First year

It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Freshman. (Discuss)

First year, or freshman, is a term, in an educational setting, often used to describe a student's status during their first year at an educational institution. It can also be used as a noun, to describe the students themselves (e.g. They are first years).

United States

In recent years, "first year" has gained popularity as a result of its more descriptive name and gender neutral language. However, freshmen is commonly in use as a US English idiomatic term to describe a beginner or novice, a first effort, instance, or a student in the first year of study (generally referring to high school or university study). ^[1]

New members of Congress in their first term are referred to as The Freshman Senator or The Freshmen Congressman to suggest their lack of experience at their new position, no matter how experienced they were in previous business or government positions.^{[citation needed]}

In a four-year education setting, students are typically classified as freshmen (first years), sophomores (second years), juniors (third years), and senior (fourth years), corresponding to their year of study. Beyond the fourth year, students are simply classified as fifth years, sixth years, etc. Some institutions use the term freshman for specific reporting purposes.^[2]

United Kingdom

At universities in the United Kingdom and Ireland the term "fresher" is used to describe new students who are just beginning their first year. It would be unusual to call someone a fresher after their first few weeks at University. The term "first year" is the more commonly used for students in their first year. The week at the start of a new year is called "Freshers' Week" with a programme of special events to welcome new students.

Scotland

First year (or s1) is a pupil's first year in secondary school.

References

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