As an Arts Cohort member, you’ll join like-minded peers and journey together through your first year at TRU, taking four core courses that lay the foundation for your Arts degree.
Join today!Why join the Arts Cohort? Connect, thrive, and save
Build connections
Starting university can be overwhelming, but with the Arts Cohort, you won’t go it alone. Learning alongside a group of peers, you’ll form strong bonds, find study partners, and create lasting friendships.
Boost your success
Studies show that students who feel connected to their peers and their university are more likely to thrive. The Arts Cohort provides a support system to help you navigate university life, reducing the stress and uncertainty of your first year.
Save money
Worried about textbook costs? Don’t be. Most courses in the Arts Cohort are designated "zero textbook costs," so you can focus on learning without the extra financial burden.
A convenient timetable for a balanced life An ideal blend of academics and social experiences
The Arts Cohort offers first-year TRU students a perfect blend of structure and flexibility, providing dynamic learning experiences and meaningful social connections. You’ll take four core courses that fulfill graduation requirements and help you foster connections with your peers and instructors.
For Fall 2026 and Winter 2027, choose from two course clusters, each offering a well-rounded mix of subjects to match your interests and goals.
Find your fit and make your first year unforgettable!
Arts Cohort Cluster 1
- SOCI 1110 Introduction to Sociology I
- GEOG 1000 Planet Earth: An Introduction to Earth System Science
- ENGL 1210 Introduction to Drama and Poetry Fiction
- PHIL 1110 Introduction to Critical Thinking
Arts Cohort Cluster 2
- ANTH 1210 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- PSYC 1110 Introduction to Psychology
- ENGL 1100 Introduction to University Writing
- THTR 1000 Theatre Appreciation: From Page to Stage
How to apply
Ready to kickstart your university journey with
the Arts Cohort?
Applying is simple!
Check your eligibility
Are you an incoming first-year Bachelor of Arts student for Fall 2026? If so, apply today!
Sign up
Click the link below to access the application form. Complete and submit it by the deadline to secure your spot.
Need help or want more information? We're here for you.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to start your university life with confidence, connection, and community. Email us for for more information or book an appointment with Meo Cui, the Learning Strategist for the Arts Cohort, using the link below.
Book appointmentFAQs
What will my first-year schedule look like, and can I take other courses outside the cohort?
The Arts Cohort includes two classes each term, scheduled on two specific days (e.g., Mon/Wed between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm).
You can absolutely add other courses around them — most students take 3–5 courses per term depending on their interests and workload.
Do cohort courses affect my major, or can I take cohort courses if I plan to major in a specific subject (e.g., psychology)?
The Arts Cohort works with all BA majors.
Some clusters include courses that count directly toward certain majors (e.g., psychology in Cluster 2).
If your cluster doesn’t include major-specific courses, you can still take those as additional courses outside the Arts Cohort.
For major-specific planning, contact Arts Advising at artsadvising@tru.ca.
Are the cluster courses fixed? Can I switch or swap courses?
All cluster courses are set and cannot be replaced or mixed between clusters.
Students in each cluster take the same courses together each term.
Are cohort courses considered electives, core courses, or general BA requirements?
All cohort courses are standard first-year Arts courses that meet BA degree requirements.
They are not extra or unrelated courses.
Is there a fee to join the Arts Cohort?
No additional fee — just pay your regular tuition deposit so we can register you in the cohort courses.
How much time do I have to commit? Is this like an optional program?
The Arts Cohort is not an extra program; it’s a structured schedule of for-credit courses taken with the same peer group.
You’ll be assessed like in any regular course, with no extra time commitment.
Do I need to take an extra English course for taking ENGL 1100 / ENGL 1210 in Winter?
You only need an extra English course in the fall if you do not meet the ENGL 1100 prerequisite (English 12/English First Peoples 12 with 73% or equivalent).
If you don’t yet meet the requirement, options include:
- The Accuplacer
- ENGL 0600 in Fall
