Different study needs call for different spaces. Choosing the right spot can help you get more out of your study session – whether you need to concentrate, collaborate or recharge.

If you’re studying at any of our campuses or online, here’s how to find a space that works for you.

If you need quiet focus time

Choose a designated quiet or silent area when you need to read, write, revise or work independently.

Quiet spaces are helpful for:

• individual study
• reading and research
• writing assignments
• exam revision
• focused work with fewer distractions

Some campuses have clearly labelled quiet or silent areas. At Melbourne (Bundoora), for example, Level 1 of Borchardt Library Level 2 is for quiet study and Level 3 is for silent individual study.

If you need to chat, take a call or work with a group, choose a space where talking is welcome so you can focus on what you need to do without distracting others.

If you’re studying with others

Studying with other people works best when you have space to talk things through, share ideas and plan your next steps.

Use group study areas where you can talk freely for:

• group assignments
• planning and discussion
• presentation practice
• study sessions with classmates

Group study options vary by campus, from group tables to bookable rooms and flexible learning spaces.

At Melbourne (Bundoora), Level 1 of the Borchardt Library is the main space for talking and group discussion, and bookable meeting spaces and alcoves are available in The Learning Commons (TLC) next to the Library. Bookable accessibility rooms are also available for eligible students.

Depending on your campus, you may also find other buildings with desks and spaces to study if you are working in a group or are happy with a bit of background noise. For example, the ground floor of HS1 at the Melbourne (Bundoora) campus has comfortable desks and booths that are great for a study session between classes.

If you need to take a call or join an online class

If you need to chat in an online class or take a phone call, choose a space where talking is okay. Make sure you use headphones to help you stay focused and keep the space comfortable for others nearby.

Some campuses have spaces designed for online classes, like the Online Learning Zone at Melbourne (Bundoora) and Online Learning Rooms at Bendigo.

If you want to chat, socialise or take a break

A quick catch-up or study break can help you recharge and come back ready to focus. To make the most of it, choose a space where you can feel comfortable chatting with friends.

Across our campuses, you will find social spaces, lounges and outdoor areas for a more relaxed catch-up.

At Melbourne (Bundoora), the Club House in the Agora is a great place to connect, join club activities or take a break to play some table tennis, while The Retreat offers a calming seating, puzzles and light reading.

Study closer to home at a study hub

If you want to save time travelling to campus or study closer to home, study hubs are a great place to focus. Services vary at each study hub, but can include quiet study spaces, free Wi-Fi, desktop computers, in-person support and opportunities to connect with other students.

You have free access to the Northern Study Hub in Broadmeadows and Epping, plus Country Universities Centres across the country.

The Library also offers a range of support online, including help with research, referencing, study skills and finding resources.

Check what’s available at your campus

Every campus is different, so make sure you check the Library page before you head in. You can find campus-specific spaces, floor plans and opening hours there.

Need help?

Library staff can point you in the right direction if you are struggling to find a suitable space.

Everyone needs to follow the Library’s conditions of entry when using Library spaces. If something in the Library is making it hard to study, you can speak to staff in person or contact the Library online.

The post Quiet study or group work? Find the right study space appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

A Census date is the last date you can withdraw from a subject without being financially liable i.e. having to pay for the subject. Each subject of study offered at the University has a Census date. Make a note of the key dates to help you succeed..

We’ve listed six things you should know about Census date.

1. Your current subjects may have different Census dates

Did you know your current enrolled subjects may have different Census dates? Census dates vary depending on whether your subject is running in a Term, Semester or non-standard teaching period, so you may have multiple Census dates relevant to your study plan. The best way check the Census dates for different study periods is to view the Census date webpage. You can also see your subject Census dates on your Statement of Account in StudentOnLine.

2. You can drop subjects until the study period Census date without paying for them

A few weeks in and you’re just not feeling a subject or struggling to balance university and outside life? In most circumstances, you can drop a subject without penalty before Census date. Dropping a subject and getting the balance right before the Census date is definitely a better option than struggling and stressing about it for the rest of the Semester or Term. It’s also better to drop a subject before the Census date to avoid paying for it. For Semester 2, 2026 the date is 12 August 2026.

Find out how to change your subjects/enrolment.

