Updated 08/29/2012 01:49 PM
UT braces for massive freshman class
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Every year, teenagers from all over the country come to Austin to become Longhorns.
This year, the University of Texas could have the largest freshman class ever.
The influx of fresh faces means more vehicles on the roads and more foot traffic on the hike-and-bike trail.
"You definitely do notice when the students are out, it’s definitely quieter down here," Austinite Becca Dobberfuhl said.
UT’s Admissions Office is expecting close to 8,000 freshmen this semester, about 1,000 more than last year.
"The last time we had a class size of this nature was in 2002, so it’s going to be one of our largest classes," UT’s Director of Admissions Kedra Ishop said.
Almost all of the freshman class will be sticking around too, 92 percent of them come back for their sophomore year.
"A large number of them will be staying, so this is something we'll have to work on as an institution to move them through all the way to graduation," Ishop said.
Even after graduation, many UT students set up a permanent home here in Austin.
The constant growth, especially when school is in session, does have some upsides for the locals.
"I can get a reservation at the restaurant because now that UT football is started and everyone's there, and everyone's at the football game, and I can go enjoy the things that Austin has," Dobberfuhl said
Officials say in 2002, 7,935 freshman students enrolled at the University of Texas.
No word yet on if this year will truly bust that record.