A guide to settling in, studying well and finding your people.
Starting your journey at La Trobe as an international student is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming. Between navigating a new country, building friendships, understanding university systems and getting ready for your future career, there’s a lot to take in.
To help make your transition smoother, here’s a little guide to help you navigate the big topics: friendships at uni, accommodation, study supports and work experience.
Make sure you also visit the Enrol and Arrive webpage for a full comprehensive step-by-step guide for accepting your offer, getting prepared for your on-campus study experience and arriving onshore!
Accommodation: Finding your home away from home
I wish I knew… that choosing where to live shapes your whole uni experience.
Accommodation is a great way to get involved in uni life. However many assume there will be plenty of options available or that they can sort housing after landing in Australia — not realising how competitive the rental market is, how quickly places fill or how early they actually need to apply.
- Living on campus makes it easier to make friends especially in the first few weeks. Residential leaders run frequent events, so you’ll rarely feel alone.
- Get prepared early if possible. Book your on-campus accommodation before leaving your home country to ensure a smooth and hassle-free arrival in Australia.
- Off-campus options exist but research is key. Websites like realestate.com.au, Flatmates.com.au or local Facebook groups can help you find vacant rentals or existing share houses. You can explore suburbs, compare commute options and get a feel for Melbourne living.
- Inspect before you commit whenever possible photos don’t always show the full story. Also be aware of rental scams and other scams targeting international students.
- Budget for bond, furniture and utilities. Australia’s rental system can be different from home.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. La Trobe’s accommodation team is friendly, supportive and used to helping students transition to life here.
Friendships: You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one
I wish I knew… how normal it is to feel lonely at first and how quickly things change once you put yourself out there.
International students often worry about cultural differences or not fitting in but there are many ways to meet new people.
- Orientation week is your best friend. Go to as many sessions as possible — not just the compulsory ones. Social events are designed so you can meet others feeling the same way. Keep an eye on your emails and the orientation webpage for information on upcoming O Week events.
- Clubs and societies make a huge difference. From cultural groups to sport to gaming to volunteering, clubs and societies bring together people who care about the same things you do.
- Friendships take time. Your future best friend might be someone you meet in Week 8, not Week 1. Read this blog from our student intern, Min, about making new friends at uni.
- Meet like-minded people at uni events that can be found in the student events calendar during semester. Otherwise there’s opportunities to meet people outside of uni through the City of Melbourne where you can connect with other international students studying in Melbourne at the same time.
Remember that many students around you are also far from home. You’re already connected through that shared experience.
Academic support: You don’t have to do it alone
I wish I knew… how many free supports La Trobe offers and that many students use them, not just students who are struggling.
Moving to an English-speaking academic environment can be a major adjustment, even if you’re confident in your language skills. Students feel so much better once they discovered:
- The Library is more than just books. It’s your go-to spot to build your study skills and get help with your studies or research – online or on campus. The Library runs handy workshops throughout the semester. You can also make the most of online resources like the learning guides to improve your skills in studying, writing and referencing as well as tools like the assessment planner and Academic Referencing Tool.
- Peer Learning Advisors (PLAs) are friendly students trained to guide you through assignments and uni systems.
- Academic English support module helps students strengthen writing and communication skills specific to Australian universities.
- Subject and Course Coordinators. If you need help with a subject or your overall study plan, your Subject and Course Coordinators are your key contacts. You can find their contact details in the University Handbook or via the LMS.
Placements: Take advantage of opportunities as you go
I wish I knew… that La Trobe offers a wide range of placement opportunities and ways to upskill so that you’re career-ready by graduation.
Many students don’t realise how much support and how many pathways exist to help them build real-world experience throughout their degree. Whether your course includes required placements or you’re hoping to gain local experience, here are some ways you can make the most of what’s available:
- CareerHub is La Trobe’s career and employability platform. It’s designed to help you build employability skills, prepare for work and access tools that support career development. You can upskill early by attending workshops, joining mentoring programs, completing micro‑credentials and engaging with industry events.
- La Trobe offers placements, industry projects, internships, volunteering programs and on-campus roles across many study areas so you can gain real-world experience while studying.
- Volunteering and casual work also count. They help you gain confidence, meet locals and understand Australian workplace culture. Learn about your work rights as an international student in Australia.
The earlier you start exploring these opportunities, the more confident, connected and career-ready you’ll feel when graduation arrives.
International student support services
Throughout your time at La Trobe, you’re always welcome to seek advice, information and support to make the most of your learning experience with us. We offer a wide range of services to assist with academic, social, financial and cultural issues that may be affecting your studies.
Enrol and Arrive website
This webpage has the most up-to-date information and resources to support your successful transition to on-campus study.
Support Services webpage
For all support options in one place, visit the Support Services webpage.
ASK La Trobe
ASK La Trobe is your first point of contact as an international student for general student needs such as enrolment, navigating university systems, help on campus and much more. Once you’ve arrived onshore, you’ll receive a warm welcome and face-to-face support at our ASK La Trobe Welcome Zones.
Transition support
We offer tailored online (both live and On Demand) and face-to-face Orientation activities that provide key information and helpful tips about studying and living in Australia. This includes:
- Webinar videos that you can watch anywhere online
- A series of live online Pre-Departure Sessions
- In-person International Students meet-and-greet events at our major campuses during Orientation Week. You can also join the Transition@La Trobe Facebook Group where you can connect with our e-Friend student volunteers as well as with other commencing international students.
International student after-hours helpline
If you need urgent help after-hours (at night, during public holidays or on the weekends) call 1800 758 360 (if you’re outside Australia, call +61 2 8905 0325). Calls are free from landlines but standard call rates apply from mobile phones. It is helpful to have your student ID number ready.
Budgeting and financial support
Engage with the La Trobe Student Association (LTSA) where you can access free groceries through the student pantry & more! It’s free to join and to start enjoying the benefits. If debt or bills are causing distress, access the free, confidential support of a Financial Counsellor at La Trobe. Take a look at more budgeting tips
Wellbeing support
As a La Trobe student, you can access tools and support you need to keep on top of your wellbeing.
Free and confidential support is always available through Wellbeing Services, which includes counselling support and the La Trobe Psychology Clinic who provide affordable sessions (with provisionally registered psychologists) without the need for a referral.
You can also always visit the Wellbeing Resource Hub for support you can access and self-guided tools you can use to keep a healthy mind.
Additional resources
- Study Melbourne is a Victorian Government initiative that offers helpful information as well as a range of resources and events to support international students in the State of Victoria.
- There are community hubs across Melbourne designed for international students from any institution. Check out other spaces in Melbourne to help you feel at home.
Staying connected
During your time at La Trobe, stay connect with the latest uni news, campus events and activities through the MyLaTrobe hub. Follow MyLaTrobe on Instagram and keep an eye on the weekly student newsletter in your student email inbox!
La Trobe is filled with people ready to cheer you on, guide you and we can’t wait to welcome you to campus!