In a Life Sciences First-Year Learning Community (FLC, pronounced "flick"), you will be part of a small community of first-year students and will learn about research and writing norms in the sciences, understand strategies to navigate U of T Libraries, learn how to find research roles at U of T and discover volunteer positions with local hospitals as well as the many program options available to a student in the life sciences. There are different Life Science FLC sections hosted by each college, plus a general FLC hosted by the Office of the Faculty Registrar.
Apply to a Life Sciences FLC
FLC applications for the 2025-26 academic year are now closed. Please email us at FLC@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.
Eligibility
- First-year students in the Faculty of Arts & Science who have been admitted to the Life Sciences admission category on the St. George campus
- Students are eligible to apply to the FLC hosted by their college or the FLC hosted by the Faculty of Arts & Science
- Students living off campus are encouraged to apply to a Life Sciences 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 Life Sciences FLC will meet at a welcome session during the second week of classes and then every week starting September 15, 2025.
In addition to your FLC sessions, you will be automatically enrolled in six of the same first-year courses (and accompanying tutorials) as the other students in your FLC. These courses include:
- BIO120H1-F: Adaptation and Biodiversity
- BIO130H1-S: Molecular and Cell Biology
- MAT135H1-F: Calculus I A
- MAT136H1-S: Calculus I B
- CHM135H1-F: Chemistry: Physical Principles
- CHM136H1-S: Introductory Organic Chemistry I
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.
Life Sciences FLC Sections
Your Fall Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (Arts & Science) | FLC099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 1:30-3 p.m. |
Adaptation and Biodiversity | BIO120H1-F | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Wednesday | 10-11 a.m. |
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | ||
Chemistry: Physical Principles | CHM135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0301 | Tuesday | 3-4 p.m. | ||
Practical 0302 | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I A | MAT135H1-F | Lecture 0201 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0701/0702 | Friday | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your Winter Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (Arts & Science) | FLC099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Molecular and Cell Biology | BIO130H1-S | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Thursday |
Mon.: 10-11 a.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Practical 0402* | Wednesday | 1-4 p.m. | ||
Introductory Organic Chemistry I | CHM136H1-S | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0302 | Tuesday | 3-4 p.m. | ||
Practical 0301* | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I B | MAT136H1-S | Lecture 0601 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 1-3 p.m. Thurs.: 1-2 p.m. |
Tutorial 0604/0605 | Friday | 2-3 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your FLC Team

Paul Deacon, Staff Advisor
Pronouns: he/him/his
Title: Student Services Advisor
About me: I hold a Bachelor of Education and Master of Education from U of T. I’ve worked in Athletics, at New College and now as a Student Services Advisor, helping students transition to university. I enjoy comedy, live music and golf!
Why FLCs? Starting university is a big transition — academically, socially and personally. It’s exciting but can be stressful. I'm happy to support students through their first year and help them feel confident and grounded in their new environment.
Top tip for incoming students: Build a schedule that includes everything — classes, deadlines, social events, personal time and more. Keeping it all in one place helps you stay balanced and on track.

Stella Luke, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Stella
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Biochemistry and Human Biology major, Psychology minor
Year: Fourth
College: University College
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? Biochemistry Undergraduate Student Society (Director of Operations/Director of Social Events), Human Biology Students' Union (Peer mentor/HeadStart mentor), UC orientation leader, UC e-mentor, The Varsity copyeditor
Why peer mentorship? I understand how difficult it can be to navigate the change from high school to university life and how important it is to build a supportive community. I also love sharing my own stories and advice to help others. Sharing experiences can show you that you are not alone in how you feel about starting university. You can also learn so much from others’ anecdotes and experiences.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm excited to be a FLC peer mentor again this year and to meet new people! I am also looking forward to supporting incoming students by providing advice and resources to help them navigate their first year of university, while guiding each student to find their own path to success because it is different for everyone.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Be open to trying new things, whether it’s joining new extracurriculars, running in student society elections or applying for academic opportunities and jobs. Whether you get these positions or not, it’s always a good learning experience!

Radia Salam, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Radia
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Double major Global Health and Statistics
Year: Second
College: Victoria College
Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
What activities have you been involved in on campus? My roles include: FLC peer mentor Victoria College, international mentor for Victoria College Orientation 2024, senior transition mentor and e-mentor for Victoria College Orientation 2025, , Conference Competitions Director for Women in Science and Engineering (WISE), external relations associate for Global Research and Consulting (GRC), events director forVictoria College International Students Association and first-year rep for the VUSAC Academic Commission.
Why peer mentorship? Having worked in multiple student-facing roles in my university journey so far, I appreciate the importance of good mentorship. Mentorship is a reciprocal and dynamic relationship built on trust, guidance and mutual growth. Peer mentorship gives me the chance to support first-year students through one of the biggest transitions in their lives. Having been in their shoes not long ago, I know how important it is to feel seen, supported and connected. I love building a welcoming space where students can grow academically, find community and gain confidence in themselves and their journey.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? Returning as a FLC peer mentor, I’m really looking forward to getting to know my new FLCees! I'm excited to watch them grow more confident and create meaningful, engaging sessions that spark both learning and fun. I’m also excited to continue learning from them and grow as a mentor myself.
What advice would you give to first-year students? One piece of advice I’d give to first-year students is: don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s academic, personal or anything in between, there are so many people and resources here to support you — you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Reaching out is a strength, not a weakness!
Your Fall Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (Innis) | INI099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 2:00-3:30 p.m. |
Adaptation and Biodiversity | BIO120H1-F | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Wednesday | 10-11 a.m. |
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | ||
Chemistry: Physical Principles | CHM135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Practical 0302 | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Tutorial 1402 | Friday | 2-3 p.m. | ||
Calculus I A | MAT135H1-F | Lecture 0201 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thurs.: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0703/0704 | Friday | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your Winter Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (Innis) | INI099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 2:00-3:30 p.m. |
Molecular and Cell Biology | BIO130H1-S | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Thursday |
Mon.: 10-11 a.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Practical 0402* | Wednesday | 1-4 p.m. | ||
Introductory Organic Chemistry I | CHM136H1-S | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Practical 0301 | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Tutorial 1101 | Thursday | 4-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I B | MAT136H1-S | Lecture 0601 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 1-3 p.m. Thurs.: 1-2 p.m. |
Tutorial 0606/0607 | Friday | 2-3 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your FLC Team

