It’s time for Re-Orientation, where you can reconnect with services and enjoy some of the highlights at your campus!

Also happening is Respect Week at La Trobe.

Visit the Respect at La Trobe stall at Melbourne (Bundoora) Re-O on Simpson’s Lawn from 11am–2pm. Try your hand at a lucky dip, take away exciting prizes, and learn how we can all play a part in building a more supportive, safe, respectful and inclusive campus. Find more information here.

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But be quick! This limited-time only offer is available until Sunday March 22, so visit the La Trobe Indoor Sports Centre or Bendigo Sports Centre and speak to our friendly reception team to take advantage of the cheapest and best value gym membership you’ll ever have!

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The Knowledge Base brings together clear, easy to follow IT support articles to help you troubleshoot common issues and find the right guidance fast. You can browse articles by category or search for a specific problem. For example, typing LMS will show all IT help guides related to the Learning Management System. 

If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can log a support request at any time, and the IT Support team will follow up with you. 

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Turns out starting university at 27 comes with a few unexpected discoveries. 

The first time I realised I might be a ‘mature-aged student’, someone in my class asked me a very genuine question: “Did you fail before? Is that why you’re studying now?”

I laughed and explained that sometimes people simply take different paths. 

But it did make me start observing campus life more closely. Somewhere between hearing the word ‘bro’ in every second sentence and watching students perfectly execute the mysterious ‘six seven’ hand gesture, I realised this experience deserved its own little field study. 

So, here are the findings. 

Field notes from starting university at 27 — from mysterious TikTok trends to unexpected mentor moments. 

Field note #1: Campus culture moves fast 

University culture moves fast. 

Conversations around me often include K-pop ‘stans’, techno songs with no lyrics and trends that seem to appear overnight. 

Someone says, ‘six seven’ and suddenly half the group is doing a coordinated hand gesture while I’m just standing there wondering if I missed an orientation explaining it. 

Between TikTok dances on Simpson Lawn and ducks casually walking through campus like they own the place, La Trobe definitely has its own ecosystem. 

To be fair though, the energy younger students bring to campus is something I genuinely admire. 

Field note #2: The Mature-aged student advantage 

Being a mature student also has its benefits. 

I found it easier to approach staff, ask questions and build professional relationships. Having lived independently before university also helped me balance responsibilities like cooking, laundry and study. 

And perhaps the biggest mature student advantage of all: actually reading the LMS announcements. 

Field note #3: The unexpected mentor moment 

One thing I didn’t expect was occasionally becoming the person people asked for advice. 

In one of my Sports Management classes, a student once asked me what internships they should pursue to break into the sports industry. 

Something similar happened during a shoot in my role as a Senior Student Storyteller, when a student asked, “How do I get the job you have?”

Moments like that reminded me that experience outside university can sometimes help others navigating it. 

Final findings 

If this little ‘study’ taught me anything, it’s that there’s no single timeline for university. Everyone simply arrives here through different paths. Being older gave me the confidence to try new things and appreciate the opportunities university offers. It also reminded me that you don’t need a huge circle of friends — sometimes two or three genuine friendships are more than enough. 

And honestly, campus would probably be far less interesting if everyone was the same age. 

If you ever see someone slightly confused about a TikTok trend but very confident about where the washing machines are in Res… there’s a good chance you’ve just met a mature-aged student. 

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The auction is being run by Gollant Auctioneers & Valuers. Whether you’re setting up a home gym to keep healthy while studying or welcome to share with your sporting club who may be seeking fitness equipment at great prices, there’s something for a range of needs.

Why get involved?

• 110 lots of equipment for sale
• Access cardio and strength training equipment through an online auction
• Opportunity to inspect equipment before bidding
• Proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into facilities and services for residential students

By taking part, you can help support future improvements to the residential experience at La Trobe.

