Here at La Trobe we have many resources and tips to help you plan your enrolment and set yourself up for success!
It’s always a good time to plan your enrolment and consider all the years of your studies, not just the year ahead. Each October, enrolment will open for the following year, which is the perfect opportunity to plan ahead.
We’ve got you covered with this list of our best tips and tricks to plan your enrolment
1 – Plan ahead – play the long game
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither was your degree! It’s super important to think about what subjects you will need to complete in the future, and if any require you to complete a prerequisite subject before you enrol. It’s also a good idea to consider if you might want to go on a Semester Exchange, an overseas short program or complete a placement. Planning for these enrolments at the start of your studies will make it easier for you in the long run.
2 – Read your student emails!
There’s a reason checking your emails is at the top of this list… All students must read their emails because you will be sent important information regarding their courses and time at La Trobe. Your student email is the first place that anything will be sent to, so making time each week to check for any updates is key. You also don’t want to miss out on the important (and fun!) information in the weekly MyLaTrobe newsletter. Plus, it is hard to get on-top of your inbox when there are over 1000 emails unopened!
3 – Get to know the La Trobe University Handbook
Your course Handbook page is your go-to destination for information about your course and it’s structure (including subjects). Here’s where to check out your course structure, including majors, minors, electives, specialisations and more. The Handbook can also help you determine the location (e.g. on-campus, online or blended) and the availability of your subjects (e.g. Semesters or Terms). The Handbook is also where you search and find subjects, including electives that may fit in with your course.
4 – Know your prerequisite subjects
Missing a prerequisite subject can prevent you from enrolling in a subject. That’s why planning out your enrolment is incredibly important. Especially if your course has lots of prerequisite subjects, or if you need to choose a combination of majors, minors and electives to meet the course requirements. This means that you must check if your future year subjects have prerequisite requirements. If they do, you can then make sure to complete the prerequisite subjects before you enrol down track.
5 – Use La Trobe’s Study Plan Guides tool
Visualise your course enrolment using the Study Plan Guides tool! If you started an undergraduate course from 2022 onwards or a postgraduate course from 2024, the tool will map out your course and show you how you should enrol, based on the current availability of your subjects and the prerequisites for them. Using this tool could prevent you from missing out on a prerequisite subject down the track.
6 – Check out the MyLaTrobe Hub
It is always worth checking the MyLaTrobe Hub for information to support you with your studies. We find information from across the uni to support your time here and highlight timely information when you need it most. Make sure you read the weekly newsletter each Monday for important reminders on enrolment dates or support available to you. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
7 – Understand why compulsory modules matter!
All students need to complete the compulsory modules during their degree to graduate. It’s recommended that you complete them in the first study period of your degree. If you didn’t complete these modules in your first study period, you need to ensure you complete them as soon as possible to prevent potential sanctions on your enrolment or limits on your ability to graduate. You can get a head start and enrol and complete the modules in the next available study period.
8 – Talk to Charlie Chatbot
For around-the-clock support, you can always reach out to Charlie. Charlie finds answers based on sample questions, and uses keywords in your query to scan La Trobe’s website, the MyLaTrobe Hub and our FAQs to display information that matches the keywords in your query. Charlie will answer your question as best as possible and if not, will refer your enquiry to our friendly ASK La Trobe team.
9 – Search the Current Student FAQs
If you have a question, chances are someone has asked that same question before! We always recommend having a look at the FAQs to see if this can help you out. Some FAQs you may find useful include adding a major, minor or specialisation on StudentOnLine, subject and course coordinator details, enrolment sessions for new students and seeking approval to enrol into a subject.
10 – Watch Ready Set La Trobe!
ASK La Trobe knows all your pain points, this is why they have come up with these Ready Set La Trobe! videos. These are especially helpful if you are a new student, or if you need a refresher on some of the La Trobe basics. You may find the video on study loads particularly helpful!
11 – Explore the enrolment website
The enrolment website covers lots of important course management information including re-enrolment, changing your enrolment and video tutorials to support you with using StudentOnLine. You will find links to other resources that can support with managing your enrolment, including taking leave and transferring courses.
12 – Keep track of key enrolment dates
Knowing the key dates for your teaching period is a must! Every teaching period at La Trobe has important dates to remember, including timetable dates, Census date, last date to enrol, last date to withdraw without academic penalty, exams and result release. The Key Dates and Census Dates webpages are the best web pages for all things related to La Trobe dates. These pages break down all the important information, depending on what teaching period you may enrol in.
13 – Pay your outstanding fees!
An important one to remember is making sure you pay your fees. If you forget to do this, a sanction will be placed on your account and will prevent you from changing your enrolment and viewing your results. Depending on your student type, you may have the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) or your subject fees, that could be outstanding. You can pay these outstanding fees in StudentOnLine. If you plan ahead, and are an Australian citizen or hold a Permanent Humanitarian or New Zealand Special Category Visa you can defer your fees and repay your student contribution through the tax system later.
14 – Chat with your Course Coordinator
Your Course Coordinator is the most knowledgeable person about your course. If you are finding yourself really stuck, you can reach out to your Course Coordinator and chat with them. It is also recommended that you speak with them about any issues you are having so they can best support you with your studies.
15 – Contact ASK La Trobe
Finally, you can always reach out to the friendly team at ASK La Trobe. They are there to help you with all your questions and can guide you in the right direction, including accessing specialised support. This may include referring you to the Student Advising team, to help you achieve your version of success at La Trobe! During Semester, Student Advising drop-ins are also available for specific support from a Student Advisor.