Andy Dicks, Faculty Advisor
Pronouns: he/him/his
Title: Professor, Teaching Stream & Chemistry Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies
About me: I moved to U of T in 1997 from the United Kingdom after earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in Chemistry. On arrival I quickly discovered that I loved teaching, and I currently oversee the successful delivery of over 50 undergraduate chemistry courses each year. I'm very interested in designing new laboratory experiments for students and measuring their pedagogical effectiveness, especially in the areas of green chemistry and sustainability. Outside the university, I'm a huge sports fan (mainly football - the English version - and cricket), and also a semi-serious runner. My latest race was the May 2023 Toronto Marathon - I'm still suffering from it now! :)
Why FLCs? I love meeting with and talking to students at all academic levels, and part of that is helping to facilitate smaller communities within our larger Arts & Science undergraduate community. I designed a Course Community for CHM 151Y back in 2006, and I am also the faculty advisor for our Chemistry Second-Year Learning Community. I have been a faculty advisor to the Innis College First-Year Learning Community for 18 years, and am very invested in helping students to enjoy their university experience and to be as successful as possible (in as many different ways as possible!).
Top tip for incoming students: Make the most of the enormous amount of support available to you that is embedded within and related to your first-year courses. These include student hours offered by professors, online course discussion boards, Recognized Study Groups (RSGs) and Victoria College Peer Tutoring. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength (not weakness!) and an important component towards ensuring your academic success.

Denise Gray, Staff Advisor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Title: Associate Registrar, Recruitment & Transition
About me: I am an academic advisor who works primarily with first-year students from Innis College to support their academic transition from high school to university. This includes course enrolment, program planning, academic support, referrals to campus services and more! I have been working at U of T in this role since 2006 — clearly I enjoy it immensely! I hold a Bachelor of Arts from Rowan University with a teaching degree in special education from Rowan University in New Jersey, USA. I earned my Masters Degree in Higher Education Administration from Suffolk University in Boston, MA, USA. Away from the university, I love spending time with my family and friends, cooking, walking my dog and cheering for my favourite sports teams — mostly the Boston Red Sox. :)
Why FLCs? I enjoy working directly with first-year students. I appreciate the opportunity to get to know students away from the more serious academic advising role I typically inhabit. FLCs helps to expose students to the wealth of opportunities and resources available around the university and being a part of that learning is very gratifying!
Top tip for incoming students: My one piece of advice is to plan. Plan your day. Plan your schedule. Plan your activities. Plan your free time. If you become adept at making a schedule — and sticking to it — you will find you have room in your day/week/month/years for a variety of meaningful activities and events. This helps to minimize stress, maximize mental health, contribute to your well-roundedness, academic capacity and social well-being. Learning to plan is a lifelong skill!

Cherim Yang, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Cherim
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Immunology and Neuroscience majors, Chemistry minor
Year: Second
College: Innis College
Hometown: Courtice, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? I have been part of the Innis Residence Council as Environment Committee's co-chair! I've also taken part in the Women's Health Collective's mentorship program as well as their Journal Club, as well as the Human Biology Student Union Mentorship program.
Why peer mentorship? I want to help the incoming first years transition smoothly into university through sharing resources, information and personal tips that helped me through my first year. I also had an amazing time as a FLCee, and I aim to provide the new first years the same guidance and community that I experienced!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm really looking forward to learning more about topics I'm interested in. I'm also excited for all the new people I'll meet in my second year!
What advice would you give to first-year students? There's lots of ways to plan your time and you should absolutely take advantage of them. Google Calendar, Outlook, even just to-do lists. Personally, I use a calendar template on OneNote and make to-do lists for the week - assignments, due dates, scheduled meetups with friends. It's very important so you know what you need done by when!

