After 13 years with the First Year College on campus, 1312 students continue to use the program’s services to decide on their futures.

The college is meant for entering freshman who do not know what they want to major in, and it offers advising and a specialized class to help students make decisions, which Ethan Bowman, a freshman in the program, said is beneficial.

“Coming in, I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do, so FYC was the obvious choice,” Bowman said. “I think if I had picked just any college, I may have had to switch, which would have cost me so much time.”

Although Bowman hasn’t been able to make a decision yet on a major, some freshmen are able to come to a conclusion very early in the year.

Ryan Phillips, a freshman in the program, said he already decided he wants to pursue business administration in the College of Management.

“The advisors have been very helpful with me in terms of dealing with the majors offered here,” Phillips said. “They are easy to talk to, offer great advice, and really pull you in the right direction.”

Mike Ellis, administrative assistant in the FYC, said that while the transition process is difficult, considering each college has their own unique requirements, it is made easier when students choose to live in the FYC Village.

“Many of the students are encouraged to live in the FYC Village because they have opportunities to go see plays with the Village downtown and participate in the many different events that come up with other students in FYC,” Ellis said.

Many students in FYC, including Bowman, are placed in either Tucker or Owen Residence Halls, which are in the FYC Village.

“I knew some other options, but I just decided to live in Tucker and do the pot-luck,” Bowman said. “I really love it because it’s so much fun here. Everybody is kind of like a family already, even though we’ve just been here a little while.”

Prior to the completion of the FYC Commons building in 2007, FYC students often had classes inside of Tucker, and Bowman said the addition has been welcome.

“The help desk was great for me when I lost my key one time, and the computer labs are good if you want to go over with a group and study,” Bowman said. “We’ve done that a couple of times for chemistry. It’s nice to have the Commons so close.”

Next Tuesday the First Year College will be hosting their annual Majors Fair in Talley Ballroom.

“It’s great because the FYC students are going to get a chance to meet with all of the college representatives and find out what each offers and what the requirements are,” Ellis said.