It’s actually very normal that you feel this way. I’m 21 now and in my third year. At the beginning, I was the same way. Around other people, in class, in any kind of group setting I was fine or at least pretended to be. Like you said, it was a distraction. As soon as I was alone though, there would be a waterfall of tears. The first time being away from home is rough. I still get sad and homesick at times, missing my mom and sister. If I’m completely honest, I cried myself to sleep last night for that very reason. So, it still happens, just not as often.