Jana Malaeb, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Jana
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Physiology and Human Biology majors, Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations minor
Year: Second
College: Innis College
Hometown: Lebanon
What activities have you been involved in on campus? I was a mentor with the Human Biology Student Union Headstart program, a tutor for some of the core first-year courses, and a general member in the Women in Human Bio club and Lebanese student association. These were all great at connecting like-minded students! Also, as a commuter student, I try to attend any workshops, focus groups or special events dedicated to commuters and hope to contribute as a commuter representative someday.
Why peer mentorship? The transition between high school and the first year of university is a big jump, but there are many resources to help smooth things out. The FLC mentorship helped me through the transition and was one of my first year highlights; meeting friends, finding academic and personal resources, and learning about the many opportunities out there for life science students was a big help! I want to provide incoming firstyears with the tools they need to be successful at U of T, just as my peer mentors did.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I am looking forward to taking more specified courses for my programs, finding more opportunities to grow in the life sciences field and meeting all the incoming FLC students!
What advice would you give to first-year students? Don’t let indecision get to you!! There are so many options for programs and careers out there, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed and confused about which is the right fit for you. Take your time, do your research and know that it is completely ok to change your mind along the way!
Your Fall Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (New College) | NEW099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Adaptation and Biodiversity | BIO120H1-F | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Wednesday | 10-11 a.m. |
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 1:30-4:30 p.m | ||
Chemistry: Physical Principles | CHM135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Tutorial 1401 | Friday | 2-3 p.m. | ||
Calculus I A | MAT135H1-F | Lecture 0201 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 11 – 1 p.m. Thurs.: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 5201/5202 | Thursday | 6-7 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your Winter Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (New College) | NEW099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Molecular and Cell Biology | BIO130H1-S | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Thursday |
Mon.: 10-11 a.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Practical 0402* | Wednesday | 1-4 p.m. | ||
Introductory Organic Chemistry I | CHM136H1-S | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0402 | Tuesday | 4-5 p.m. | ||
Practical 0301* | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I B | MAT136H1-S | Lecture 0601 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 1-3 p.m. Thurs.: 1-2 p.m. |
Tutorial 0509/0510 | Friday | 1-2 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your FLC Team

Stefania Mavromatis, Staff Advisor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Title: Academic Advisor
About me: I was also an A&S student and graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts (English Specialist) and a Masters in Education. I always wanted to teach in some capacity and use many of those skills in my everyday practice as an Academic Advisor. I have been an Academic Advisor at New College since 2020 and my portfolio centres around the first-year experience. Although I advise students in all four years of study across many programs of study, my advising experience is tailored towards helping first-year students navigate their academic experience. I have met many students along the way, and enjoy learning from their experiences and helping them reach their goals. Each year and each cohort of students brings new and exciting opportunities to learn, grow and challenge myself to find better ways to connect with our first-year students!
Why FLCs? FLCs are an incredible way for students with similar admission streams, programs or years of study to connect, build friendships and learn from each other in a small class environment. Being part of the FLC community as a Staff Advisor gives me the opportunity to further engage with our first-year community and be part of the network of success for our students! As a FLC Staff Advisor, I hope to help first-year students feel less alone, ease their transition to university and show them that community can be found all over campus.
Top tip for incoming students: Don’t forget to look up! It was something a friend reminded me of while waiting to go into our first exam. When you are in your first year, even the smallest setbacks, like a bad grade on a test, not doing well on a term paper or missing a multiple choice question, can feel big. When we focus negatively on the things that we feel we are “not good at” or “failed at,” we miss the chance for greater learning opportunities. “Looking up” reminds us to stay grounded in the present and that we are exactly where we need to be right now!

Ryan Nhan, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Ryan
Pronouns: he/him/his
Program(s): Biological Physics Specialist
Year: Third
College: New College
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? Science Communication Club, The Mindful Project
Why peer mentorship? As an upper-year student, I think its really important to share our experiences with first-year students, and to be a resource for them to use! Being a peer mentor would be a really great opportunity to do this, as well as creating a really cool community for new students at the school!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m looking forward to learning and experiencing new things in the coming school year. I'm also looking forward to taking some language courses!
What advice would you give to first-year students? One piece of advice that I would give to first-year students is to find a balance between studying and free time that works for them. Definitely do not overwork yourselves, and find things in your life that help you destress and relax.

Simran Taluja, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Simran
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Life Sciences
Year: Second
College: New College
Hometown: India
Why peer mentorship? I wanted to help incoming students with transitioning to university and help them face similar challenges which I faced when I first came.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? The FLC peer mentor position and new clubs.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Research before coming to U of T and utilize all resources without feeling embarrassed.
Your Fall Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (New College) | NEW099Y1-Y | Lecture 0201 | Thursday | 3:00-4:30 p.m. |
Adaptation and Biodiversity | BIO120H1-F | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Wednesday | 10-11 a.m. |
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | ||
Chemistry: Physical Principles | CHM135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0302 | Tuesday | 3-4 p.m. | ||
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I A | MAT135H1-F | Lecture 0201 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thurs.: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0901/0902 | Friday | 1-2 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your Winter Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (New College) | NEW099Y1-Y | Lecture 0201 | Thursday | 3:00-4:30 p.m. |
Molecular and Cell Biology | BIO130H1-S | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Thursday |
Mon.: 10-11 a.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Practical 0401* | Wednesday | 1-4 p.m. | ||
Introductory Organic Chemistry I | CHM136H1-S | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0402 | Tuesday | 4-5 p.m. | ||
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I B | MAT136H1-S | Lecture 0601 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 1-3 p.m. Thurs.: 1-2 p.m. |
Tutorial 0507/0508 | Friday | 1-2 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your FLC Team

Therese Perucho, Staff Advisor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Title: Student Life Coordinator, Orientation and Transition
About me: At New College, I work primarily with first-year undergraduate students to help them better integrate and build community at the university. Aside from my work at U of T, I teach piano and English on the side. Some of my hobbies include reading, doing Pilates and learning new languages. I also love discovering new cafés and spending time with my 2 cats.
Why FLCs? I’m very passionate about my work, especially about working with FLCs, since I also completed my undergrad at U of T and had a rough time in my first year. I want to be a friendly face and a supportive figure for students who may be struggling, feeling out of place, or just in need of someone who understands what they are going through.
Top tip for incoming students: Try to find your community at U of T! While focusing on academics in university is essential, it’s just as important to meet new people, make friends and discover the world around you. You can do this by joining clubs on campus, attending student events or chatting with other students in your program.

