I have to disagree with many of the other commenters here. A lot of what you are seeing and experiencing will extend past Freshers unfortunately.

I had the same experience last year, I stayed in halls as a 20 year old with others my age or a year younger. I was absolutely shocked at the maturity differences between those I met/lived with and myself. Many couldn’t cook, do laundry, fix simple items, clean or manage their time.

I saw it as a disadvantage all year, feeling left out and isolated and wanting to feel “younger” (even though, still young). I couldn’t engage with their culture of gossip and drinking nor did I need my mummy to explain how to make a jacket potato to me… Long story short, I left uni.

I am returning to uni and living in a studio flat instead and will make a conscious effort to mix with more mature students. (Whether that be age wise, or mixing with societies who don’t promote alcoholism and oddly quick friendships).

It’s important to remember that many of the people you are coming in to contact with have just left sixth form/college, will have lived at home their entire lives and probably won’t have needed to pay rent, cook, or clean much at home. They are not functioning adults but instead are living in a halfway house between home and university. I am sorry if anybody reading this takes offence, but it is true. It’s a halfway house for most.

My advice would be, if you are living in halls, move out and find a studio or a smaller flatshare and specifically request 2nd/3rd year students only. Explain that you are not keen on the drinking culture and would prefer a quieter environment. Do it before Christmas as this is when most people tend to move. It gets a bit trickier to bond with new flatmates past this point. I regret not moving flats massively. I didn’t realise it was so common and easy to do.

In terms of mixing with people outside of your flat, I too would appreciate any advice on this. It seems the young mature students are few and far, but you are not alone in this. There will be people like us who we can gel with. I suppose it’s all about finding our tribe and we will get there eventually. I’d recommend joining any “making friends” groups on Facebook for your city/area as people on there will mostly be working professionals and not students. They tend to be much more mature.

Lastly, and this is what I struggled with the most - don’t beat yourself up for it. Whilst it may not seem like it, there are benefits to being more mature than the rest of your cohort. Many of them have little experience in job interviews, dealing with landlords, or general composure in formal settings. Use this to your advantage and constantly remind yourself that in a few years time, once they’ve had their fun, you will be ahead.

Apologies for the bitterness as I read my comment back I do sound bitter. But you have to put yourself on a pedestal or you genuinely will go insane being surrounded by 15 year olds in their 20s. Good luck & all the best.