UW Moves in 125th Incoming Class - KGWN –Cheyenne, WY– Scottsbluff, NE News,Weather, Sports

UW Moves in 125th Incoming Class

University students are heading to Laramie. Some for the first time, awaiting another school year.

The new school year is nearly upon us. Thursday the University of Wyoming welcomed it's 125th incoming class.

"125 years ago we had, I think it was about 35 students getting ready for the first day of class," said UW President Tom Buchanan.

Needless to say the university has grown quite a bit since then.

"We're expecting one of the largest entering freshman classes in our history," he said.

Forbes recently ranked Wyoming number 11 on it's list of "America's Best Value Colleges".

"To be ranked high by them is nice. I don't think that's the reason we do what we do, but we'll smile if they want to recognize the affordability and the value," Buchanan said.

Buchanan says they don't base decisions on what they do to move up any rankings. They believe what attracts incoming students to the school is getting them to take a visit to campus.

"An awful lot of students, once they get a chance to come to campus to tour to visit with some of their counterpart students that are here, like what they see," he said.

A parent of a UW freshman said that's exactly why he was in favor of his daughter attending the university.

"I like the campus. I like the size of the school. We were up here this summer for the orientation and it really had a good vibe," said Jeff Cohen.

Students had a variety of reasons why they ended up choosing UW.

"It's my hometown state and I've always liked Laramie and I think it's a fun place to be. It's a good school," said Mitch Weigel.

"I chose this school because it has the most options because I really have no idea what I want," said Abi Cohen.

Like most freshman, they can't wait to see what college has to offer.

"Meeting new people and learning. Little bit of nerves, I love learning," Cohen said.

"Looking forward to intramural sports because I played sports in high school and I don't get to play at the University of Wyoming, but I'll do all the intramural sports," Weigel said.

They won't have to wait long to begin the next stage in their lives.

"We're gearing up. Come Monday they're in class," Buchanan said.