First Year Foundations Summer Programs

FYF Header image 2000px width

First Year Foundations programming is a suite of optional summer sessions, workshops and programs to help you prepare for several aspects of university life — from developing effective study and learning skills, getting a refresher on high school content and how it connects to your upcoming courses, to wayfinding around the U of T campus.

These optional programs help you to meet fellow classmates, future professors and teaching assistants, while learning more about the social and academic aspects of university. The Summer Academy also provides in-depth review and contextualization of core high-school-level math, coding and physics for those who want to refresh their fundamental knowledge.

Each program is led by either a staff or faculty member with the support of student leaders. Much of this programming is free; those with a cost are indicated*.

For questions about these programs, please contact the First Year Office.

First Year Foundations Summer Programs

*If you are a student in financial need, and the program fee is a barrier to your participation in one of our paid programs, please contact the First Year Office to inquire about financial assistance.

Academic Orientation

Congratulations! You’ve accepted your offer of admission. What’s next?

Academic Orientation sessions, held in June, are designed to guide you through your next steps as a new U of T Engineering student. The sessions provide a brief overview of what to expect during your first year of studies. Topics include: paying your fees, schedules, university resources, and more. These sessions will help you prepare for September.

This program is free of charge for new U of T Engineering students. 

Engineering Study Skills

These workshops held in August will cover important topics to help you study and manage your time effectively. You’ll also learn tips and strategies to help you transition to University learning effectively this fall.

If scheduling allows, we also encourage you to register for Success 101 to create a full day of on-campus programming.

This program is free of charge for new U of T Engineering students.

Success 101: Academic Skills Mini Course

Discover some of the most important tools you will use throughout your academic career: engineering problem-solving, time-management skills, note-taking skills and effective teamwork strategies. You will also hear advice from professors, learning strategists and upper-year students about academic expectations and have the opportunity to activate your U of T accounts and take an optional tour of the Engineering buildings after enjoying a free lunch.

If scheduling allows, we also encourage you to register for Engineering Study Skills to create a full day of on-campus programming.

This program is free of charge for new U of T Engineering students.

Summer Academy: Coding, Math & Physics ($)

The First Year Foundations Summer Academy provides in-depth review and contextualization of core high-school-level math, coding and physics for those who want to refresh their fundamental knowledge.

These non-credit, flexible, six-week online programs held in July and August will help you make sure your high school fundamentals are in place, and help you to connect your past learning with the courses you are about to embark upon in September.

Early Start for-credit Courses

Early Start Courses allow students who feel they are ready to take one of their fall term courses online before the academic year begins.

By completing one of these courses in July-August you can earn a credit towards your first year, and get a sense of University-level learning ahead of schedule.

Image of Professor Scott Ramsay at a chalk board

E-Buddy Program

Are you a new first-year international U of T Engineering student? The First Year E-Buddy Program is here to support you with your transition to the Faculty and the University!

E-Buddies are upper-year engineering peer mentors who will provide support by answering questions about life at U of T Engineering, sharing their experiences, and providing information about campus resources. They will also provide informal programming and events to build community amongst international students, as well as provide support through structured workshops and events.