Key dates

• Equipment inspection:

10am–2pm, Wednesday 4 March

Gollant Auctions warehouse, Tullamarine

• Auction closes:

11am, Thursday 5 March

How to participate

1. View the online catalogue
2. Register to bid via the auction platform
3. Place your bids online before the closing date

* Participation is personal choice and all equipment is sold as‑is. No warranties or refunds apply, and purchasers take responsibility for the equipment after purchase. Standard auction terms and conditions apply. Equipment pictured in this article is for illustrative purposes only and is not for sale as part of the auction.

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La Trobe has also secured $1,031,400 in funding to support 92 students through the Mobility and Semester Program grants. That’s a massive jump from last year’s $149,600!

What is the New Colombo Plan?

The NCP Scholarship is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). It’s one of Australia’s most generous and competitive scholarships for undergraduates, designed to strengthen ties with the Indo-Pacific region.

This year, the Government doubled the number of scholarships available and plans to keep expanding the program in the future.

Why is this a big deal?

Recipients go through a tough, multi-stage application process, proving their academic excellence, ambition and passion for the Indo-Pacific. Scholars will gain real-world experience, language skills and intercultural knowledge that employers love – all while studying in global destinations like Malaysia, Thailand and Japan.

Dr Stacey Farraway, La Trobe’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice President (Future Growth), said this achievement reflects the exceptional calibre of La Trobe students and the University’s commitment to global engagement:

“Our New Colombo Plan Scholars will gain real-world experience, language capability and intercultural skills highly valued by employers…”

Meet the 2026 Scholars

Here’s where our students are heading and what they’ll be studying:

Malaysia – University of Malaya

• Rhys Barwise (Wildlife & Conservation Biology)
• Sara Ali (Law/Commerce)
• Nicholas Walsh (Law/Global Studies)

Thailand – Chulalongkorn University

• Justin Johnston (Education)
• Tori Foster (Law/Arts)

Japan

• Sophia University: Asia McLaughlin (Law/Arts), Alison Tucker (Media & Communication)
• Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University: Elley Chapman (Law/Global Studies)
• Hokkaido University: Giselle Quill-Tot (Animal & Veterinary Biosciences)
• University of Tokyo: Maddison Reynolds (Law/Global Studies)

Want to get involved? 

The NCP Scholarship opens doors to language study, internships and professional networks across the Indo-Pacific. If you’re keen to apply in the future, keep an eye on the NCP Scholarship page.

NCP is just one of the overseas opportunities available – La Trobe has over 120 international exchange partners across schemes such as Semester Exchanges, overseas short programs with several grant and scholarship options available. For more information on the NCP Scholarship, or La Trobe’s other international study opportunities, see studying overseas.  

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The La Trobe Student Legal Service has noticed an increase in students who have been scammed by rental car companies/rental car owners about insurance coverage on rental vehicles.

Key points:

• Rental car companies/owners do not provide insurance
• Rental car companies/owners may represent to you that the vehicle is covered by insurance, when in fact the vehicle is not covered
• Check your rental contract. If the company says that the vehicle is insured or has damage cover – ask for a copy of the policy
• Get advice early

Rental cars and insurance

Rental car companies/Rental car owners do not provide insurance.

A rental car company/rental car owner may provide a ‘liability limitation’ product. This is not the same as insurance. This type of product provides very limited cover if you damage the rental car and often has significant exclusions.

Some rental car companies/rental car owners mislead customers into thinking that the rental vehicle has proper insurance (like the insurance you would have on a vehicle you owned) by using terms such as “comprehensive motor vehicle coverage” and “third party coverage”.

How does the scam work?

The customer rents a vehicle through a rental company or rental car owner, sometimes via an advertisement on Facebook Marketplace.

The rental car company and/or rental car owner tells the customer that the rental vehicle is covered by insurance or has coverage that is equivalent to insurance if there is an accident or the car is stolen.

The customer signs a rental car contract. The contract may have an insurance or liability cover clause. The clause will say something like:

‘Motor vehicle cover

Rental vehicle has comprehensive damage cover. Excess fee of $1500 to be paid by renter’

An accident occurs where the customer is at fault. The customer exchanges their details with the other driver. The customer then notifies the rental car company/rental car owner and pays the excess fee.

