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, 2025 at 12 p.m. EDT
- All successful applicants will be informed of their acceptance into the FLC program and receive further details by July 15, 2025.
Registration coming soon.
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 and then every week starting September 15, 2025.
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
- POL101H1-F: The Real World of Politics: An Introduction AND GGR124H1-S: Urbanization, Contemporary 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 | 3:00-4:30 p.m. |
| Choose two of the following: | ||||
| Introduction to Anthropology | ANT100Y1-Y | Lecture 5101 | Thursday | 6-8 p.m. |
| Tutorial 2001/2002 | Thursday | 3-4 p.m. | ||
| Sociological Inquiries | SOC150H1-S (to be taken with SOC100H1-F) | Lecture 0101 | Wednesday | 12-2 p.m. |
| Tutorial 0801/0901 | Tuesday |
0801: 1-2 p.m. 0901: 2-3 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. | ||
| Urbanization, Contemporary Cities and Urban Life | GGR124H1-S (to be taken with POL101H1-F) | Lecture 0101 | Wednesday | 3-5 p.m. |
| Tutorial 0201/0202 |
Thursday | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | ||
Your FLC Team
Title: Student Success Coordinator
About me: As a part of the Student Success Programs team, I collaborate with amazing colleagues (including over 100 student staff) and work behind the scenes to support our programs including Arrive Ready, the First- and Second-Year Learning Communities, Program Exploration, Recognized Study Groups and the Sidney Smith Commons. Outside of my role, you’ll find me lost in fibre arts, concert crowds and copious amounts of pet fur (thanks to my beloved cat and dog).
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 to make 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!)
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): International Relations major, European Studies and Caribbean Studies minors
Year: Second
College: Trinity College
Hometown: Barbados
What activities have you been involved in on campus? Tennis Intramural
Why peer mentorship? Peer mentorship is powerful because it creates a space for mutual growth, connection and support and is something I’ve come to deeply value through my own experiences. During my time working with young women in juvenile detention centers and through my volunteer work with Dance4Life in Barbados, I saw firsthand how much impact one person can have just by listening, encouraging and showing up consistently. Those moments taught me that mentorship isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about walking alongside someone, sharing experiences and helping them feel seen and supported. As a university student navigating my own academic path and preparing to pursue law to advocate for young women facing systemic injustices, I understand how overwhelming and isolating certain phases of life can feel. Peer mentorship, to me, is a chance to help others find their footing while continuing to grow myself. It strengthens community, fosters resilience and builds leadership skills. These are qualities I believe are essential not just for university, but for life.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm really looking forward to growing both personally and academically. This year, I want to challenge myself by stepping out of my comfort zone, whether that means taking on more leadership roles, joining new clubs or just being more active in class discussions. I'm also excited to connect with more people, build meaningful relationships and learn from my peers. I want to make the most of every opportunity and finish the year feeling proud of how much I’ve grown.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Whether it’s about academics, adjusting to campus life or just figuring things out. Everyone starts somewhere, and most people are more than willing to support you if you reach out. Your first year can feel overwhelming, but it’s also full of chances to grow. Be open, stay curious and remember that you don’t have to have it all figured out right away!
Pronouns: he/him/his
Program(s): Criminology and Political Science majors, English minor
Year: Third
College: St. Michael's College
Hometown: Hong Kong
What activities have you been involved in on campus? AIESEC, SMC Orientation, Goose Fiction Journal, Hey Teach Magazine
Why peer mentorship? Because it is an excellent way to give back to the community! Also, I believe that there is always something new to be learnt through the mentorship process.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? Meeting new people!
What advice would you give to first-year students? Believe in yourself! You made it here, you’ve definitely got what it takes :)
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Currently in the Social Sciences Stream. Hoping to major in Political Science!
Year: Second
College: St. Michael's College
Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? I have been involved in various clubs throughout my first year and taken in many leadership positions, which include the following: St Michael’s Community Life (Committee Member), FLC (General Member), Elmsley Hall Floor 4 House Council (Vice-President), Feminist Equal Rights Alliance (Gala Co-Director), Mental Health Association (First Year Representative), Covering Soles: (Head of Events Committee), UofT Women’s Pre Law Association (Junior Editor) and the Ladies in Law Association (External Relations and Sponsorship Associate). I was also honoured to have received the ASSU First Year Involvement Award!
Why peer mentorship? I believe that one of the most important ingredients to growth and success is receiving strong advice and guidance from those around you. Learning from other’s experiences helps us avoid mistakes but also helps us learn from the ones we’ve previously made. Having someone to support and guide you through an academic or personal journey can make a huge difference and help you reach your goals!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I look forward to connecting with more students and staff! I’d like to grow my circle by creating meaningful connections through classes, events and of course, the FLC!
What advice would you give to first-year students? University is a big change from high school and the best way to adjust is to get involved within the community. Step outside of your comfort zones by meeting new people and getting involved with campus clubs and events!
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Program(s): Urban Studies and Public Health majors, European Affairs minor
Year: Second
College: New College
Hometown: Monaco
What activities have you been involved in on campus? Equity and Diversity Seminar on how to support people who have experienced sexual violence
Why peer mentorship? I'm excited to start peer mentoring because after nearly five years of tutoring, I’ve realized how much I enjoy helping students who are struggling or just need a bit of guidance. Being part of a FLC also showed me the value of peer support: it helped me open up, build real connections and find a sense of belonging I hadn’t expected. I’d love to help create that kind of experience for someone else now.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I'm looking forward to exploring more of Toronto with my friends. During my first year at U of T, I was mostly focused on adjusting to university life and settling into living in Canada, so I didn’t take as much time to discover the city and campus. Now that I feel more grounded, I’m excited to experience everything Toronto has to offer.
What advice would you give to first-year students? One important piece of advice I’d give to first-year students is to try out different study methods. What worked for you in high school might not be as effective in university, and each course can demand a different approach. Take the time to figure out whether you’re a visual, auditory or kinesthetic learner, and adjust your study habits accordingly. That being said, university isn’t just about academics. Make sure to have fun, explore new interests and focus on your personal growth too!
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:
0901: 10-11 a.m.
1001: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
0501/0502: 1-2 p.m.
0601/0602: 2-3 p.m.