Step 3: Your first weeks of study
In your first weeks, settle in and figure out how to approach your studies with confidence.
When should I do this step?
- Semester students: Weeks 1–4 of your first semester
- Term students: Weeks 1 and 2 of your first term
Quick links
- Connect with uni life
- Approach your first assessments with confidence
- Domestic students: organise to pay your SSAF
- Explore our support services
- Your next steps
Connect with uni life
Complete your compulsory modules
If you haven’t already, you need to complete compulsory modules before your first assessments to make sure you understand our academic integrity standards and how to avoid academic misconduct (e.g. plagiarism). If you don’t complete AIM in your first study period, you won’t be able to see your subject results or get an academic transcript.
Approach your first assessments with confidence
Finalise your study load before Census date
There are two important dates in each study period that affect when you can change your subjects. The last date to enrol is the final day you can add subjects to your study load, and Census date is the deadline to withdraw from subjects without paying for them. After Census date, you can still withdraw, but you’ll need to pay for those subjects. Check your subjects now and make any changes early.
Domestic students: organise to pay your SSAF
The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) helps fund essential services that support your uni experience – like student events, wellbeing programs, clubs, advocacy and more.
Most domestic students need to pay this fee twice a year, while international students pay the SSAF as part of their tuition fees.
There are two ways pay:
- Pay upfront when you receive your Statement of Account. Check your due dates by logging in to StudentOnLine.
- Apply for SA-HELP to defer your payment, if you’re eligible, and the fee will be added to your HELP debt. You only need to apply once per course.
If you don’t pay or defer your SSAF by Census date, you won’t be able to re-enrol, view results or access academic transcripts and official letters.
Explore our support services
- ASK La Trobe: Get help with enrolment, fees, results and general uni questions.
- Student Advising: Chat with an advisor for course advice and study support, including guidance for international students, accessibility needs and scholarships.
- Indigenous Student Services: Dedicated support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
- Accessibility: Register to receive support and adjustments if you have a disability, health condition or caring responsibilities.