This blog is written by our senior student intern Akshad.
We’ve all been there staring at a blank email, unsure how to ask a question without sounding clueless. Whether you need an extension, clarification on an assignment or just a bit of guidance, how you write your email can make a huge difference in getting a helpful response.
Good news? Writing a clear, professional email doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how to do it right:
1. Use your student email 📧
Your La Trobe email makes it clear you’re a student, keeps things professional and ensures your message doesn’t land in the spam folder (unlike that Hotmail you made in Year 8).
2. Write a clear subject line 📝
Lecturers get tons of emails, help them know what yours is about at a glance.
❌ Bad: “HELP!!!”
✅ Better: “Question About Assessment 2 – CSE2XX”
3. Be polite but get to the point 🏃♂️
Nobody wants to read a five paragraph essay in an email. Be respectful but brief.
Here’s an example:
Subject: Clarification on [subject/topic here]
“Hi [lecturer’s name],
I hope you’re doing well. I have a quick question about [specific topic]. Could you please clarify [your question]? Thank you for your time”
4. Include key details 🔑
Your lecturer teaches hundreds of students, so make it easy for them to help you. Always include:
✔️ Your full name
✔️ Your student ID
✔️ The subject name and code
5. Check the subject guide first 📖
Before hitting send, double check your subject guide and LMS announcements, you don’t want the reply to be, “It’s in the LMS announcements” 👀
6. Sign off professionally ✍️
End your email with a simple and polite closing.
✅ “Thanks,”
✅ “Kind regards,”
✅ “Best, [Your Name]”
Bonus: Common email mistakes to avoid 🚨
❌ Forgetting to add a subject line
❌ Using slang or being too casual (“Yo, prof, what’s up?” = Not it.)
❌ Sending an email without proofreading (“Helo Profeser, I need help”)
❌ Expecting an instant reply (give them 24-48 hours to respond)
Final Tip: lecturers are there to help!
A well written email shows respect for their time and increases your chances of getting a quick and helpful response. So next time you’re about to hit send, take a moment to check your email – future you will thank you 😉