Sean Lee, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Sean
Pronouns: he/him/his
Program(s): Biochemistry and Statistics majors, Mathematics minor
Year: Second
College: New College
Hometown: Hong Kong
Why peer mentorship? I attended an FLC in my first year and I found it really helpful in navigating obstacles I was unsure with such as developing application materials, discovering research opportunities and more. I'd like to be able to have that same impact this year in my role as a peer mentor.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m really looking forward to diving deeper into my major courses, especially statistics. Outside of academics, I'm excited about trying out new hobbies and improving my tennis and badminton.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Enjoy first year with no regrets! Getting involved in the numerous opportunities U of T provides while keeping a solid work-life balance is really important; studying is only a fraction of the university experience.

Keren Idel, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Keren
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Life Sciences (I applied to neuroscience and chemistry double major)
Year: Second
College: New College
Hometown: Vaughan, Ontario
Why peer mentorship? I enjoy being someone others can count on — especially first‑year students fresh to university life. I’m excited to share practical tips, pass along advice from my own experience and keep our space friendly and welcoming. A strong support network can make the step to university feel a lot less daunting, so my goal is to help incoming first years school year settle in and feel more connected and included.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m looking forward to helping first‑year students settle into university life through the FLC, and making the transition smoother and very fun. Additionally, I am excited about building a strong sense of community among my peers throughout the academic year.
What advice would you give to first-year students? My advice to first-year students is to not be afraid to get involved and make friends early. Don't hesitate to ask questions and make time to get to know your peers and professors — you’ll find your community and feel more confident as you go through the year.
Your Fall Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (SMC) | SMC099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Adaptation and Biodiversity | BIO120H1-F | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Wednesday | 10-11 a.m. |
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | ||
Chemistry: Physical Principles | CHM135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0201 | Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | ||
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I A | MAT135H1-F | Lecture 0201 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0601/0602 | Friday | 10-11 a.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your Winter Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (SMC) | SMC099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Molecular and Cell Biology | BIO130H1-S | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Thursday |
Mon.: 10-11 a.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Practical 0401* | Wednesday | 1-4 p.m. | ||
Introductory Organic Chemistry I | CHM136H1-S | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0302 | Tuesday | 3-4 p.m. | ||
Practical 0302 | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I B | MAT136H1-S | Lecture 0501 | Tuesday, Wednesday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wed.: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0503/0504 | Friday | 1-2 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your FLC Team

Riddi Saini, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Riddi Saini
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Pharmacology and Immunology Major
Year: Second
College: St. Michael's College
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Why peer mentorship? Because starting something new — like your first year at U of T — can feel overwhelming. I remember how helpful it was to have someone who understood, who had just been through the same experience and could say “yeah, that’s normal” or “here’s what helped me.” I chose to be a peer mentor because I want to be that person for someone else. Not with all the answers, but with honest advice, support and maybe a few shortcuts that make things easier. University is a lot, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m looking forward to meeting new people and being part of a community that supports each other. There’s something energizing about starting fresh each year — with new classes, new goals and new connections. I’m especially excited to be a peer mentor and help first-year students settle in, find their rhythm and feel a sense of belong here. It’s cool to be part of someone’s early university story in a positive way.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Don’t be afraid to ask for help — early and often. Whether it’s a class, a social situation or just figuring out how things work, no one expects you to know everything right away. Most people are happy to help — you just have to speak up. You don’t have to do university perfectly. Just keep showing up, learning and leaning on the people around you.
Your Fall Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (SMC) | SMC099Y1-Y | Lecture 0201 | Thursday | 1:00-2:30 p.m. |
Adaptation and Biodiversity | BIO120H1-F | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Wednesday | 10-11 a.m. |
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | ||
Chemistry: Physical Principles | CHM135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0202 | Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | ||
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I A | MAT135H1-F | Lecture 0201 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thurs.: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0603/0604 | Friday | 10-11 a.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your Winter Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (SMC) | SMC099Y1-Y | Lecture 0201 | Thursday | 1:00-2:30 p.m. |
Molecular and Cell Biology | BIO130H1-S | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Thursday |
Mon.: 10-11 a.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Practical 0401* | Wednesday | 1-4 p.m. | ||
Introductory Organic Chemistry I | CHM136H1-S | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0302 | Tuesday | 3-4 p.m. | ||
Practical 0302* | Wednesday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I B | MAT136H1-S | Lecture 0501 | Tuesday, Wednesday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wed.: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0505/0506 | Friday | 1-2 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your FLC Team

