Step 2: The week before classes

Your uni experience starts here. Explore where you’re studying, meet new people and prepare for your first weeks.

When should I do this step?

The week before your classes start. This can sometimes be referred to as Orientation Week or O Week.

Register and join the fun
Prepare to start studying
Plan your study period
Your next steps

Register and join the fun

Plan your Orientation

Orientation is your first step into uni life, with a mix of food, social events, free giveaways and information sessions to help you feel confident, connected and ready to start your journey at La Trobe. No matter where you’re studying, join the fun at your local campus!

Use the Orientation Planner to create your personalised schedule and register for the sessions that matter most to you.

See what’s on

Have you joined a New to La Trobe workshop?

If you haven’t already, make sure you sign up for the next available session. This live online workshop covers essential information about being a student at La Trobe and introduces you to your Student Advisor, so don’t miss out.

Prepare to start studying

Understand your study load

Your study load describes the total credit points you’re enrolled in for a teaching period, whether that’s full-time or part-time.

A full-time study load is:

Semester students: 60 credit points per semester (usually four subjects)
Term students: 30 credit points per term (usually two subjects)

Before you finalise your enrolment, think about how your study load will impact your graduation timeline, visa requirements and Centrelink eligibility. Most degrees have time limits, so plan carefully to stay on track.

Learn about study load

Finalise your enrolment

Classes start next week, so lock in your subjects now. You can enrol in subjects until the end of week 1 for a Term, or the end of week 2 for a Semester, but you can withdraw from them up until Census date.

Enrol now

Create your timetable in Allocate+

Once you’ve enrolled, use Allocate+ to set up your timetable for activities like tutorials, labs, seminars and workshops. Allocate+ has two different phases: Preference Entry Mode and Allocation Adjustment. The week before classes start, your timetable is probably in Allocation Adjustment Mode. Log in as soon as you can to check your classes, make changes or join waitlists before spots fill up.

View your timetable

Get to know the Learning Management System (LMS)

The LMS is your digital home for learning, submitting assessments and staying connected with your class. Each subject has its own page, where you’ll find reading materials, lecture recordings, assessment dates, and announcements.

Take some time to explore each section and get familiar with the LMS so you’re ready to dive into your studies.

Explore the LMS

Complete your compulsory modules

During your first study period, you need to complete compulsory modules. All students need to do the Academic Integrity Module (AIM) and Respectful Behaviour and Culture Module, and undergraduate students also need to complete Wominjeka La Trobe.

Do these modules now so it’s one less thing you need to worry about when classes start.

Learn about compulsory modules

Get familiar with your subject learning guides

Each subject has a learning guide on its LMS page. This is your go-to resource for understanding the subject – it outlines what you’ll learn, how you’ll be assessed, key dates and tips for success.

Review your learning guides early to know what’s expected, plan your study schedule and prepare for assessments.

Find subject learning guides in the LMS

Check where your classes are

Your timetable will show where each of your classes are in the ‘Location’ section. Figure out what buildings your classes are in using our campus maps. If you’re heading to Orientation, you can start to get an idea of the buildings you’ll be studying in.

View campus maps

Organise Zoom for online classes

Have classes online? You can find the links to your Zoom classes in the LMS. Download Zoom now and log in to your student account so you’re ready to join your first classes.

How to join online classes

Plan your study period

Get organised before classes start with these helpful tools to plan your time:

Academic Calendar

Mark important deadlines like Census dates, uni breaks and exams in your calendar so you can plan ahead.

View the Academic Calendar

Student Events Calendar

Uni life is more than just classes! See what’s coming up at your campus or online, from fun events to workshops and networking opportunities .

Explore Student Events

Assessment Planner

Enter your assessment deadlines to create a personalised schedule with suggested start times for each task, helping you stay on track from day one.

Plan your assessments

Your next steps

New students guide

Work through each step at your own pace. Missed one? No problem. You can always go back.

Browse steps

Step 3: Connect with uni and submit your first assessments

In your first weeks, settle in and figure out how to approach your studies with confidence.

Discover study tips

Step 4: Check in at the halfway point

Midway through the study period, pause to review your progress and make sure you’re on track.

Keep your momentum

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