched the UniSafe app at our Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus, making it easier to get Security support when travelling around campus after dark.

We also launched our plan of how we will respond to the National Code for Gender Based Violence through Respect at La Trobe, including new programs and workshops.

You said: You want Orientation to be easier to access and fit around your schedule.

We did: We made Orientation easier to access in ways that suit you by launching on-demand sessions available online all year, welcoming online students to on-campus activities and combining key events into fewer days to better fit your schedule.

The post You Said, We Did – how your voice makes a difference appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

University has taught me a lot  but some of the biggest lessons I’ve learned happened outside the classroom.

Here are a few things I wish someone had known to tell me when I first started at La Trobe:

Whenever someone asks for university advice, the answers are usually pretty similar: stay on top of your assignments, don’t leave everything until the last minute, go to your lectures. 

But after spending the last few years at La Trobe, I’ve realised some of my most memorable moments have come from experiences beyond my assessments. When I look back, I don’t think about deadlines or exams first. I think about the people I’ve met, the events I almost didn’t go to, and the opportunities that completely changed my university experience. 

So instead of sharing another list of study tips, I thought I’d share a few things that made my time at university more meaningful. 

1. Don’t rush home after your last class

I know it’s tempting. Sometimes all you want to do is head home, put on comfy clothes and forget about university until tomorrow. 

But if you can, stay back every now and then. 

Go to a club event. Stop by the Agora if something’s happening. Check out a workshop hosted by one of the university teams. Grab the free barbecue (or gelato if you’re lucky). Even if you only stay for half an hour, you’ve stepped outside your normal routine. 

Some of my favourite memories happened because I stayed on campus a little longer than I planned. 

2. Get involved in something outside your course

For me, it started with volunteering with the La Trobe Leaders Program during Orientation. 

I signed up thinking it would just be a fun way to get involved but it ended up showing me a completely different side of university. I met students from all kinds of backgrounds, worked alongside staff, and got to see how much happens behind the scenes to create the community we experience every day. 

That one opportunity eventually led me to becoming a Senior Leader and now a Student MyLaTrobe Storyteller. None of those roles were part of some master plan – they simply came from getting involved and staying curious. 

3. Make time to learn things your degree won’t teach you

University isn’t only about what’s written in your course guide. 

Some of the sessions I’ve enjoyed most have been personality development workshops through Campus Consultancy run by Josh Farr in collaboration with La Trobe Leaders Program.

They’ve made me think differently about confidence, communication and believing in myself. Those aren’t things you’ll find in every textbook, but they’ve been just as valuable throughout my time at uni. 

4. Give campus time to feel familiar

I remember arriving at La Trobe and thinking the campus felt huge. 

Now I’ll be walking to class and bump into someone I volunteered with, wave to friends across the Agora, or have someone smile and say, “Hey, I’ve seen you in one of the La Trobe reels!” 

It still surprises me every time. 

Those little interactions slowly made campus feel less like somewhere I studied and more like somewhere I belonged. 

5. Remember that your university experience doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s

It’s easy to compare yourself with other people. Someone’s landed an internship. Someone else has joined three clubs. Another person already knows exactly what career they want. 

I definitely didn’t have everything figured out – and honestly, I still don’t. 

I’ve learned to follow what genuinely interests me, and somehow that’s led me to opportunities I never expected, from volunteering and leadership roles to sharing stories as a Student Storyteller. 

Looking back, the best parts of my time at La Trobe weren’t the things I had to do – they were the things I chose to do. 

So, if I could leave you with one piece of advice, it’d simply be this: make room for life outside your timetable. 

Stay back for the event. 

Talk to someone new. 

Join the club. 

Say hello to the person sitting next to you. 

You never know which ordinary day might become one of your favourite university memories. 

And if you happen to see me around campus – probably with an iced coffee in one hand and on my way to wherever I need to be next, come and say hi. I’d love to hear what your favourite part of La Trobe has been so far. 

The post Five pieces of university advice beyond the classroom  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

What can you submit?

We are looking for all kinds of student stories, including:

• Your uni journey or personal story
• Achievements and milestones
• Placement, study abroad, exchange or internship experiences
• Events, clubs or campus life moments
• Photos, videos or content you have created

Why share?

• Get featured on MyLaTrobe, social media or digital screens around our campuses
• Showcase your experience and achievements
• Help other students feel inspired and connected
• Build your portfolio if you’re planning a career in content creation, digital marketing or social media

Not sure what to create? Here’s a quick guide:

You do not need professional equipment. Your phone and a clear story is enough!

