I think you make it sound more ill intentioned than it is. Freshman year is crucial to forming new connections, finding organizations to join, and adapting to a new environment. It's not just about "dealing with remote learning"; it's also very much about meeting new people face-to-face and making friends they can lean on over Zoom for the semesters to come.
Unfortunately, much of the social substrate that builds freshman bonding is facilitated by older students, from dorm events and parties to students groups and office hours.
After their first semester on campus they're much more likely to deal with remote learning for the remainder.