freshman

(noun) a first-year undergraduate. Synonyms: fresher.

(noun) any new participant in some activity. Synonyms: newcomer, fledgling, fledgeling, starter, neophyte, newbie, entrant.

(adj) used of a person in the first year of an experience (especially in United States high school or college). Synonyms: first-year. Examples: "A freshman senator." "Freshman year in high school or college."