The Social Sciences First-Year Learning Community (FLC, pronounced "flick") is for students interested in studying a program in the social sciences. Along with learning the fundamental FLC curriculum, the Social Sciences FLC will give you opportunities to tour local government and non-profit agencies to learn about the work being done there, think about different approaches to research and learn strategies to navigate U of T’s Libraries. You will also build meaningful relationships with professors, upper-year students and alumni from Social Sciences programs.
Apply to the Social Sciences FLC
- Application deadline: July 2, 2026 at 12 p.m. ET
- All successful applicants will be informed of their acceptance into the FLC program and receive further details by July 15, 2026
Eligibility
- First-year students in the Faculty of Arts & Science who have been admitted to the Social Sciences admission category on the St. George Campus
- Students living off campus are encouraged to apply to a Social Sciences FLCs
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 Social Sciences FLC will meet at a welcome session during the second week of classes.
In addition to your FLC sessions, you will select two of the following Social Sciences courses (or combination of courses) on your FLC application:
- ANT100Y1-Y: Introduction to Anthropology
- SOC100H1-F: Introduction to Sociology AND SOC150H1-S: Sociological Inquiries
- WGS160Y1-Y: Introduction to Women & Gender Studies
- POL106H1-F: Contemporary Challenges to Democracy: Democracy in the Social Media Age AND GGR124H1-S: Cities and Urban Life
If accepted, you will be automatically enrolled in the courses (and any accompanying tutorials) you selected along with other students in your FLC who selected the same courses.
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 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.
For the Winter term, FLC participants will be pre-enrolled in the Social Sciences FLC (FLC099Y1-1) plus two additional courses from the list below, which you will select on your FLC application form:
| Course Name | Course Code | Section | Day of Week | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences FLC | FLC099Y1-Y | Lecture 0201/0301 | Monday | 3–5 p.m. |
| Choose two of the following: | ||||
| Introduction to Anthropology | ANT100Y1-Y | Lecture 0101 | Thursday | 3–5 p.m. |
| Tutorial 1401/1402/1501/1502 | Thursday |
1401/1402: 10–11 a.m. 1501/1502: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. |
||
| Sociological Inquiries | SOC150H1-S (to be taken with SOC100H1-F) | Lecture 0101 | Wednesday | 12-2 p.m. |
| Tutorial 0901/0801 | Tuesday |
0901: 2–3 p.m. 0801: 1–2 p.m. |
||
| Introduction to Women and Gender Studies | WGS160Y1-Y | Lecture 5101 | Wednesday | 6–8 p.m. |
| Tutorial 0101/0102/0103/0104/0105/0106 | Friday | 10–11 a.m. | ||
| Cities and Urban Life | GGR124H1-S (to be taken with POL106H1-F) | Lecture 0101 | Wednesday | 3–5 p.m. |
| Tutorial 0201/0202/5301/5302 |
Thursday |
0201/0202: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. 5301/5302: 5 p.m.–6 p.m. |
||
Your FLC Team
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Title: Student Success Coordinator
About me: As a part of the Student Success Programs team, I collaborate with amazing colleagues (including up to 100 student staff) and work behind the scenes to support our programs, including Arrive Ready, First-Year Learning Communities, Program Exploration, Recognized Study Groups and the Sidney Smith Commons.
Why FLCs? As someone who was once a first-year student at St. George, I recognize that starting university can be complicated! I want to support students in making the most out of their university experience and to know that there are people rooting for them.
Top tip for incoming students: Be proud of yourself — celebrate your attempts, accomplishments and everything in between. You deserve to be here, and we want you to succeed. (Also, use Degree Explorer!)
Preferred Name: Ishita
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Political Science major, minors in Religion and Book & Media Studies
Year: Three
College: St. Michael's College
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? Some of the organizations I've been involved in on campus include the Mary Ward Centre (volunteer), the Feminist Equal Rights Alliance (Co-Director of Communications), and the Ladies in Law Association (External Relations Associate).
