The Psychology First-Year Learning Community (FLC, pronounced "flick") will provide you support to improve your first-year experience at U of T, help you learn different skills to succeed in your academic journey, and develop a community with other students, staff, and faculty members in the Department of Psychology.
Apply to the Psychology FLC
FLC applications are currently closed for the 2024-25 academic year.
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 living off campus are encouraged to apply to the Psychology 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 Psychology FLC will meet at a welcome session during the first week of classes and then every week starting in September 2025.
In addition to your FLC sessions, you will be automatically enrolled into the following first-year course (and accompanying tutorial) along with the other students in your FLC:
- PSY100H1-F: Introductory Psychology
During course enrolment, you will 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Psychology FLC |
PSY099Y1-Y |
Lecture 0101 |
TBD |
TBD |
|
Introductory Psychology |
PSY100H1-F |
Lecture 0101 |
TBD |
TBD |
|
Course Name |
Course Code |
Section |
Day of Week |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Psychology FLC |
PSY099Y1-Y |
Lecture 0101 |
TBD |
TBD |
Your FLC Team
Department: Psychology
Title: Associate Professor, Teaching Stream
About me: I have been a faculty member in the Department of Psychology since 2012, and I also completed my undergraduate degree at U of T (I was a part of the Psychology Research Specialist program). My PhD is in Social Psychology, and apart from teaching PSY100 (Intro Psych), I also regularly teach the Social Psychology Lab, Psychology Careers and Applications and a first-year seminar called The Psychology of Student Success.
Apart from my classroom teaching, I also have the pleasure of collaborating with undergraduate students on research projects, often on topics that lie at the intersection of social psychology and pedagogy. I am a mom of eight-year-old twins, so they keep my evenings and weekends pretty busy, but I always find time for reading and running.
Why FLCs? I teach thousands of first-year students every year but serving as the FLC advisor provides me with the opportunity to get to know the students outside of the classroom (and the opportunity for them to interact with me in a less formal setting!). I also love working with our Psychology Peer Mentors who are always such amazing upper-year students.
Top tip for incoming students: The transition from high school to university can present all sorts of challenges (academically, socially, emotionally), so remember to be compassionate with yourself. Not everything will go exactly as planned, and that is okay!
Department: Psychology
Title: Undergraduate Assistant
About me: I'm an academic advisor, with 18 years of experience in education, from academic administration at U of T and McGill University to teaching internationally. My own studies began with a BFA from OCAD University. I'm also a certified meditation and yoga instructor, with years of training in martial arts and a passion for scuba diving.
Why FLCs? It’s a natural fit for my current student support role at the Department of Psychology, on behalf of the undergraduate team.
Top tip for incoming students: Keep your mind and options open and take time to explore your interests and enjoy your studies; this time in your life provides a unique opportunity to do so.
Program(s): Psychology specialist
Year: Four
College: Victoria College
Hometown: Perth, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? Tabletop Gaming Club, Volunteer Notetaker, Psychology Mentorship Program and Research Assistance in the Plaks Lab.
Why peer mentorship? It gives me the chance to help new students.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm looking forward to getting more research experience both as a research assistant and in my own independent project.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Make sure you don't let school take up your whole life. Have hobbies, make friends, go out and enjoy the city. Life's a lot more fun when you aren't spending every waking hour studying.
Program(s): Neuroscience major, psychology major
Year: Three
College: Victoria College
Hometown: Tarsus, Mersin, Türkiye
What activities have you been involved in on campus? I’ve done research at the Psychology Lab and Baycrest Hospital, participated in intramural basketball and joined the U of T Mental Health Student Association and Healthy Minds. You can also find me at the Wellness and Athletic Centres on campus taking fitness, meditation, yoga classes and more.
Why peer mentorship? I find great value in providing first-year students with a strong support system they can rely on during challenging times, along with a welcoming environment where they can seek advice from peers who have navigated similar paths. I appreciate the opportunity to connect with students, listen to their experiences, offer assistance and help them establish meaningful connections. As a first-generation student at U of T, I experienced considerable adjustments myself. Participating in a FLC significantly facilitated my transition and I am eager to ensure others receive the same beneficial experience.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm super excited to meet this year's amazing first-year cohort! I look forward to sharing my knowledge with them and bonding over our shared interests in psychology.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Find your balance! University life is challenging, but achieving a balance between academics and social life can bring you peace and happiness. While it's important to focus on your studies, don't forget to also find time to make friends and connect with your professors during office hours. These relationships can enhance your university experience and provide support when you need it most.