Kylie Luska, Faculty Advisor
Pronouns: he/him/his
Title: Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream
About me: I joined the Department of Chemistry at the University of Toronto in January 2024 as an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream and have been teaching introductory (CHM136H) and advanced (CHM343H, CHM441H) organic chemistry courses. Before this appointment, I was an instructional assistant and sessional lecturer at McMaster University. I hold degrees from the University of Guelph (BSc and MSc) and McGill University (PhD). I was also a postdoctoral fellow and sub-group leader at RWTH Aachen University in Germany. In my teaching, I focus on improving the problem-solving and critical thinking skills of my students through more student-centred activities for both the organic chemistry classroom and laboratory. I am also interested in incorporating the practices of green and sustainable chemistry into the undergraduate chemistry curriculum.
Why FLCs? I think that FLCs provide students with an opportunity to learn essential information about their university community at an early stage in their education. This is something that usually happens organically (pun intended) throughout a student’s undergraduate degree, but FLCs allow students to gain this knowledge early on and thus maximize their experience on campus. I appreciate the chance to help students along their educational journey on all aspects within their university lives.
Top tip for incoming students: Be sure to use the resources provided by the university, your college, your department (after first-year) and your courses throughout your undergraduate degree! In particular, the instructional teams of your first-year courses are here to support your transition from high school to university and help you grow as a student. Attend your lectures and tutorials. Join student hour sessions to have your questions answered by instructors. Post and answer questions on discussion boards. Use homework resources provided within your courses. Remember that knowledge takes time to synthesize (another intended pun) so be sure to work consistently throughout the term.

Shaden Mehdi, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Shaden
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology Specialist, Global Health Major
Year: Third
College: St. Michael's College
Hometown: Beirut, Lebanon
What activities have you been involved in on campus? Student Association for Geriatric Empowerment (SAGE), MEDLIFE student chapter, Arab Students Association and some research opportunities.
Why peer mentorship? I struggled with finding resources in my first year, but my FLC mentors were always there to help guide me and I found numerous opportunities because of my FLC! I want to do the same for others because sometimes, all you need is a push in the right direction to change the way you perceive and live out your university life! U of T can be fun if you make it fun and that's a message I want to send through mentorship.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? My new research opportunity and my program courses, which sound more specific and interesting.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Explore different courses, keep your options open and make the first move — whether it be reaching out to a person you just met and want to befriend or a professor whose research interests you.

Zoyeb Ehsan, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Zoyeb
Program(s): Neuroscience major, Psychology and Slavic & East European Languages and Cultures (Russian) minors
Year: Fourth
College: St. Michael's College
Hometown: Etobicoke, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? Muslim Students' Association, Science Rendezvous, Judo and Grappling Clubs, StarLab and Plaks' Lab, HMB265 Peer Tutoring program, Russian Tea group, Love reading Russian literature (Dostoyevsky) and learning the language
Why peer mentorship? Mentorship has been a huge part of my success in university and to this day I still find myself learning a lot from others. So I want to help other students along their journeys and offer my insight where I can.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? Doing a research project as part of HMB496, continuing my study of the Russian language and engaging with a new translation workshop I helped come up with, working with the Muslim Students' Association and making meaningful connections.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Try to have a balance of planning out what you want to pursue and achieve in university while also keeping yourself open to new interests and passions. It's important to have a plan and concrete goals, but it's also good to take advantage of and explore the diverse opportunities offered by U of T.
Your Fall Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (Trinity) | TRN099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Adaptation and Biodiversity | BIO120H1-F | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Wednesday | 10-11 a.m. |
Practical 0401* | Thursday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | ||
Chemistry: Physical Principles | CHM135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0201 | Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | ||
Practical 0401* | Thursday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I A | MAT135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thurs.: 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0501/0502 | Friday | 9-10 a.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your Winter Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (Trinity) | TRN099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Molecular and Cell Biology | BIO130H1-S | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Thursday |
Mon.: 10-11 a.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Practical 0502* | Thursday | 1-4 p.m. | ||
Introductory Organic Chemistry I | CHM136H1-S | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0201 | Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | ||
Practical 0401* | Thursday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I B | MAT136H1-S | Lecture 0501 | Tuesday, Wednesday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wed.: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0201/0202 | Friday | 10-11 a.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your FLC Team

Cherryl-Lyn Holder-Olamuyiwa, Staff Advisor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Title: Academic Advisor, Career Exploration & Education
About me: I have been at Trinity College for three years where I provide academic and career advising as well as run Trinity's Alumni Career Mentorship Program.
Why FLCs? I love being able to be a guide for peer mentors in their role. I have been very lucky to have amazing students that work in the program.
Top tip for incoming students: Don't worry if you haven’t decided on your program in your first year. Just take the time to enjoy trying different courses and talk to an Academic Advisor if you feel overwhelmed with the decision.

