How do I get over someone I'm too emotionally attached to??

I started uni last October and have really struggled to find my people so far. I think a lot of the reason is because I commute from home and have very strict parents who do not allow me to stay out late. I also have issues at home, so home is not a particularly comfortable environment either. I have felt like I'm getting distant from my school friends who all have moved away to go to their unis.

I did meet someone in the first week of the year, but he does another course at my uni, so I don't get to see him in person often. We mostly communicate over text. He's the only person I've felt able to confide in over the last 4 months. Whenever I see him in person, I'm able to easily hold amazing conversation with him for a good few hours, which is rare for me with people I'm new with. I feel like I've developed an unhealthy level of attachment to him, where I'll constantly be waiting for him to respond to my messages, overthinking about small things. Last week, I told him I liked him, and he very graciously told me that he doesn't think I know him well enough for that. I don't think I like him romantically tbh, however I did not know how else to express my attachment to him, and his reaction really showed me how imbalanced our relationship is. I really just want to get over him, because my attachment to him has only caused me stress and worry. What should I do??

I’m in a similar boat (though haven’t actually started university yet). I have strict parents and will need to commute this year, which will be very isolating compared to the ‘college experience’ other people get to enjoy.

My tip would be to start (as cheesy as it sounds) enjoying your own company. Almost romanticise time with yourself, go on aesthetic coffee shop trips, a library study, visit a museum etc. All of these can be lonely but not if you truly let yourself notice and relish in the little blessings of life.

Its a good thing you realised this before things could get worse, but maybe think more about yourself and how it has damaged you in a way and maybe that could help you think rationally about him henceforth, in which that makes you have a bad picture of him, and if you have any hobbies then I think you should focus on those and your uni life, or socialising with others. I know it's not easy since I have been in that position but stepping out of your comfort zone to talk to others can go a really long way. p.s: I doubt what I said will help much but I hope it is of some use!