What makes a strong submission

• Keep it real, relatable and personal
• Focus on a clear moment or experience
• Share why it mattered to you

Creating photos

• Use natural light where possible
• Keep the subject clear and in focus
• Ensure your phone camera is clean and not blurry
• Capture genuine moments rather than overly staged shots
• Take multiple options and choose the best one

Creating videos

• Film in vertical format for social media
• Keep clips short and steady
• Make sure audio is clear
• Don’t over edit your video, the simpler the better

How it works

1. Fill out a short form below
2. Tell us about your experience
3. Upload photos or videos if you have them

Our team will review submissions and may get in touch if your story is selected.

Submit your content

Got something to share? We would love to hear from you.

Good to know

Before submitting, you will need to confirm:

• The content is your own
• You have permission from anyone featured
• You have read and agree with the MyLaTrobe Collaboration or Feature Information and Consent document
• You agree to adhere to La Trobe’s Student Behaviour Policy
• You’re aware this is not a paid opportunity and that this is on a voluntary basis only

If you have had a moment at La Trobe that meant something to you, big or small, this is your chance to share it!

The post Got a story to tell? Get featured on MyLaTrobe appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Uni life tends to move faster than you’d think. One minute you’re checking your timetable, the next you’re trying to remember a census date, find an event on campus, or figure out where everyone else seems to be getting their info from. Good news: La Trobe has channels designed to help with exactly that. 

How La Trobe communicates with you 

You’ll find student stories, reminders and campus fun on MyLaTrobe across Instagram, Facebook,YouTube and weekly newsletter plus the MyLaTrobe digital screens around campus. 

Beyond socials, the MyLaTrobe Hubholds the more practical stuff likestudent articles and information on university admin, careers, events and support. Anything genuinely important, like results, Census dates or fees, usually comes straight to your student inbox.  

Finally, the New to La Trobe webpage is your go-to for everything you need to feel prepared, connected and ready to make the most of your uni experience. Another handy spot is the ASK La Trobe webpage which includes common student-related FAQs. 

What’s on 

One thing we hear a lot is students not realising how much is happening on campus. Good news: the MyLaTrobe Student Events Calendar is available  through the MyLaTrobe Hub, and upcoming events also feature in the “What’s On” section of the weekly MyLaTrobe Student newsletter, emailed every Monday from two weeks before Orientation through to the final week of exams. 

Have your say 

Want more of a say in how La Trobe communicates with you? A new Student Communications Advisory Group is recruiting members to help shape how updates and information reach students. If you’ve got opinions on what’s working or what could improve, this is a great chance to express your interest. 

Now that you know how to stay in the loop, meet a couple of actual humans bringing some of those stories to life and helping make university feel a little less like a system and more like a place you belong. This semester, that’s us: your Student Storytellers, Niharika and Shubhi. 

Niharika Malviya: Still a Yes-Sayer, now with a Badge 

Hi, I’m Niharika, your Senior Student Storyteller for Semester 2, and somehow, I’ve gone from “still figuring it out” to being trusted to help someone else figure it out too. Slightly iconic, honestly! 

Last semester, I was one of the people running around campus filming reels, trying new ideas, and re-watching our content on loop like a full-time hobby. This semester, I’m back in the senior role, continuing to do what I love while helping guide Shubhi through the chaos, creativity and fun of storytelling, and I’m genuinely looking forward to her bold ideas, infectious energy, and dance-floor confidence. 

I’m proudly in my third year of a Bachelor of Business Analytics, still on my ongoing mission to make the most of university life, which right now looks like renewing my gym membership with the hopeful intention of using it, and saying yes to volunteering and new ways to get involved. 

Delighted to be back! Here’s to helping campus feel a little more connected, one story at a time. 

Shubhi Shrivastava: Your Campus Story Scout 

Hey! I’m Shubhi, a Bachelor of Business Analytics student and this semester’s Student Storyteller. If you’ve seen someone running between classes, a student event, and a content shoot with an iced coffee in hand … there’s a good chance it was me. I love discovering new opportunities around campus, meeting people from all different backgrounds, and finding creative ways to share student experiences. 

One thing you’ll quickly learn about me is that I find it very hard to sit still when there’s something happening on campus. Whether it’s volunteering with La Trobe Leaders, helping organise events, filming content, or jumping into a new opportunity, I genuinely enjoy being involved. Some of my favourite university memories have come from simply putting my hand up and giving something new a go. 

Something else about me – I absolutely love dancing. It’s a passion I’ve had for years, and I was lucky enough to bring it to campus by organising and hosting a dance event for students during my time as a Senior Leader. That experience reminded me just how powerful shared experiences can be – whether they come through music, events, or simply stories that help people feel seen and connected. 

As your Student Storyteller this semester, I hope to share the moments that make life at La Trobe memorable – from exciting events and hidden campus gems to the everyday experiences that often become the best stories. I’m excited to bring you along for the ride, and who knows… maybe I’ll even convince you to step out of your comfort zone too. 