3. Your personal details need to match up between La Trobe, the USI registry and the ATO

Make sure the personal details you have listed with La Trobe match the details you have listed with the Unique Student Identifier (USI) registry and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Your details in the USI registry need to match La Trobe the entire time you’re studying. You need a valid USI to access government assistance (such as a Commonwealth Supported Place or HELP loans) and to receive your qualifications once you’ve completed your degree.

You can check your ATO personal details by creating an account and logging into myGov. If your details don’t match up, the Government can’t verify your enrolment details. This may impact your funding, including Centrelink benefits and your ability to access HELP loans.

If you need to, you can update your La Trobe personal details via StudentOnLine.

4. Your financial arrangements need to be finalised

Make sure you pay all fees marked ‘Required’ on your Statement of Account by Census date. For Semester 2, 2026 the date is 12 August 2026.

If you’re eligible for a HELP loan, you can choose to pay your fees upfront or defer them to pay later. To access a HELP loan, you need to complete a Request for Government Assistance and have your application approved by Census date.

Any fees that can be deferred will show as ‘Optional’ on your Statement of Account. You can make upfront payments toward these optional fees until Census date. After that, any unpaid amount will be deferred to your HELP loan.

5. You can take leave without cost

There are heaps of reasons why you may need to take some time off your studies and it’s a great option if you need some time to deal with personal issues, address your finances or you simply need a break for self-care.

You may be able to take up to 12 months’ leave from your course, and if you do so before Census date, you won’t be liable for the Semester or Term fees.

Speak with your Student Advisor or course coordinator before you apply to discuss the possible impact on your study plan. One thing to consider is that taking leave from your studies can affect the duration of your course.

6. Support and advice are available for you

Every uni student has had second thoughts at some point – there are so many things that play on your mind while you’re studying, from your personal life to your studies, to the odd existential career crisis.

We have lots of support services available to assist with all of these issues when they occur. Our Student Wellbeing team can provide advice if you’re struggling personally in any way, course and subject coordinators, Library Support and Student Advisors can assist you with your studies, and our Career Ready team can assist with any careers questions that you have.

The post Six things you need to know about Census date appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Let’s decode university life together… 

Starting university is a bit like joining a TV show halfway through. 

Everyone else seems to know what’s going on. They’re casually talking about rubrics, consultations, and the census date, while you’re still trying to work out whether you’re in the right building. 

The good news? You catch on quicker than you think. 

The official definitions are easy enough to find. This isn’t that. This is the version I wish another student had explained to me in my first week- the little translations that make university life feel a whole lot less confusing. 

“It’s on LMS.” 

Let’s be honest… if you don’t know what LMS is yet, you will very soon. 

It’ll become your most-visited website before you realise it, and before long you’ll probably catch yourself saying, “Have you checked LMS?” Too. 
 
Need a quick introduction? Our What is the Learning Management System (LMS)? video is a great place to start. 

Once the first assignment rolls around, you’ll start hearing a whole new set of phrases. They sound intimidating at first, but they’re actually there to help. 

“Check the rubric.” 

First-year brain: 
“I’ll read it after I’ve finished writing.” 

Second-year brain: 
“Wait… the rubric is basically telling me how to get good marks.” 

A rubric is a marking guide that shows what you’ll be assessed on and what different grade levels look like. Don’t leave the rubric until the end, spending five minutes reading it before you start can save you a lot of guesswork later. 

“Have you booked a consultation with the tutor?” 

What you think it means: 
“Am I in trouble?” 

What it actually means: 

Not at all. 

Consultations are simply a chance to chat with your lecturer or tutor before you submit your work. Whether you want to test an idea or ask a question, they’re there to help. Think of them as one of university’s most underrated resources. 

“Don’t forget the Census date.” 

Unlike some of the other phrases on this list, this one’s more of a friendly reminder. 

You’ll hear people mention the Census date a lot because it’s important. You need to have your enrolment finalised by Census date, so it’s one of those dates worth adding to your calendar early. Future you will definitely appreciate it. 

But let’s be honest, staying organised all semester is a little harder than it sounds… 

Student thoughts 

Week 1: 
“I’ve colour-coded my calendar. I’ve got this.”  

Week 4: 
“Why do I suddenly have three assignments due… and how is it only Wednesday?” 

If that sounds familiar, welcome to university. 

Not everything about university revolves around assignments. Some of the phrases you’ll hear aren’t really “university lingo” at all- they’re just little moments that become part of campus life. 