The customer does not hear anything back from the rental car company or their alleged insurer. The customer assumes that the matter has resolved.

The customer then receives notice that the other driver is pursuing them in the court for thousands of dollars in damages and legal fees.

The customer discovers that the rental vehicle was never insured and that that the car company/owner has taken the money they paid for the excess and never contacted the other driver to resolve the dispute.

The customer is left to deal with the court proceedings and might be liable for damages to the other vehicle as well as legal fees.

What are the consequences?

• You may be required to attend court to defend the claim by the other driver.
• You may be held liable by a court for damages to the other driver’s vehicle and be required to pay for those damages as well as legal fees.
• You may be entitled to take legal action against the rental car company/owner and seek orders that they cover the damages you owe to the other driver. However, this is a timely and costly process, and you may not be able to recover damages from the rental car company/owner.

What can you do to protect yourself?

• Avoid renting vehicles from individual owners via Facebook Marketplace.
• Check that the rental car company is a member of the Australian Finance Industry Association: Find a Member — AFIA.
• Read the rental car contract and make sure you understand the terms and conditions.
• If the contract states that the rental car has “insurance” or “cover” – Ask for a copy of the policy or for the full terms and conditions of the cover. If they cannot provide details about the cover/insurance, this is a good indication that the vehicle is not insured, or the cover provided is extremely limited.
• Search the rental company and company that is providing the alleged cover. Check that they are a legitimate business.
• Check whether you have other insurance that may cover you (e.g. travel insurance or rideshare insurance).

What can you do if you suspect or find out that your rental vehicle is not insured?

• After notifying the rental car company/rental car owner about the accident, follow up with the other driver or their insurer to check that they have been contacted by the rental car company. If they have not been contacted, follow up with the rental car company and seek legal advice.
  
• If you have received notice that the other driver has filed a claim in the Magistrates’ Court, you will have 21 days to file a notice of defense. Seek legal advice urgently.
  
• If you do not file a defense the court will make a decision without you and an order against you. This is called a default judgment.
  
• Report the scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on the Report a Scam webpage.

Where can you go for help?

• La Trobe Student Legal Service – Provides students with free legal advice
• Legal Referral Service – Helps you to find a law firm (private firm with fees) that offers legal help for your particular legal issue
• International Student Services – Provides a range of support to international students – Call (03) 9479 1199.
• For more information on rental cars and insurance, see Rental Cars and Insurance – Financial Rights Legal Centre.

This article provides general information and should not be relied upon as legal advice. It is recommended that you seek legal advice about your situation.

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Even though we’re winding down for the year, that doesn’t mean all your student support services are also taking a break. Make the most of them during your downtime so you’re ready to hit the ground running in Semester 1, 2026.

La Trobe has a support service to help you out and ensure you’re feeling confident by the time Semester 1 rolls around. And the best part? They’re all FREE!

Support services availability:

Check out more key dates for La Trobe students here.

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More than a study abroad program, the Yani Global Exchange is a life-changing opportunity for First Nations students at La Trobe University to explore the world through the lens of Indigenous knowledge, culture and community.

Inspired by the Woi Wurrung word Yani, meaning “to journey,” the program enables students to study at Indigenous partner universities across the globe, building meaningful connections with First Nations peoples worldwide. Yani reflects La Trobe’s strong commitment to working alongside Indigenous communities and is one of the few programs of its kind globally

Students who have participated in Yani describe their experience as a powerful and positive experience that deepened their cultural identity, built their confidence and cultural pride and offered invaluable personal and academic growth.

Hear from a student

Ben Parry, a student at La Trobe joined the program as part of the very first cohort, studying at the University of Calgary in Canada.

Where did you go for your exchange and what made you want to apply?

I went to the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. I applied for the Yani exchange program because I wanted to travel and see what university and culture was like on the other side of the earth.

How has the exchange helped you grow personally or academically?

My exchange helped me grow as a person, I feel more confident with my ability to handle new situations. Academically I developed my idea for my honours thesis while on exchange with the help of my overseas lecturer.

Would you recommend the exchange program to other students?

