This article describes the integration of a cocurricular "Community" into a first-year undergraduate chemistry course at the University of Toronto. The Community has been in existence since 2006, with over 700 students being involved. Its broad objectives have been three-fold: to inform course members about departmental resources and their significance, to teach skills and provide tips away from formal class content, and to promote the importance of undergraduate research/highlight available opportunities. The Community has received very positive feedback over a number of years and has resulted in a large increase in the number of students enrolling in second- and fourth-year undergraduate science research courses.