First-Year Learning Communities: Economics

The Economics First-Year Learning Community (FLC, pronounced "flick") will provide you with the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with Economics instructors, upper-year students, alumni and other first-year students. It will also support your transition to U of T and help you learn different skills to succeed in your academic journey.

Apply to the Economics 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 Social Sciences admission category or the Physical and Mathematical Sciences admission category on the St. George campus
  • Students living off campus are encouraged to apply to the Economics 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 the Economics FLC will meet at a welcome session during the first week of classes and then every week starting September 13, 2024.

In addition to your FLC sessions, you will be automatically enrolled into two of the same first-year courses (and accompanying tutorials) as the other students in your FLC. These courses include:

  • ECO101H1-F: Principles of Microeconomics
  • ECO102H1-S: Principles of Macroeconomics

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.

Course Name Course Code Section Day of Week Time
Economics FLC ECO099Y1Y Lecture 0101 Friday 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Principles of Microeconomics ECO101H1-F Lecture 0101 Tuesday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tutorial 1202 Thursday 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Course Name Course Code Section Day of Week Time
Economics FLC ECO099Y1Y Lecture 0101 Friday 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Principles of Macroeconomics ECO102H1-S Lecture 0101 Monday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Tutorial 0201 Tuesday 2 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Your FLC Team

Headshot of FLC Faculty Advisor Karen Ugarte

Department: Economics

Title: Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream

About me: I teach courses in my two favourite fields of economics: econometrics (ECO220Y) and health economics (ECO369). Other research interests of mine include topics in labour economics, economic development and program/policy evaluation.

Why FLCs? To be an enthusiastic and approachable resource for students and help them get the most out of their university education.

Top tip for incoming students: Don't be afraid to ask for help. The transition from high school to university is a challenging one and there are many resources available to help students navigate this transition. Ask for help and use the resources that will help you succeed.

Headshot of FLC Staff Advisor Sally Wong

Department: Economics

Title: Undergraduate administrator

About me: One of my main responsibilities is to guide, advise and support undergraduate students through their journey in an economics course or program. My academic background has varied between geography, human resources and education. When I was younger, I couldn’t decide what I liked, so I took a bit of everything that interested me. As for hobbies, I enjoy cooking (but I might enjoy eating a bit more!)

Why FLCs? I decided to serve as a staff advisor because I can advise and support our first-year students. Additionally, I provide guidance to student mentors who, in turn, influence, shape and enhance the overall student experience.

Top tip for incoming students: I would encourage first-year students to seek help when needed. Students should reach out to academic advisors, professors, teaching assistants or your College Registrar’s Office for clarification or support when needed.

Sukh Thukral

Program(s): Rotman Commerce finance and economics specialist with a focus in data science, economics minor

Year: Three

College: Trinity College

Hometown: Markham, Ontario

What activities have you been involved in on campus? U of T Bhangra, Trinity College tour guide, mental health & academic peer advisor

Why peer mentorship? I am interested in being a peer mentor because of my passion for both learning and teaching! First-year students go through a major transition period in their life. I want to be there to help you in your wonderful journey through university.

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm really excited to meet you all! In addition to that, I'll be taking some interesting courses that I'm really eager about. If you ever want a recommendation, feel free to reach out!

What advice would you give to first-year students? It all works out in the end. Even though it may not seem that way, you will one day look back and realize that it all worked out.

Lisara Wickramatunga

Program(s): Economics major, psychology major

Year: Three

College: New College

Hometown: Ajax, Ontario

What activities have you been involved in on campus? Executive social media coordinator and finance coordinator for U of T’s Formula For Our Future, peer leader for New College’s orientation and U of T UNICEF general volunteer.

Why peer mentorship? First year is a big deal! As a peer mentor, I hope to make your transition into university feel less daunting. My goal is to create a welcoming community where you can build relationships, get advice and have fun. I look forward to helping you navigate the challenges of first year so you can kickstart your journey through university!

What are you looking forward to this academic year? I look forward to meeting new people, taking interesting courses and learning new things!

What advice would you give to first-year students? You don’t have to have everything figured out already. Take your time, ask questions, try new things and find out what you’re passionate about. But most importantly, have fun and enjoy what first year has to offer!