Jayden Tang, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Jayden
Pronouns: he/him/his
Program(s): Animal Physiology and Health & Disease Majors
Year: Second
College: Trinity College
Hometown: Scarsdale, New York
What activities have you been involved in on campus? University of Toronto Students' Union (First-Year Council), The Seahorse Program, University of Toronto Student Research Initiative, Med4Youth, Youreka Undergraduate Research Lead, Motivation and Social Cognition Plaks Lab, Neurodegenerative Disorders Mah Lab, Behavioral Neuroscience Corbit Lab, Environmental Learning OISE, Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Veterinary Technologist), Trinity College (Tour Guide)
Why peer mentorship? U of T is a massive school, and while that means a great deal of opportunities, both academic and social, it can also be pretty overwhelming. Peer mentorship was an extremely important aspect of my first year, and whether it ranged from research opportunities to study hacks, the value in shared knowledge and experience is infinite. As a FLC Peer Mentor, I hope to help first years through an exciting time in their lives!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? In my second year, I'm hoping to explore my chosen majors and interests to a greater degree. I believe first year is all about finding your bearings and getting your feet wet with a variety of experience, and now that I'll be entering my second year, I hope to explore the nuances of my chosen fields. I'm also a person who loves to get involved, and I can't wait to see what opportunities and jobs I take on this year, including the role of FLC Peer Mentor!
What advice would you give to first-year students? If I had to give one piece of advice to first-year students, it would be to not forget that university is more than studying every second of every day. It's easy to get wrapped up in the constant stress of assignments and grades, especially in life science; however, making new friends, joining clubs, and exploring the city beyond campus is equally as important. First year is a turbulent time of emotion, stress and excitement, so be sure to remember that you are a human first and a student second!

Daniella Sbrocchi, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Daniella
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Cell & Molecular Biology major, French Language and English minors
Year: Fourth
College: Trinity College
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? In first year, I participated in the Human Biology Students' Union (HBSU) and U of T Mental Health Student Association mentorship programs as a mentee. Additionally, as a first-year student I participated in the Research and Health Science Education Shadowing Program offered by the Temerty Faculty of Medicine. In second year, I participated in the Cell and Systems Biology Student Union (CSBSU) mentorship program as a mentee.
Why peer mentorship? I remember what it was like to be a first-year student coming into U of T - the nerves and the excitement of it all. While this school is amazing and offers so many opportunities, it can also be overwhelming. Being part of a FLC helped me meet other people, learn about the opportunities and resources available to me as a first-year student and get my footing in my college community and U of T. This will be my third year as a Peer Mentor and I've loved helping first years acclimate to university life, find their interests and grow as students and people. I'm excited to continue with peer mentorship this year and meet the new members of the FLC!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm really excited to take more specialized cellular biology courses and participate in smaller lab groups. Additionally, I'm looking forward to taking higher level French courses, with a greater emphasis on generating fluidity in the language. Graduation is around the corner for me, so I will also be focusing on graduate school applications and finishing off my undergraduate studies strong! And, of course, I'm looking forward to continuing as a peer mentor for the life sciences FLC at Trinity College this year!
What advice would you give to first-year students? Don’t be afraid to try something new or difficult! U of T has many opportunities available to you and sometimes it can feel daunting to try something new or apply to a highly competitive program or research team. You get out of university what you put into it and some of the best opportunities lie in pushing yourself outside your comfort zone. You'll never know if you like something new if you don't try it.
Your Fall Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (University College) | UNI099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Adaptation and Biodiversity | BIO120H1-F | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Wednesday | 10-11 a.m. |
Practical 0401* | Thursday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | ||
Chemistry: Physical Principles | CHM135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0103 | Tuesday | 1-2 p.m. | ||
Practical 0401* | Thursday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I A | MAT135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thurs.: 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0503/0504 | Friday | 9-10 a.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your Winter Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (University College) | UNI099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Monday | 1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Molecular and Cell Biology | BIO130H1-S | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Thursday |
Mon.: 10-11 a.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Practical 0502* | Thursday | 1-4 p.m. | ||
Introductory Organic Chemistry I | CHM136H1-S | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0203 | Tuesday | 2-3 p.m. | ||
Practical 0401 | Thursday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I B | MAT136H1-S | Lecture 0501 | Tuesday, Wednesday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wed.: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0207/0208 | Friday | 10-11 a.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your FLC Team

Tala Al Khiyami, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Tala Al Khiyami
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Physiology and Human Biology majors
Year: Second
College: University College
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? I am currently the First-Year Representative for the Middle Eastern Students’ Association and the Academic Director of the Cancer Care Student Association.
Why peer mentorship? My experience in a FLC during my first year of university showed me how impactful mentorship can be in building confidence and creating a sense of belonging. I chose to become a peer mentor because I understand the value of support during a time of change, and I hope to offer others the same guidance. I’m excited to share what I’ve learned and make the transition into university a meaningful experience!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m looking forward to being a FLC peer mentor and getting to know incoming first-year students. It’s such a rewarding experience to build connections early on and help others navigate the transition to university. I’m also excited to begin my position as Academic Director for the Cancer Care Student Association, where I’ll be working on new academic initiatives and helping promote knowledge around cancer care.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Focus on finding a balance that works for you! First year is a great time to explore different strategies, try new routines and learn what helps you feel your best. Give yourself the chance to grow at your own pace and trust that you will figure out what works along the way.

