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
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.
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 first week of classes and then every week starting September 9, 2024.
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 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. |
| Choose two of the following: | ||||
| Introduction to Anthropology | ANT100Y1-Y | Lecture 5101 | Thursday | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Tutorial 2001/2002 | Thursday | 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | ||
| Sociological Inquiries | SOC150H1-S (to be taken with SOC100H1-F) | Lecture 0101 | Wednesday | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. |
| Tutorial 0801/1001 | Tuesday | 0801: 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. 1001: 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. |
||
| Introduction to Women and Gender Studies | WGS160Y1-Y | Lecture 5101 | Wednesday | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. |
| Tutorial 0101/0102/0103 | Friday |
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. |
||
| Urbanization, Contemporary Cities and Urban Life | GGR124H1-S (to be taken with POL101H1-F) | Lecture 0101 | Wednesday | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. |
| Tutorial 0201/0202 |
Thursday | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | ||
Your FLC Team
Program(s): Sociology major, women & gender studies major
Year: Three
College: New College
Hometown: Strömstad, Sweden
Why peer mentorship? As a participant in the FLCs, this was one of the most helpful programs I was a part of. I hope to provide the same support I received settling into university to upcoming first-year students by providing advice and support.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? This academic year I'm very excited to try some more specialized courses that allow me to explore my programs of study in more depth. This is particularly true with my sociology program now that I have completed my prerequisites and there's more freedom to select courses that interest me.
What advice would you give to first-year students? Go to campus events! There's all types of stuff (many of which includes free food) and it's a fantastic way to feel more connected to the community and hopefully meet some amazing people along the way.
Program(s): International relations major, economics major
Year: Two
College: Trinity College
Hometown: New Delhi, India
What activities have you been involved in on campus? Leadership: MUN- Crisis Analyst at UTMUN'24 and NAMUN'24. Research: Complaince Analyst at G20 Research Group and BRICS Research Group.
Why peer mentorship? I believe it's crucial to build strong relationships within our community, especially across different academic years. As a peer mentor, I’m here to share my playbook with first-year students, making their leap into university life not just easier, but a whole lot more fun.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? As I step into my second year at U of T studying international relations and economics, I'm eager to expand my horizons further. This year, I'm excited to sharpen my leadership as a peer mentor at the social sciences FLC and deepen my research impact with the G20 and BRICS Research Groups. I’m ready for a year of growth and new adventures!
What advice would you give to first-year students? First year can definitely feel like a whirlwind, so my biggest piece of advice is to be curious and proactive. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and reach out for help or advice. Take your time to settle in and really explore all the opportunities U of T has to offer. It's your time to shine, so make the most of it!
Program(s): Sociology major, psychology minor, education and society minor
Year: Two
College: Victoria College
Hometown: San Francisco, California
What activities have you been involved in on campus? I have attended events hosted by Victoria College, where I was on residence. I also played tennis a couple of times with the intramural team.
Why peer mentorship? Participating in a FLC made my transition into university feel manageable and introduced me to some of my closest friends. My mentors were enthusiastic and made coming to FLC meetings very exciting. This inspired me to become a peer mentor and I hope I can create the same fun and informational environment for the upcoming year!
What are you looking forward to this academic year? I am looking forward to starting my program and getting involved with areas of study that I feel passionate about. In addition, I am looking forward to returning to the FLC community as a peer mentor!
What advice would you give to first-year students?When looking back on my first year, one piece of advice I would give to an incoming first-year student would be to remember to be patient and aware of all the change that is around you. When I started university I was under the assumption that I would be able to adjust to the work load, make new friends and find time to explore Toronto quickly without too much stress. After a year of university completed, I still feel that I am learning what works best for me in a university setting and that is ok! Being patient with yourself and aware that you are in an entirely new environment with new people is really important to keep in mind when navigating through your first year at U of T.
Program(s): Political science major, environmental studies minor, human geography minor
Year: Three
College: University College
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
What activities have you been involved in on campus? I've done a fair share of activities on campus, but I'm particularly excited about my editorial positions! I'll be an associate editor for the Political Science Journal (Polis) and the editor-in-chief for the Environmental Students' Union Journal (EcoTone) next year.
Why peer mentorship? So that when my mentees inevitably win Nobel Prizes, I can claim 90 per cent of the credit! Jokes aside, I am passionate about being a peer mentor because I loved my time in the FLC program. I enjoyed it as a mentee in my first year and as a mentor in my second. I want to continue to support this amazingly unique, supportive and fun community.
What are you looking forward to this academic year? The only correct answer is the FLC, of course! I can't wait to meet all the new mentees and have a fantastic year together. Other than that, I'm also looking forward to my third-year courses. Upper-year courses offer a deeper dive into specific subjects, so I'm excited to take ones more catered to my interests.
What advice would you give to first-year students?Be excited! University isn't just about burying yourself in books and assignments — although, truthfully, there is a lot of that — it's also a time to explore new interests, meet fascinating people and discover more about yourself.
Tell us about yourself.
I came into the Faculty of Arts & Science years ago as an international transfer student. After completing my Honours Bachelor of Science degree with a specialist in Psychology, I began my career in the faculty’s registrarial world, learning through various academic advising roles. Going into my ninth year working in the faculty, in my current role, I support students with their variety of academic inquiries — from applying all the way to graduation. These inquiries range from course and program enrolment, transfer credits, faculty rules and regulations, fees, exams and petitions. Outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with/trying to please my cat, learning to play badminton and watching NBA games (my favourite players are Steph Curry, Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic) and TV shows (just finished Clarkson’s Farm).
Why are you interested in being a staff advisor/faculty advisor for FLCs?
Because my transition into the university/faculty and my undergraduate path wasn’t a straightforward one and having both experienced and seen the challenges international and domestic students faced when transitioning into university, it further motivated me to share my experience and knowledge with first-year students so that they can have a smoother transition and university career.
What is one piece of advice you want to give to first-year students?
While grades are definitely important (especially if you wish to apply to graduate or professional schools after graduation), they are not the full story and they do not determine who you are as a person. The people you make connections with and the experience you accumulate outside of the classroom (e.g., student organizations, volunteer and work positions, study abroad, etc.) will also play a crucial role in your future. These will add fascinating flavours to your undergraduate plate of experience, so please don't just lock yourself up in your room or the library and study. Go out there, explore and get involved! Just remember to not overwhelm yourself. Nothing is more important than your physical, mental and emotional well-being.
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: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.