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
- Academic Orientation
- Engineering Study Skills
- Success 101: Academic Skills Mini Course
- Summer Academy (Coding, Math & Physics) ($)
- Early Start for-credit courses
- E-Buddy Program
- NEW! Fabrication & Engineering Design 101 ($)
*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?
In mid-June, you'll gain access to a series Academic Orientation videos through the First Year Hub on Quercus, U of T's online learning platform. These videos are designed to guide you through your next steps as a new U of T Engineering student, provide a brief overview of what to expect during your first year of studies and get you prepared for September. Topics include: paying your fees, course schedules, university resources, and more.
We will also be hosting a series of live Q&A sessions on Zoom throughout the summer. Make note of any questions you have while watching the Academic Orientation videos so that you can discuss them with us live!
This program is free of charge for new U of T Engineering students.
Engineering Study Skills
These online 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.
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, active learning and effective teamwork strategies. You will also hear advice from professors, learning strategists and upper-year students about academic expectations, and activate your U of T accounts. You can also choose to take an optional tour of the Engineering buildings after enjoying a free lunch.
This program is free of charge for new U of T Engineering students.
Summer Academy: Coding, Math & Physics ($)
The First Year Foundations Summer Academy provides in-depth review and contextualization of core high-school-level math, coding and physics for those who want to refresh their fundamental knowledge.
These non-credit, flexible, six-week online programs held in July and August will help you make sure your high school fundamentals are in place, and help you to connect your past learning with the courses you are about to embark upon in September.
Early Start for-credit Courses
Early Start Courses allow students who feel they are ready to take one of their fall term courses online before the academic year begins.
By completing one of these courses in July-August you can earn a credit towards your first year, and get a sense of University-level learning ahead of schedule.
E-Buddy Program
Are you a new first-year international U of T Engineering student? The First Year E-Buddy Program is here to support you with your transition to the Faculty and the University!
E-Buddies are upper-year engineering peer mentors who will provide support by answering questions about life at U of T Engineering, sharing their experiences, and providing information about campus resources. They will also provide informal programming and events to build community amongst international students, as well as provide support through structured workshops and events.
NEW! Fabrication & Engineering Design 101 ($)
In this exciting new two-week workshop, you can learn fun and practical hands-on skills in the powerful U of T Engineering Fabrication Facility. Access and proficiency with the Fabrication Facility will give you a head start on key courses such as your first-year engineering design courses (Engineering Strategies & Practice I & II [ESP], or Praxis I & II).
During the workshop you will be designing and building two projects. Each will give you experience designing for and fabricating on a laser cutter and 3D printer. You will also be wiring and programming electrical components. The goal of this workshop is for you to design and build two functional devices you can take home with you.
The workshop will be taught by two design instructors from the ESP courses. You will learn basic design thinking that you can apply in your first-year courses. You will be required to complete safety training for the facility during the workshop. This is the same safety training your peers will be able to complete later in the fall term. This means you will be approved to start working in the facility from the first day of the Fall term!
The workshop will also have several guest speakers and tours for students to get familiar with the various student design teams / clubs.