fifth years at first year parties

 fifth years at first year parties are just… confusing. like you walk in, you’re having fun, and then you find out someone there has been in uni since before covid and you’re like wait. why are you here. not even in a mean way. just genuinely confused.because first year parties have a specific energy. everyone’s new, a little lost, a little too excited, doing way too much. that’s normal. that’s the point. but when someone who’s been around forever shows up, it throws things off. they already know how this goes. they know who’s new, who’s nervous, who’s trying to fit in. it’s not about age gaps being illegal or whatever people always jump to. first years are still figuring things out. fifth years are not. so when those two mix, it can feel weird fast. especially when the older person is clearly enjoying being the one who knows everything. also like… haven’t you done this already. if you’re in your fifth year, you’ve had your time. you’ve had your messy nights, your bad decisions, your learning moments. so choosing to stay in that space instead of moving on is a little questionable. at some point you’re supposed to graduate from that scene, even if you’re technically still in school. and i think people notice more than fifth years realize. first years talk. everyone clocks it. it’s not subtle. there’s always that moment of “oh he’s a fifth year?" outgrowing stuff is normal. refusing to is what makes it weird. there are so many other places to go. bars. house parties with people your age. literally anything else.