Going Abroad for College

Heyheyhey,
I'm a student from America who has always wanted to go abroad but has never really thought I would do it. Recently, I had this overwhelming urge to just go for it without even telling my parents about applying abroad (hell, if I am accepted I highly doubt they will let me but it doesn't hurt to try)
I'm curious, if you're an abroad student - what is it like? Was it scary? And what are the things that made you glad you did it?

I'm an international student from the US studying in the UK. I always knew I wanted to become a British citizen, and figured uni would be the fastest way to get there. I was 17 at the time, so I needed parental permission, but if you're 18 you won't. I honestly didn't find it scary or intimidating at all. I like travelling alone and loved moving to a country where no one knew me. I didn't really experience culture shock and it's not that different from the US. But every time I go outside and see the beautiful architecture and scenery, I'm glad I did it. I love how people are less political and I kinda have free healthcare (you gotta pay 3k for a 3 year visa for the healthcare, then you don't have to pay when you go to the hospital). I don't want to ever go back to the US, for a myriad of reasons. I would warn you that the way uni works is way different here, and I had trouble adjusting to the fact that some of my classes only have a single paper/presentation/other final project, worth 100% of the grade. I prefer having more coursework.

I know you briefly talked about not minding going alone. But I'm curious- did you have any homesickness? I've never been by myself much and have only ever travelled with my family. If you did have homesickness was it manageable?
Also by going to abroad for college was it difficult making friends? My biggest worry is moving across the world to a country I've never been in and not being able to make friends.