Your first year tailored to you
Each student has a unique path, which is why we offer a variety of first-year opportunities for you to choose from. Take part in engaged, supportive groups through our First-Year Learning Communities or join a First-Year Foundations Seminar and explore specialized topics in a small class setting. Programs like these are available across all three campuses and are designed to help you transition smoothly and discover new academic interests.
First Year Foundations: Ones Programs
Your first year is about more than just taking classes—it's about setting you up for success. Our Ones Programs are optional, small group learning experiences designed to help you build a strong academic foundation and successfully transition into university life. These for-credit first-year offerings combine engaging courses with experiential learning opportunities, allowing students to explore diverse academic themes while sharpening their critical thinking, writing and research skills.
About the Ones Programs
Each Ones Program has its own structure and experience. Some are individual courses, and some combine multiple classes with co-curricular activities. Depending on the option, you may need to submit a separate application or simply add it during online course selection.
Supporting your first year
We are committed to helping you have a successful first year at U of T. You will have access to supports like academic advising, peer mentors and transition programs. Take advantage of writing centres, attend a math prep workshop, or meet with a learning strategist. These resources are all designed to help you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed in your academic journey.
Here are some programs you can access before you begin your studies or during your first year:
To help incoming first-year students transition to university, the Faculty of Arts & Science offers Arrive Ready--a free, online academic preparation and peer mentorship program designed to help students develop the strategies and skills needed to succeed at the university level.
EagleConnect is a new student transition support program for new and incoming UTM students. The free online program includes quick and informative modules, webinars, virtual community-building events, Q&A sessions and more.
The First Year Office is here to help you make a successful transition to a new and exciting learning environment at the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering. Our goal is to give you the tools you need to make informed decisions during your first year of studies.
First Generation Student Engagement programming and support provides connections to academic, career, wellness and many other services to foster a sense of belonging and community.
All First Year Students at UTSC are assigned a First Year Peer, who are are upper-year students that help first year students in their transition to university. Over the summer, your First Year Peer will contact you via email in order to share resources and to answer your questions.
A first-year learning community (FLC) is a small group of first-year students who meet weekly and are registered in several of the same courses, labs and tutorials. FLC is a co-curricular program available to you free of charge and includes activities to develop your academic skills, provide time to study with your peers and help you build friendships
The First Year Learning Communities Program is a bi-weekly program that groups first-year students by their program of study in order to help students find a sense of community at UTSC. FLCs are the perfect opportunity to build academic and personal skills and make new friends.
First Year Seminars in the Faculty of Arts & Science are small classes designed to encourage discussion and help you develop the ability to think analytically. These full or half-credit courses focus on a particular topic or theme and are only for newly admitted first-year students.