First-Year Learning Communities: Computer Science

A Computer Science First-Year Learning Community (FLC, pronounced "flick") will provide you with the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with Computer Science instructors, upper-year students, alumni and other first-year students. You will also get the chance to meet with start-up entrepreneurs in the information technology industry and learn strategies to find internships.

Apply to the Computer Science FLC

FLC applications are currently closed for the 2024-25 academic year. You can join a waitlist for the program by completing the following application form. Please note: You will only be contacted if a spot becomes available.

Join the waitlist

Eligibility

  • First-year students in the Faculty of Arts & Science who have been admitted to the Computer Science admission category
  • Students living off campus are encouraged to apply to a Computer Science FLC

FLC Course Overview

By joining a FLC, you will have the opportunity to connect with a small group of students in regular FLC sessions and core first-year courses. Students in a Computer Science FLC will meet at a welcome session during the first week of classes and then every week starting September 9, 2024.

You can choose one of two Computer Science FLC sections, depending on which time works best with the other courses you plan to enrol in:

  • Section 1: Tuesdays, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., or
  • Section 2: Thursdays, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

In addition to your FLC sessions, you will be automatically enrolled in the following three core courses (and accompanying tutorials) with other students in your FLC. These courses include:

  • CSC110Y1-F: Foundations of Computer Science
  • CSC111H1-S: Foundations of Computer Science II
  • MAT137Y1-Y: Calculus with Proofs

If you choose to take MAT157Y1 instead of MAT137Y1, it will be your responsibility to enrol yourself in MAT157Y1. Please consult with your College Registrar's Office if you have questions about the two courses, and contact flc@utoronto.ca for all other inquiries.

During course enrolment, you will have the option to choose additional courses to complete your first-year course schedule. The courses you are pre-enrolled in with your FLC are the core courses that all your FLC peers will be enrolled in. However, if you have a conflict between these core courses and any new courses that you will be adding to your schedule, you have the option to change your course section. Visit the New Student Guide for more information about course selection and enrolment.

Computer Science FLC Section 1

Course Name Course Code Section Day of Week Time
Computer Science FLC CSC099Y1-Y Lecture 0101 Tuesday 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Foundations of Computer Science CSC110Y1-F Lecture 0201 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday

Monday: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Tutorial 0201 Friday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Calculus with Proofs MAT137Y1-Y Lecture 0202 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tutorial 0602 Wednesday 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Course Name Course Code Section Day of Week Time
Computer Science FLC CSC099Y1-Y Lecture 0101 Tuesday 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Calculus with Proofs MAT137Y1-Y Lecture 0202 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tutorial 0602 Wednesday 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Foundations of Computer Science II CSC111H1-S Lecture 0101 Tuesday, Thursday Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tutorial 0401 Friday 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Computer Science FLC Section 2

Course Name Course Code Section Day of Week Time
Computer Science FLC CSC099Y1-Y Lecture 0201 Thursday 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Foundations of Computer Science CSC110Y1-F Lecture 0201 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Monday: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday: 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Tutorial 0202 Friday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Calculus with Proofs MAT137Y1-Y Lecture 0202 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tutorial 0601 Wednesday 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Course Name Course Code Section Day of Week Time
Computer Science FLC CSC099Y1-Y Lecture 0201 Thursday 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Foundations of Computer Science II CSC111H1-S Lecture 0101 Tuesday, Thursday Tuesday: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Thursday: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tutorial 0402 Friday 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Calculus with Proofs MAT137Y1-Y Lecture 0202 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Tutorial 0601 Wednesday 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Your FLC Team

Vennise Ho

Program(s): Computer science specialist, psychology minor

Year: Two

College: University College

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario

What activities have you been involved in on campus? Project: Universal Minds (PUM) Tutoring

Why peer mentorship? University is an incredibly big change and I want to help make that transition easier through peer mentorship. I was a part of a FLC last year and having enthusiastic peer mentors who genuinely cared helped with my own transition to university. I want to bring to you what I've gained from my first-year experiences and hopefully make your life a little easier.