Mansi Bhatia, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Mansi Bhatia
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Health & Disease and Physiology Majors
Year: Second
College: University College
Hometown: India
What activities have you been involved in on campus? Eating disorder awareness and support club (Student representative), Only Human Dance Collective (Treasurer), Saturday program (Co-director, tutor), Teddy Bear Clinic (Co-founder), TEDxUofT (Public Relations Manager), University College Orientation (Awarded “Most Spirited Leader”), Miracle Foundation (Co-founder), Medical Global Brigade (President), The Women’s Network (Lead ambassador), MedLysis (Founder), DATE Lab (Research volunteer), Science Rendezvous (Volunteer)
Why peer mentorship? Peer mentorship is one of the most meaningful ways to give back while continuing to grow. As someone who has personally benefited from the guidance of peers, I understand how reassuring it can be to have someone just a step ahead who truly gets what you’re going through. That’s why I’m passionate about being that person for others, not only to support them academically and socially, but to help them feel seen, heard and included. It’s also an incredible opportunity for mutual growth. I find that mentorship sharpens my communication skills, deepens my own understanding and builds empathy. Whether it’s answering questions, offering resources or just being a friendly presence, I want to help others navigate the same journey I once found overwhelming.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m really looking forward to deepening my involvement in the communities I care about — whether that be through leadership roles, research or mentorship. I’m excited to take on more responsibility, collaborate with like-minded peers and help create spaces that are welcoming, supportive and engaging. Academically, I’m looking forward to diving into more advanced courses that align with my interests and continuing to build connections between what I learn in class and what I experience through research or extracurriculars. It’s a year of growth and I’m ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
What advice would you give to first-year students? One piece of advice I’d give to first-year students is: don’t be afraid to ask for help academically, socially and/or emotionally. University can feel overwhelming at first and it’s easy to think you have to figure it all out on your own, but you don’t. There are so many people: upper-years, profs, TAs, mentors, who genuinely want to support you. Reaching out doesn’t make you any less capable; it shows strength and self-awareness. Also, take the time to explore. You don’t have to have everything figured out right away. Try new clubs, meet new people, take that random elective you’re curious about. You never know what might shape your path.
Your Fall Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (Victoria College) | VIC099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Tuesday | 1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Adaptation and Biodiversity | BIO120H1-F | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Wednesday | 10-11 a.m. |
Practical 0401* | Thursday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | ||
Chemistry: Physical Principles | CHM135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Practical 0401* | Thursday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Tutorial 0601 | Wednesday | 2-3 p.m. | ||
Calculus I A | MAT135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thurs.: 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 5203/5204 | Thursday | 6-7 p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your Winter Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (Victoria College) | VIC099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Tuesday |
1:30-3:00 p.m. |
Molecular and Cell Biology | BIO130H1-S | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Thursday |
Mon.: 10-11 a.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Practical 0502* | Thursday | 1-4 p.m. | ||
Introductory Organic Chemistry I | CHM136H1-S | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0503 | Wednesday | 2-3 p.m. | ||
Practical 0401* | Thursday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I B | MAT136H1-S | Lecture 0501 | Tuesday, Wednesday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wed.: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0209/0210 | Friday | 10-11 a.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your FLC Team

Paul Kaita, Staff Advisor
Pronouns: he/him
Title: Academic Advisor, Recruitment & Transition In
About me: I provide academic advising for our first-year student community to transition into life at Vic and lead our recruitment initiatives at Victoria College. I meet with students one-on-one to help navigate through university life that works towards their student success. I am a double U of T graduate, completing my HBA in architectural and visual studies and Master of Education. Outside of my work, I love to explore cafes around the city, watercolour paint and graphic design!
Why FLCs? What I love about FLCs is that it can create a close-knit environment where students can connect with peers, mentors, staff and faculty. I'm excited to be part of these meaningful moments of connection and conversation, helping students build new relationships and feel at home. My goal is to create a welcoming space where students feel safe to be their authentic selves as they explore who they are and begin this exciting new chapter of their university journey.
Top tip for incoming students: My advice to students is simple: don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are so many great resources available. It all starts with reaching out. Whether it’s your Registrar’s Office, a professor or a learning strategist. That one conversation can open new paths you may not even realize!

Malak Rizk, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Malak
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Life Sciences
Year: Second
College: Victoria College
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Why peer mentorship? Whether students are from Toronto or coming internationally, the start of university — though exciting — can also feel intimidating. I experienced this firsthand when I began at the University of Toronto. Luckily, being part of an FLC provided me with reassurance as I learned about key resources, got my questions answered and built friendships within my program. This year, I’m motivated to give back by contributing to that same environment of support and guidance. I’m genuinely passionate about connecting with others and enjoy helping people learn and grow. I hope to make a positive impact on the first-year experience and help new students feel welcomed, informed and confident as they begin this new chapter!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I’m truly looking forward to getting to know my mentees this year and creating a welcoming, fun and supportive community with them. Having just completed my first year, I’m excited for the chance to share what I’ve learned and hopefully bring some comfort and joy to the Victoria College Life Sciences FLC. On the academic side, I’m looking forward to exploring more specialized courses and diving into topics that genuinely interest me. Extracurricular-wise, I hope to continue playing volleyball for fun with my friends and meet new people along the way!
What advice would you give to first-year students? University courses often move at a much faster pace than high school, which can feel overwhelming at first. My advice is to manage your time efficiently by creating a weekly plan. Start by outlining your tasks and estimating how long each might take, then allocate time for them in your schedule. Having a tangible plan can sometimes be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and feeling in control. That being said, a plan is just a guide, not a strict schedule. Sometimes, there are extenuating circumstances which may throw you off schedule, and that is more than okay! Take a moment to reassess and adjust your plan. Most importantly, stay connected with those who care about you and do not hesitate to reach out if you need comfort or support.

