Although application numbers have dropped, the size of the council is likely to increase from 86 to 88 members, Mann said. The election commission will meet today to decide whether to add two first-year members.
One new first-year position will go to each of three "zones": Canaday Hall and Union dorms, the North Yard and the Southeast zone.
Dormitories in those areas have more students than in previous years.
The Southwest zone, encompassing Mathews, Straus and Massachusetts Halls, now has fewer inhabitants and will lose a representative.
The additional first-years, combined with the lack of returning candidates, could bring new life to the council, students said.
"Things will be a lot better," Cole said, "because people not returning means we'll have a lot of fresh blood and eager people.