2025 Student Experience Grants – Case study #1
When Monty and a team of La Trobe Business School students noticed that many peers relied on instant noodles and pre-packaged meals, they saw an opportunity to make a real difference. Their idea was simple yet powerful: teach students practical cooking skills in a fun social setting and leave a lasting legacy through a digital toolkit.
With support from a Student Experience Grant, Cook It Up became a reality, combining chef-led workshops, hands-on learning and community building.
The challenge
University life often means living away from home for the first time. For many students, cooking feels intimidating – limited confidence, tight budgets and lack of know-how lead to unhealthy habits. Monty’s team wanted to change that by creating an experience that was educational, inclusive and enjoyable.
The project
The team delivered two fully booked workshops featuring Chef David Prior and fresh produce partners. Students learned to prepare dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice, handmade pasta and tiramisu – meals they never imagined they could cook themselves.
To ensure long-term impact, the workshops were filmed and resources developed to form the Cook It Up Digital Toolkit:
Recipe cards:
Impact
- 30 students attended the workshops (with waitlists)
- 250+ students engaged online through promotions
- Students reported feeling more confident and connected:
“I’ve never cooked a full dish before. This workshop made me feel so confident.” – Vibhi
“It felt like a family meal, I met people I wouldn’t normally talk to.” – Belle
“The chef made everything feel simple. I actually want to cook now.” – Ira
The project didn’t just teach cooking – it created a sense of belonging and sparked friendships.
Lessons learned
- Start planning early, especially for sourcing chefs and filming logistics.
- Interactive, hands-on activities make learning fun and inclusive.
- Collaboration with external partners adds authenticity and value.
Advice for future applicants
Don’t be afraid to start. You don’t need a perfect plan – just a genuine idea and the willingness to learn along the way.
Monty
Monty’s top tips:
- Identify a real student need
- Build a team you trust and divide tasks early
- Think long-term – projects with lasting impact stand out
Why apply for a Student Experience Grant?
The grant gives you the resources and support to turn your idea into something that benefits the entire student community. If you have an idea that could improve student life, take the leap – your project could be the next success story.