Why peer mentorship? Peer mentorship is important since it allows us to foster growth, relations and a sense of belonging at U of T. Using past experiences and lessons can help improve another student’s experiences. I'm excited to meet and support students throughout this academic year.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I look forward to getting to know the FLCees and catering sessions and activities to their needs. I am excited to build relations and help students transition into university to ensure they have a smooth start and a memorable experience.
What advice would you give to first-year students? One piece of advice I would give first-year students is to venture out. Make new friends, join student organizations, attend events and get involved with the areas of campus that interest you. Making connections and memories is an amazing way to build community and to enjoy university life.
Preferred Name: Liya
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Double major in Public Health and Sociology, French minor
Year: Three
College: St. Michael's College
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? U of T Mental Health Association (Director of Mentorship), Public Health Students' Union (Second-Year Executive), St. Michael's Orientation (Marshal and Orientation Executive), Recognized Study Groups (RSG Leader), volunteer note-taker
Why peer mentorship? I chose to do peer mentorship because I know how overwhelming your first year can feel. I want to help make the transition easier for others and support first-year students as they begin their academic journey here. I too was a FLC mentee in my first year and because of this program, I was able to make life-long connections and learn about extremely useful tips and resources that have helped me with my studies thus far. I want to be able to pass on these insights, help students find their community here at U of T and help them feel more supported, confident and connected!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm really looking forward to connecting with the staff as well as incoming first-year students at U of T. I'm also really excited to conduct my own independent research in my third-year courses.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Do not be afraid of exploring your interests. Take the time to take the courses you're curious about, even if it's not related to the majors you might want to pursue. Remember that university is a place filled with endless opportunities for learning and discovery. Make use of it as much as you can!
Preferred Name: Conor
Pronouns: they/them/theirs
Program(s): Critical Studies in Equity & Solidarity major, pursuing minors in Education & Society and Sustainability Geography
Year: Two
College: New College
Hometown: Burlington, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? U of T STORK (Executive Director), Sex Ed Center (Volunteer Coordinator), Stars for Scholarly Youth (Director of Tutoring)
Why peer mentorship? I came to university without an extensive support network back home, so having so many on-campus supports available was an integral part of my journey and transition. When I was presented with the opportunity to be one of those supports for incoming students, I knew I couldn't turn it down. This is one of the ways I'm giving back to the community that welcomed me in! Moreover, as a diehard social scientist, I'm excited to (hopefully!) help our incoming students develop a passion for the social scientific world.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm super excited to get involved with more student organizations. I'm excited to work with and learn from some really amazing student leaders and help enliven our campus to the best of my ability.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Remember that your university journey is yours alone. University is the perfect time to get to know yourself better and come to understand more about what you want and need to thrive, and you don't need to let anyone or anything interfere with that journey. Remember that there are supports available if you ever find yourself needing them.
Preferred Name: Kristine
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Anthropology major, minors in History and Digital Humanities
Year: Three
College: University College
Hometown: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
What activities have you been involved in on campus? I’m an executive member of the U of T Vietnamese Students’ Association. I also engage with activism activities and participate in arts and crafts events on campus.
Why peer mentorship? While I was FLC mentee, I received a lot of advice and help from my mentors. Therefore, after completing my first two years at U of T, I am very excited to share my experiences with new students as a mentor and to help them overcome the challenges of their first year. Furthermore, I hope to bring creative, informative and engaging sessions to FLC students in the coming academic year.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm looking forward to taking more fun courses in my programs, exploring more activities on campus (there are way too many things I want to do), as well as meeting new friends.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Don't be too hard on yourself in your first year. You may not achieve what you expected right away, but those failed attempts will be the experiences you feel grateful to have in your upper years.
For the Fall term, FLC participants will be pre-enrolled in the Social Sciences FLC (FLC099Y1-1) plus two additional courses from the list below, which you will select on your FLC application form:
1401/1402: 10–11 a.m.
1501/1502: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
0801: 10–11 a.m.
0901: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
1001: 12 p.m.–1 p.m.
1301/1302: 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
1601/1602: 2–3 p.m.