“I’m just grabbing a coffee.” 

Translation: 

That’s usually the plan. 

What actually happens is you bump into someone from your tutorial, chat with a friend you haven’t seen since Orientation, wave at your tutor walking past, and suddenly your “quick coffee” has turned into a 20-minute catch-up. 

At some point, you’ll realise coffee runs at university are rarely just about coffee. 

“I’m going to the library.” 

Translation: 

Sometimes it means studying. 

Sometimes it means finally finding a quiet corner to finish the assignment you’ve been avoiding. 

Sometimes it means borrowing a charger because, somehow, yours is always sitting at home. 

And sometimes it means opening your laptop, chatting with your friends for half an hour and convincing yourselves that simply being in the library counts as being productive. 

Honestly… all of the above still count. 

“Let’s meet at Agora.” 

What you think it means: 
A quick catch-up before class. 

What it actually means: 
You’ll hear this phrase a lot, and before long, you’ll probably be saying it too. 

Need a coffee? Agora. 

Grabbing lunch? Agora. 

Meeting your group? Agora. 

Somewhere between your first week and your first assignment, it quietly becomes the unofficial meeting spot on campus. Before long, “Where should we meet?” turns into “See you at Agora.” 

The funny thing about university is that nobody teaches you this language, you simply pick it up along the way. 

One lecture becomes ten. One assignment becomes another. One coffee run turns into recognising familiar faces around campus. Before you know it, the words that once sounded completely foreign become part of your everyday conversations. 

So, if you’re still quietly Googling the occasional university term, don’t stress- we’ve all been there. And one day, without even noticing, you’ll catch yourself saying, “Just check the rubric,” like you’ve known what it meant all along. 

The post Lost in translation? A student’s guide to La Trobe lingo  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

Are you passionate about making a real difference? Join the La Trobe x Benetas Care Economy Innovation Sprint and work alongside industry experts to develop innovative solutions that will help shape the future of Australia’s aged care sector.

Over two immersive days, collaborate with students from across disciplines, recent La Trobe alumni, and industry from leading aged care provider Benetas,to tackle real-world workforce challenges facing the care economy. Through design thinking, mentoring, and rapid prototyping, you’ll develop ideas that can improve the way aged care careers are experienced, supported, and perceived.

Whether you’re studying or working in health, business, technology, design, social sciences, or another discipline, your perspective could help transform one of Australia’s most important industries.

Program details

• Dates: Thursday 13 August to Friday 14 August 2026
• Time: 8:45am – 5:00pm, each day
• Location: Digital Innovation Hub. Level 2, Eagleworks Innovation Centre, La Trobe University Melbourne Campus – Bundoora

Applications Close: 11.45pm on Friday 8  (unless filled prior).

The post La Trobe x Benetas Care Economy Innovation Sprint appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

You may have heard the word Census at university, but the Australian Census is something completely different. 

The National Census, run by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), is Australia’s biggest survey. It takes place every five years and collects information about the people and households living in Australia. The results help governments, councils and community organisations plan services such as transport, healthcare, education and community programs. 

Who needs to take part? 

Everyone in Australia on Census night must be counted, including: 

• Australian citizens and permanent residents 
• International students 
• Temporary visa holders 
• Visitors and tourists 
• Children and babies 

If you are in Australia on Census night, you need to be included on a Census form. No exceptions! 

When is the Census? 

Census night is Tuesday 11 August 2026. 

How do I take part? 

From late July, households will receive instructions on how to complete the Census. Most people will complete it online, although paper forms are also available. 

You can complete your Census as soon as you receive your instructions if you already know where you will be staying on Census night. If you are travelling, you still need to be counted wherever you are on the night. 

Find out more 

Visit the Australian Bureau of Statistics website for more information: 

• About the Census 
• How to complete the Census 

Don’t forget, the Australian National Census is not the same as La Trobe University Census date, which relates to enrolment and study administration. The National Census is a government survey that everyone in Australia is required to participate in.  

The post Australia’s National Census is coming  appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The Student Experience Survey is now open until 31 August. Current first and final year undergraduate students and all postgraduate coursework students who are eligible will receive an invitation to participate via your La Trobe student email.

Your feedback will be used to shape the future of La Trobe, while also helping to improve the overall student experience in Australia.