I would recommend the exchange program to anyone who is able to apply. It is an experience that you will remember for the rest of your life and the staff at La Trobe University were always available to help support me with any issues I had, making the experience pleasant and easier than I thought it would be.

How does the program work?

Yani is a culturally safe and responsive student exchange program that offers First nations students a rare opportunity to study a semester abroad in a supportive environment. This is achieved through direct engagement with Indigenous Student Service Units, ensuring holistic and tailored support for every stage of the experience.

To date, two cohorts of Indigenous students have participated in learning abroad through the Yani Global Exchange. While we are yet to welcome a cohort of incoming First Nations students, we are working with our partners to make this happen soon.

Who is Yani for?

If you’re an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander student at La Trobe and you’re curious about studying overseas, Yani is for you.

You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just reach out to us, and we’ll help you explore how Yani can fit into your course. Whether you’re just starting to think about going abroad or already have a destination in mind, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Join Yani in 2026

Applications are now open to join the Yani Global Exchange in 2026 and close on Sunday 30 November (deadline has been extended).

• Express your interest

Start by getting in touch with us to let us know you’re interested in the Yani Global Exchange. We’ll arrange a time to chat about the program and how it can fit into your study plans. Email us at Indigenous_studentservices@latrobe.edu.au.

• Begin your application

Once you’ve expressed interest, head over to the La Trobe Semester Abroad page and follow steps 1–6 to begin your application.

To learn more about the Yani program, visit the website.

The post Travel, learn and connect through Indigenous culture and community appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

1. Re-enrol for 2026

Lock in your subjects early and avoid the last-minute rush. Re-enrolment is open now!

2. Apply for campus accommodation

Thinking of living on campus next year and experiencing the perks of campus life? Applications are open, secure your spot early.

3. Boost your employability

Find casual work, internships or placements to increase your employability. Applications are now open for new elective University Work Integrated Learning (WIL) subjects, starting in Semester 1 2026.

If you are thinking about undertaking a placement in Semester 1 2026, you still have the option to secure your own placement or collaborate on an industry project.

Student-Sourced Applications close: 13 Feb 2026
Project intake closes: 4 February 2026
Uni-Sourced Applications close: Now closed

4. Register for a study hub near you

Studying over the break and needing a quiet place with good Wi-Fi? Or just wanting to set yourself up for the new year? The Northern Study Hub is here to help you succeed. Register today.

5. Join La Trobe’s Student Mentorship Program

Are you a new student at La Trobe starting your course in Semester 1, 2026? Register now to become a mentee. The program starts on 23 February 2026 during Semester 1 Orientation Week. So register now!

6. Enrol in Summer School

Catch up or get ahead with summer subjects. It’s a great way to lighten your 2026 study load.

7. Join Summer Library Workshops

Running 12 January – 27 February 2026, these workshops will help you sharpen your research and study skills. Perfect for students studying over summer or anyone looking to sharpen their skills ready for the new year.

8. Apply for a Student Experience Grant

Got a project that could improve student life? Apply for funding before 31 March 2026.

9. Apply to study abroad

Applications are now closed for both general student exchange and the Yani Global Exchange but read how Amy’s semester in Sweden opened up a world of opportunities for her!

10. Plan your timetable and select your preferred class times

From 9 December 2025 – 19 January 2026, you can start planning your 2026 timetable as part of the Preference Entry Mode. Get in early for your preferred options. If you haven’t submitted your preferences by the time Preference Entry Mode closes, you’ll be automatically allocated to class times.

11. Vote for La Trobe in the Shaping Australia Awards

La Trobe is a finalist in the 2025 Shaping Australia Awards, nominated in the Community Champion category for Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) at La Trobe University. Vote by 19 January to show your support!

12. Take time out for yourself

Relax, connect with friends and family and focus on your wellbeing. You’ve earned it A reminder that La Trobe has a range of wellbeing services available to you if you need it. Not sure where to start? Student Wellbeing Connect can help you find the right support, at the right time.

13. Spread the word

Tell a friend about MyLaTrobe and follow us on socials to stay in the loop!

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