Stay connected 

Before you scroll away, none of this happens without a handful of people behind the scenes. A big thank you to everyone who keeps it all running! 

Staying connected at university isn’t about memorising dates. It’s about knowing where to look and how to feel part of campus life. So, follow the socials, check your inbox, and if you spot us around campus, come say hi or be part of what we create. We would genuinely love that! 

The post Meet your 2026 Student Storytellers  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Have you ever opened your LinkedIn, looked at your profile picture and thought, “I’ll fix it later,”? Only to realise it’s still a cropped group photo, or a low-quality selfie, or a photo that no longer matches the professional image you’re trying to build. You’re not alone.

For many students, building a professional presence often sits somewhere between assignments, part-time work, exams and everything else university life brings. It’s important, but it can be difficult to know where to start.

That was exactly why La Trobe University’s Employability Team hosted the recent LinkedIn Headshot Session.

What seemed like a simple opportunity to get a professional photo quickly became something much bigger.

It was a chance for students to invest in themselves, learn about employability resources offered by Career Hub, and get useful advice from Career Ready Ambassadors.

A different kind of queue

On 19 May, students queued between classes, study sessions, assignment deadlines and lunch breaks.

Some arrived knowing exactly why they were there. Others stopped after spotting the setup and decided to participate.

One of the teachers in my class directed us towards
this event. professional
headshots are pretty expensive apparently, so I thought I’d jump on it!”
Ella – Media & Communications

What connected everyone was a shared understanding that professional opportunities don’t always begin with a job application. They begin with preparation! The LinkedIn Headshot Session, organised by La Trobe University’s Employability Team, created an opportunity for students to invest in building their professional online presence.

By the end of the session, 83 students had their professional headshots taken.

A community effort and confidence on a coat hanger

One of the standout features of the event wasn’t the camera; it was the suit jackets.

Not every student owns professional attire, and that shouldn’t be a barrier to building a professional presence. To help make the experience more accessible, the La Trobe Business School staff donated 10 suit jackets, with a further three donated from across the University.

Of the students who attended, approximately 70 per cent borrowed a jacket for their headshot allowing them to feel more confident, professional, and ready to put their best foot forward.

Beyond the camera

One of the highlights of the event as a Career Ready Ambassador was speaking with students and recording their video testimonials.

From placement and internship applications to graduate aspirations, everyone had a different story, but a shared goal: taking the next step in their career journey.

While some students were already familiar with Career Hub, others were discovering its resources for the first time.

Career development doesn’t always happen in lecture theatres or textbooks. It happens in conversations, through connections and when you decide to be curious and put yourself out there

More than a LinkedIn photo

For students, the session wasn’t just about getting a new LinkedIn photo. It was about being intentional in their approach to becoming an early career professional. Career readiness is about making decisions consistently over time – attending a workshop, reviewing or developing your resume, engaging in conversations, updating your LinkedIn profile and having a professional headshot photo taken.

To support you to build a professional LinkedIn profile, check out these resources: Rock Your LinkedIn Profile and Add a Photo and Stand Out.

What’s next?

For many students, the LinkedIn Headshot Session was a reminder that career development doesn’t always happen in lecture theatres or textbooks. It happens in conversations, through connections and when you decide to be curious and put yourself out there.

If you missed out on the LinkedIn photo shoot this time, don’t worry! Book in for the next LinkedIn Headshot session happening at the Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus on Wednesday 12 August.

The photoshoot will coincide with the Employability Expo which will bring together students, employers, career resources and opportunities all in one place. Come along and speak to employers, industry representatives and have your LinkedIn headshot taken at the same time!

The post Why a professional LinkedIn headshot was the best freebie on campus appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

What sport are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to playing basketball the most but I am also looking forward to our chances at netball, I think we will surprise some teams.

Who is the player to watch? 

I think our other captain Jayla is the player to watch. She played some big minutes last year and looks poised to go to the next level. I think a combination of her and Keira West will get us out of the group stage for the first time.

What is your favourite part of the week? 

Other than the sports of course, my favourite part of the week is being able to catch up with mob. Not only from La Trobe but other schools. It’s my fourth year and I’ve met plenty of people that I enjoy having a yarn with when I get the chance to see them at the Games.

What is your go to karaoke song?

Probably wouldn’t catch me dead doing kareoke but if I had to pick one song it would be ‘Something So Strong‘ by Crowded House.

We wish Morgan and the team good luck at the upcoming Indigenous Nationals! Follow La Trobe Indigenous on Instagram to stay in the loop.

The post Meet Indigenous Nationals Captain Morgan Cutler 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.

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.

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.