Elleni Mandefro, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Elleni
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Neuroscience major, Physiology and Biology minors
Year: Second
College: St. Michael's College
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Why peer mentorship? To me, peer mentorship is about building a bridge between experience and support, and passing on the guidance I once received — now with added insight! Being able to relate to my mentees, since I've been in their shoes in more ways than one, means that I can offer knowledge and support they might not have thought of. It’s a chance to support students who are adjusting to U of T, and to show them that even though it may feel like they’re the only ones going through it, it’s much more common than they think!!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? This academic year, I'm looking forward to starting an independent research project (CSB498)! I'm also really excited to jump back into my club roles, join a few more, take more specialized upper-year courses, and of course, meet each and every one of you!
What advice would you give to first-year students? As cliché as it sounds, give yourself some grace. Your first year is one of the biggest leaps you’ll take during your time at U of T, and it’s a time when you’ll learn so much about yourself, both academically and personally!
Your Fall Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (Woodsworth) | WDW099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Tuesday | 2:30-4:00 p.m. |
Adaptation and Biodiversity | BIO120H1-F | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Wednesday | 10-11 a.m. |
Practical 0401* | Thursday | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | ||
Chemistry: Physical Principles | CHM135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0101 | Tuesday | 1-2 p.m. | ||
Practical 0401* | Thursday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I A | MAT135H1-F | Lecture 0301 | Tuesday, Thursday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Thurs.: 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 5205/5102 | Thursday |
5205: 6-7 p.m. 5102: 5-6p.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your Winter Courses
Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
---|---|---|---|---|
Life Sciences FLC (Woodsworth) | WDW099Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Tuesday | 2:30-4:00 p.m. |
Molecular and Cell Biology | BIO130H1-S | Lecture 0101 | Monday, Thursday |
Mon.: 10-11 a.m. Thurs.: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Practical 0501* | Thursday | 1-4 p.m. | ||
Introductory Organic Chemistry I | CHM136H1-S | Lecture 0301 | Monday, Wednesday, Friday | 12-1 p.m. |
Tutorial 0503 | Wednesday | 2-3 p.m. | ||
Practical 0402* | Thursday | 2-5 p.m. | ||
Calculus I B | MAT136H1-S | Lecture 0501 | Tuesday, Wednesday |
Tues.: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Wed.: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. |
Tutorial 0205/0206 | Friday | 10-11 a.m. |
*Your BIO and CHM labs occur on alternating weeks. This will not be a conflict in your schedule.
Your FLC Team

Meredith Koehler, Staff Advisor
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Title: Academic Advisor
About me: My role is to support students with formulating academic goals, selecting courses and understanding degree requirements. I also help students navigate their options when challenges arise that may impact a student’s academic performance. I did my undergrad in Psychology and Theatre, have my teaching degree and recently finished my Masters in Education. I'm passionate about helping student navigate the university, so that they have the resources and support to succeed!
Why FLCs? I think FLCs are an amazing way to form community at U of T. It's a great space to meet people and learn from each other. The peer mentors are excellent resources of knowledge!
Top tip for incoming students: Give yourself time to transition. Go easy on yourself as you learn the ways you like to learn. Also, never hesitate to reach out to your instructors, peer mentors or academic advisors if there is something you need. We love to help!

Tioluwatise Osunsanya, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Tise
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Human Biology major, Physiology and Immunology minors
Year: Second
College: Woodsworth College
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
What activities have you been involved in on campus? I am a member of the Nigerian Student Association (NSA), as well as the Black Student Association (BSA). I am also a member of the Black Doctors of Tomorrow (BDOT).
Why peer mentorship? My first-year experience went well because my peer mentors supported me along the way. The fact that I now get to be that person for an incoming student is truly special. I get to improve my leadership, communication and problem-solving skills, all while helping others grow into more resilient and self-assured learners.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? This academic year, I’m looking forward to diving into more specialized courses that align with my goals in healthcare and dentistry, while also making time to mentor first-year students. I’m ready for the highs and the lows, but mostly the highs, that the University of Toronto brings!
What advice would you give to first-year students? Take it one day at a time, and be kind to yourself along the way.

Veronika Kolarska, Peer Mentor
Preferred Name: Veronika
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): General Life Sciences (currently); Hoping to pursue a double major in Pharmacology and Neuroscience with a business certificate
Year: Second
College: Woodsworth College
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? As a Human Biology Students' Union (HBSU) HeadStart mentor, I mentored four high school students and helped them navigate university applications, scholarships, research programs and answered any questions they had. We met monthly on Google Meets. I also participated in FLC for Woodsworth life sciences as a general member, met with mentees weekly and built friendships! Lastly, I was a general member of U of T Global Brigades, HSBU and U of T Pre-Medical Student Association.
Why peer mentorship? The summer before first year, I was working and had the best supervisor in the world. She went out of her way to mentor me, giving me advice about university life and helping me transition into first year. That experience really stuck with me and now I want to be that same kind of mentor, friend and resource for incoming students.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I am looking forward to joining fun clubs and meeting new people. U of T is so large — the amount of people attending and opportunities. I can't wait to see what second year brings.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Don't stress about it too much as it will all work out in the end. There is so much more to school and work. So enjoy your life, pursue your passions and hobbies and live a balanced lifestyle!