Unlike freshmen in the past, who have often had upperclassmen as hallmates, a majority of the class of 2011 moved into residence halls reserved exclusively for first years this fall.

Over the past few years, several dormitories in Southwest, Central and Orchard Hill Residential Areas have been converted to themed “first-year halls.” This year, incoming freshman could choose from 11 all-freshman dorms, geared towards students interested in topics including global perspectives, health and wellness, writing and literature, society and leadership, and science and discovery.

Freshmen and resident assistants (RAs) have had varied reactions to living in a community of freshmen.

Courtney Doherty, a new resident of “pop culture”-themed Kennedy Hall, the first tower at the University of Massachusetts to house only first-year students, was excited to be in her new all-freshman environment.

“All the freshmen are friendly and want to meet new friends,” she said.

Resident Assistant Casimir Maziarz said that being an RA in a first-year building means that he has to become a role model for all of the residents on his hall.

“I’m excited about this year, because they are all first-year students, which means I can hopefully impact their transition to college,” he said, though he admits it will initially be hard to help first-year students feel comfortable and connected to the school.

While Maziarz and Doherty were enthusiastic about shifting smoothly into the academic year in a freshmen-only environment, some worry that having all-freshman dorms would be opening the door wide for mischief.

Freshman Carolyn Marchewka, another resident of Kennedy Hall, said she had thought the tower would be a definite party scene.

“I expected it to be wild,” she said.

Carolyn’s assumptions about Kennedy may still fuel the belief that freshmen dormitories will always be unruly.

Despite this, Doherty is enthusiastic to begin building a more inclusive community with her peers.

Applications for admissions rose 20 percent from last year, the fourth successive year of growth. Around 60 percent are Massachusetts residents, while the number of out-of-state applicants grew by 35 percent. Only 65 percent of applicants were admitted this year, a decline from 71 percent in 2006 and 80 percent in 2005.

“More and more students and their families are making us their first choice, and the quality of our entering class is a reflection of our reputation as an excellent school,” said Michael Gargano, vice chancellor for student affairs and campus life.

The incoming class of freshman is slightly larger than the class of 2010, with 376 more students at around 4,250 according to University officials.