The insights gained from previous Student Experience Surveys have helped us to:

• make it easier to access wellbeing services, including counselling and legal support
• provide you with more support to plan and develop your career skills
• introduce exciting new ways to meaningfully connect with other students

Learn more about the ways your feedback drives meaningful change through You Said, We Did.

Have your say for a chance to win

Complete the Student Experience Survey and you’ll automatically go into the draw for QILT’s weekly gift card draws, with prizes valued at up to $1,000.

That’s not all – complete the survey by 5pm on Monday 31 August and you’ll also go into the draw to win one of La Trobe’s exclusive prizes*:

• First prize: 13-inch MacBook Air (Apple chip, 16GB RAM)
• Second prize: Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
• Third prize: Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones
• Fourth prize: Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones

*Terms and conditions apply

How to complete the survey

Complete the survey using the personalised link in your La Trobe student email, or head to the QILT website to learn more and access the survey.

If you have any questions, please email surveys@latrobe.edu.au.

The post Have your say in the Student Experience Survey appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

How these scholarships can help 

At La Trobe, our access scholarships and bursaries support coursework students from all walks of life to thrive at university.

They can support students who may have: 

• Faced financial pressures
• Experienced personal hardship
• Come from a disadvantaged or underrepresented background 

How much are they worth? 

Access scholarships start at $5000 per year for your course duration. Bursaries are a minimum $1000 one-off payment.

We also offer merit-based scholarships to recognise academic achievement. These are automatically assessed based on your results and don’t require an application. 

Easy application process 

Applying is simple. You only need to complete one application – we’ll take it from there.

If your application is successful, we’ll match you with the scholarship or bursary that best suits your circumstances and eligibility.

VTAC information 

All prospective and current La Trobe students can apply for access scholarships through VTAC.

If you’re a current La Trobe student, you’ll need to submit a scholarship only application through VTAC. And remember, you don’t have to apply for a course to submit a scholarship only application. 

You will need to create a new VTAC account, if you didn’t create one for the 2025/2026 round (this account can now be used in future years). For help, check out the VTAC guide on how to create a profile. 

There is no charge to create a VTAC account to apply for scholarships. 

Tips for applying 

Want to ensure your application has the best chance of success? Upload all relevant supporting documents and evidence in the sections where they’re requested.

Refer to the  guide on supporting documentation for more information.  

Want to submit an application?  

Submit your application for a La Trobe access scholarship and let us support you to help achieve your goals. 

The post Apply for La Trobe Access Scholarships through VTAC appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

July 2026

Explore your options (placement or industry project)
Join the Career Ready team as we unpack the difference between the Placement and Industry Project to help you choose the right option for you.

Date: Thursday 30 July, 2pm–3pm
Location: Online

Career Ready drop-in
Whether you’re just starting your career journey or getting ready to graduate, these sessions are a great way to get quick advice from your peers and build your confidence.

Date: Every Thursday until 17 September, 1.30pm-3.30pm
Location: Online

August 2026

Making a good first impression at the Employability Expo webinar
Panelists will share practical tips on how to prepare effectively and make a strong first impression when engaging with industry representatives at the Employability Expo

Date: Thursday 6 August, 12pm-1pm
Location: Online

Breaking down the graduate recruitment process: on-campus panel event, (Melbourne) Bundoora
Join our panel as they unpack the graduate recruitment process and share insights. We’ll be covering:

• Accessing inclusive recruitment processes.
• What is a graduate program?
• When and where to apply for a graduate program or role.
• The steps in the recruitment process
• How to stand out from other applicants
• Asking for workplace adjustments

Date: Wednesday 12 August, 11am-12pm
Location: The Odeon, Union Building, Melbourne (Bundoora) campus (down the corridor from the Employability Expo)

La Trobe Employability Expo – Melbourne (Bundoora)
Join 41 organisations at the Employability Expo and explore career options and other opportunities.

Date: Wednesday 12 August, 12pm-2pm
Location: Union Hall, Melbourne (Bundoora) Campus

LinkedIn Headshot Booth
Visit our LinkedIn Headshot Booth during the Employability Expo and receive a free professional headshot to help you make a great first impression with employers.

Date: Wednesday 12 August, 12.30pm-2.30pm
Location: Moat Café, Union Building, Melbourne (Bundoora) campus

September 2026

How to source and secure an industry placement
Join the Career Ready team for practical advice on finding an industry placement and securing the right one using your networking skills and other tips and tricks.