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I want to join clubs and participate in more extracurriculars this year! I'm also really excited about learning more about computer science to build up my foundational knowledge in the hopes of eventually doing research.

What advice would you give to first-year students? Not everything has to be go-go-go all the time. If you need to take a minute to just slow everything down, take a minute. It's not a race and you're not behind. You are exactly where you should be. Also, remember to take care of yourself (your body and your mind). You got this!

Raed Kabir

Program(s): Fundamental genetics and its applications major, psychology minor, computer science minor

Year: Four

College: St. Michael's College

Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh

What activities have you been involved in on campus? I have been involved with the Psychology Students' Association, Computer Science Students Association and various life science-based student associations, such as the Molecular Genetics and Microbiology Student Union and the Fundamental Genetics and Its Applications Students’ Association. I have also taken part in intramurals for St. Michael's College in soccer and badminton and have volunteered for the college in various capacities. I am also involved with the chess club at Hart House and play as a guitarist in a band with a few other U of T students.

Why peer mentorship? Having felt a bit lost during my first year, I see real value in peer mentorship. It's about easing the way for incoming students as they settle into a new chapter and being there for someone who may be in the same position you once were. I hope to provide the kind of support I wish I had sought out myself, and to help smooth the path to university and create a welcoming environment for these students.

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m really looking forward to getting the chance to be involved in the U of T community again. The highlight of every single year of my undergrad so far has been meeting new and brilliant people from all over the world and I'm optimistic that this year will be no exception.

What advice would you give to first-year students? Get involved. To make the most out of your first year, join clubs, groups and activities that interest you even the slightest bit. University is full of unique opportunities that you might not find again, so take advantage of that. Meeting new people and trying new things is not only about growth, but can also be really enjoyable! Looking back, you'll be glad for the experiences you’ve embraced, so don't hesitate to try new things and step out of your comfort zone.

Sataphon Obra

Program(s): Computer science

Year: Two

College: St. Michael's College

Hometown: Thailand

What activities have you been involved in on campus? U of T Blueprint Junior Developer

Why peer mentorship? Through peer mentorship, I aim to deepen my knowledge of the various career paths of a computer science student – U of T has so many specializations, majors and focuses. I hope to also improve my mentorship skills. In the previous summer, I found my experience as a SAT tutor with Khan Academy's Schoolhouse World to be incredibly fulfilling. The joy from the impact of guiding others was incredible and I aspire to amplify this impact within the FLC program, evolving into a better mentor.

What are you looking forward to this academic year? Learning more about computer science theories that I will hopefully find engaging and useful after I complete my internship this summer.

What advice would you give to first-year students? Ask for help and get support for first year. A lot of first years can be hesitant to seek help – I was like that at first, but my FLC mentor encouraged me to start going to the Math Learning Centre (MLC). My own experience with the MLC transformed it from a study aid to a hub of friendship. After all, the friends along the way are the real treasure. More importantly, (some might not realize) FLC narrows our schedule so it is very likely that we share a lot of classes/lectures with our FLC-mates — friendly faces do go a long way.

Sarah Wang

Program(s): Computer science specialist, cognitive science major

Year: Three

College: Victoria College

Hometown: Vancouver, British Columbia

What activities have you been involved in on campus? Campus tour guide, U of T Blueprint, Students Developing Software team member, Caffiends barista!

Why peer mentorship? I love being a peer mentor because not only do I get to support so many awesome students, but I also get to reflect on my own experiences and grow alongside my mentees.

What are you looking forward to this academic year? Learning more about the world of computer science, spending quality time with friends and (hopefully) going to the athletic facilities more often.

What advice would you give to first-year students? Have fun and enjoy the ride! Believe in yourself and your capacity to learn, grow and improve.