From cooking confidence to cyber networking, student-led projects are reshaping the university experience – one idea at a time.
2025 marked the exciting launch of La Trobe’s Student Experience Grants, a program designed to empower students to turn their ideas into reality and create meaningful change. The first year was nothing short of inspiring, with student-led projects transforming spaces, building community and tackling real challenges faced by La Trobe students.
Take a look at four standout projects…
Cook It Up – Building confidence in the kitchen
For many students living on campus or out-of-home for the first time, cooking can feel intimidating. Enter Cook It Up, led by Monty, Shubhi and Niharika, which delivered two fully booked, chef-led (thank you Chef David Prior!) workshops teaching students how to prepare dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice and handmade pasta. Beyond the delicious meals, the project fostered connection and confidence.
Participant quotes:
“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 legacy continues with a digital toolkit of recipes and videos, ensuring all students can benefit from this initiative.
LinkUp in Cyber – Fast Chats, Real Connections
The Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Student Chapter leadership team, led by Mary George, created LinkUp in Cyber – a speed networking event connecting students with 33 industry professionals. With both on-campus and online formats, the project gave students rare access to career insights and mentorship.
Participant quotes:
“It was inspiring to hear how others got started in cybersecurity—it made me feel like I’m on the right path.”
“It was reassuring to hear that even experienced professionals face imposter syndrome.”
“One thing I took away is that there’s no single path to success in cybersecurity. You just have to start somewhere.”
The event drew 68 students and sparked ongoing engagement through LinkedIn and raising the profile WiCyS.
LMS 101 – Making learning systems less scary
Navigating a Learning Management System (LMS) can be overwhelming for new students. Min, Quinn, Jacy, Caroline, Meganne and Ishan, tackled this head-on with LMS 101, creating short, friendly videos featuring ‘Eddie’, a relatable student guide. Check it out here!
Student feedback:
“The content felt clear and less scary.”
The project aims to reduce confusion and anxiety in the crucial first weeks of semester. While early reach is promising (~600 views), the real impact will shine in 2026 when the content is embedded into enrolment and orientation webpages and systems.
Queer Lounge Revamp – A space for belonging
The Queer Lounge at Melbourne Campus had fallen into disrepair but thanks to Mark, Annalise and the La Trobe Queer Club, it’s now a vibrant, welcoming hub for LGBTQIA+ students. Through working bees, decor upgrades and a joyful reopening event, the lounge has become a home for weekly meet-ups and sparked ideas for expanding queer community support to other campuses, with the establishment of the Bendigo Queer Club.
Student quotes:
“There was definitely a major improvement in the vibes of meet-ups… way more relaxed in the twinkling fairy lights rather than harsh fluorescents.”
“After the refurbishment, the lounge became so much cozier, warmer, and much more welcoming. 10/10, would visit for a short break or a hang-out.”
Why it matters
Across these projects, the numbers tell a powerful story:
- Cook It Up engaged 30 students in person and will leave a lasting digital impact legacy.
- LinkUp in Cyber connected 68 students with 33 industry professionals.
- LMS 101 is set to reach thousands of new students in 2026.
- Queer Lounge Revamp tripled attendance at weekly meet-ups.
But the real impact goes beyond metrics – it’s about confidence, connection and community. These projects show what happens when students lead with creativity, purpose and support.
Each project is a demonstration of the power of partnership, with the university partnering with students on their ideas. Grant recipients were supported with project coordination by the Student Voice and Partnerships team and some projects – like Cook It Up (Dr Biju Philip, La Trobe Business School) and LinkUp in Cyber (Associate Professor Leanne Ngo, School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics) – were supported by passionate staff.
The success of this pilot year proves that when students are given the tools, trust and support to innovate, they create lasting change.
Interested? Apply for a 2026 grant!
Applications for 2026 Student Experience Grants are open now – so if you have an idea that could make the student experience better, now’s your chance to make it happen.