The Hub, led by La Trobe University, has spent the year helping tertiary students in Melbourne’s north kick learning goals.
La Trobe University student and Glenroy local, Israa Lebdeh is the first in her family to attend university.
Currently undertaking a double Bachelor's degree in Science and Law, Israa and her sister, Gada, also a Bachelor of Law student at La Trobe, regularly use the Study Hub as it’s close to home and less distracting than busy libraries.
“I love the Study Hub because it’s a quiet space for people studying in higher education, sitting and finishing their work,” Israa said.
“The staff are so friendly, and the Hub also offers opportunities for students to socialise and attend events as well.”
Israa urged others to “come in for a little tour or speak to one of the staff to see what the Hub’s all about.”
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell congratulated the Northern Study Hub in Broadmeadows on attracting more than 200 students in its first year.
“The strong uptake in the Northern Study Hub's first year shows there is real demand for safe, local study spaces with supportive staff, who can help tertiary and TAFE students succeed and get job-ready,” Professor Farrell said.
“As Melbourne’s north continues to grow, La Trobe is committed to providing higher education opportunities, which will contribute to the goal of doubling higher education participation by 2050, as outlined in the Universities Accord.”
Director of the Northern Study Hub Samantha Sterling said almost two-thirds of the people registered at Broadmeadows are female tertiary students living locally.
“At the end of last year, a student came in with her mum. She was deciding what course to accept at different universities," Samantha said.
“Knowing she had a safe, local place to study at the Northern Study Hub regardless of which course the student chose was reassuring for her and her parent.”
Located in Broadmeadows and Epping, the Northern Study Hub was Victoria’s first Suburban University Study Hub, situated in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions. Melbourne’s outer north is projected to accommodate an additional 102,000 homes or about 318,000 people by 2060.
Close to public transport, retail and community services, the Northern Study Hub’s campus-style study spaces offer administrative, academic and wellbeing support for students undertaking tertiary education at any Australian institution.
The Northern Study Hub is well-equipped with individual workstations, quiet zones, informal study areas and meeting rooms to meet the needs of students in Melbourne’s north.
Students must register to access the Northern Study Hub either in person or online.
- Broadmeadows Hub site is located at Hume City Council
- Epping Hub site is located within Melbourne Polytechnic Library
About the Northern Study Hub:
The Northern Study Hub, located in Epping and Broadmeadows, is led by La Trobe University, with the support of the Australian Government and local partners including Melbourne Polytechnic, City of Whittlesea, Whittlesea Community Connections, Hume City Council, Kangan Institute (Broadmeadows) and NORTH Link.
Media enquiries
Debora McInnes – d.mcinnes@latrobe.edu.au, 0487 448 734
Photo: Samantha Sterling, Northern Study Hub Director; Cr Carly Moore, Mayor, Hume City Council; La Trobe Vice Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell; La Trobe students Israa Lebdeh and Gada Lebdeh; Swinburne University student Sam Elliott; Basem Abdo MP, Member for Calwell; Cr Ally Watson, Councillor, Hume City Council; Kathleen Matthews-Ward, State Member for Broadmeadows