Date: Tuesday 8 September, 12pm-1pm
Location: Online

Free employability resources

Finding an internship and then landing a job can be challenging. If you’re struggling to get an internship or graduate job, or you’re not sure where to even start looking for one, help is available to you.

All La Trobe students have access to free employability services to help you find an internship or job while studying and after graduating. Check out this MyLaTrobe article to view the free employability resources and services available.

Career Hub Jobs Board

Did you know there are hundreds of jobs advertised on Career Hub? These include graduate roles and programs, vacation programs, internships, casual and part time jobs.

Check out the Jobs board for current opportunities.

Ultimate Guide to the STAR Interview Technique

Are you a student or recent graduate preparing for job interviews?

Prosple has an incredible resource that will equip you with the skills to ace your next interview using the STAR technique.

Highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments with confidence by implementing the STAR technique. Learn how to identify relevant scenarios, craft impactful responses, and showcase your suitability for the job you desire.

Career Ready Ambassador service

Need help finding your way around Career Hub? Talk to a Career Ready Ambassador. Career Ready Ambassadors are available online.

See when they’re available next! Bookings not required.

For all the latest employability updates, check out careerhub news.

Career Ready Advantage Award

The Career Ready Advantage Award is La Trobe’s employability award program. The program fits in with your work, study and life commitments to build your employability. It helps you develop, reflect on and confidently communicate your skills through professional learning, practical experience and a career portfolio. It’s never too early in your degree to join.
Join the Career Ready Advantage Award and make your skills and experience count!

The post What’s happening in Employability appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

You can review and comment on the updated Assessment Procedure – Adjustments (including Special Consideration) from Monday 20 July until 5pm on Friday 31 July.

These changes aim to make the process clearer, fairer and easier to use.

Please note there are no changes for Semester 2, 2026. The current process still applies.

What is proposed to change:

• The current three-day short extension process will be removed.
• Instead, you’ll be able to submit assessments up to 24 hours after the due date with no late penalty – no application required.
• After 24 hours, late penalties will apply, increasing each calendar day (up to a maximum of 20%, lower than the current 25% cap).

In short: you won’t need to apply for short extensions – everyone gets a 24-hour grace period.

Learning Access Plans (LAPs) continue to accommodate later submission dates with the duration of the additional time permitted determined by the student’s plan.

There are no changes to Special Consideration for students who don’t have a LAP, including extensions as outcomes through that process.

Students with a LAP who experience an exacerbation of their condition, will need to provide verifiable evidence of the exacerbation as part of their Special Consideration application.

Why the changes are proposed:

These changes aim to:

• reduce confusion for students and staff
• improve consistency across subjects
• ensure that formal adjustment pathways are used for genuine, documented circumstances

Students who need additional support due to disability, ongoing health conditions or unexpected circumstances will continue to have access to Learning Access Plans (LAPs) and Special Consideration.

How to give feedback: You can provide feedback on the proposed changes via the Bulletin Board from Monday 20 July until 5pm on Friday 31 July.

Feedback will be reviewed, and the updated policy is planned to apply from Term 6, 2026. 

The post Give your feedback – proposed changes to Short Extensions appeared first on MyLaTrobe.

The University of Melbourne together with the Amgen Foundation invites applications for the Amgen Scholars Program 2027 for undergraduate students entering their third year of study in 2027.

The program is designed for undergraduate students considering a future in research and provides invaluable research experience, professional development and networking opportunities.

Students will also be given the opportunity to travel to Japan to attend the Amgen Scholars Program – Asia Symposium in August, 2027 where they will connect with fellow Amgen Scholars and leading researchers from across the Asia-Pacific.

The 2027 program will invite 11 high-achieving undergraduate students from eligible countries to work in a research lab for seven weeks (3 January – 19 February 2027). 

Applications for the Amgen Scholars Program close at 5pm on Monday 31 August.

Successful applicants receive:

• Accommodation and meals
• Return travel to Melbourne (from your home university city)
• A stipend to support living costs
• Access to program activities, workshops and seminars

Check out the website for more information about the Amgen Scholars Program, eligibility criteria and how to apply, or see the list of participating research labs.

The post Apply for the Amgen Scholars Program and spend your summer on a research adventure appeared first on MyLaTrobe.