First year options

First-Year Foundations: Ones Programs are optional programs that combine seminars and experiential learning opportunities specially designed to help first-year students get off to a solid start at U of T. If you’re a first-year full-time student in the Faculty of Arts & Science you are eligible, regardless of college affiliation. There are eight different First-Year Foundations Programs - learn more on the Faculty of Arts & Science website.

Woodsworth One

Woodsworth One is our very own First-Year Foundations Program right here at Woodsworth College. No application is necessary for WDW One. The Woodsworth One program is called Order and Disorder and it explores issues pertaining to law, crime, warfare and justice. It draws upon criminology, sociology, political science, philosophy and history. Order and Disorder includes skills workshops, field trips, guest lectures, and films. Visit the Woodsworth One website to learn more.

The Faculty of Arts & Science First-Year Foundations Seminars are open only to newly-admitted Faculty of Arts & Science students. They are full-credit or half-credit courses that focus on the discussion of issues, questions and controversies surrounding a particular discipline (or several disciplines) in a small-group setting. With a maximum enrolment of 24 students each, these seminars encourage the development of critical thinking, writing, oral presentation and research skills. Foundations Seminars are an ideal way to have an enjoyable and challenging small-class experience in your first year.

Woodsworth College First-Year Foundation Seminars

There are a number of Foundations Seminars offered right here at Woodsworth College. Learn more about Woodsworth's First-Year Foundations Seminars.

The First-Year Learning Communities (FLC) Program in the Faculty of Arts & Science is designed to improve the transitional experience for first-year students. FLCs provide first-year students with the opportunity to meet classmates, develop friendships, form study groups, and develop academic and personal skills. FLCs also introduce students to the resources, opportunities, culture, and benefits of the campus and its surrounding community.

As a student in a First-Year Learning Community or FLC, you will get together with a small group (25-30) of first-year students who are also registered in several of the same courses, labs and tutorials. Each FLC group meets on a bi-weekly basis for academic, developmental and social activities facilitated by senior-year students and with the guidance of faculty and staff advisors. In addition to the Woodsworth College FLCs listed below, you are invited to apply for FLCs in Actuarial Science, Commerce, Computer Science, Economics, Humanities, Mathematics and the Social Sciences.

Woodsworth College: Life Sciences First-Year Learning Community 

In Woodsworth's Life Sciences First-Year Learning Community, you will learn about research and writing norms in the sciences, understand strategies to navigate U of T Libraries, learn how to find research roles at U of T and discover volunteer positions with local hospitals as well as the many program options available to a student in the Life Sciences. There are different Life Science FLC sections – one section for each college plus a general FLC hosted by the Office of the Faculty Registrar.  

In addition to your FLC sessions, you can also connect with your FLC peers in your core first-year courses. You will be automatically enrolled in six of the same first-year courses (and accompanying tutorials) as the other students in your FLC. 

Students in the Life Sciences FLC will attend a welcome session in early September and meet every other week during the year.

Learn more and see the course schedule on the Life Sciences FLC page.