I went to a state college in California, about two hours away from my hometown. I enjoyed college life very much and consider it one of the best times of my life. This is not because I partied or drank a lot and went wild - in fact, I didn't even go to parties and spent most of my time studying or hanging out with my boyfriend just watching TV and playing video games. I enjoyed it so much because of the sense of freedom. You are away from your parents and are able to spend your time however you please, but you aren't old enough that you have a lot of responsibilities.
College is very laid back - you will see lots of people show up to class in their pajamas and slippers, and people just hanging around the cafeteria or library chatting and having fun study groups together. If you live in the dorms or in an apartment near campus, there will be lots of college students walking by your room all the time and eating crap food, playing video games, or just laughing and having a good time. However, some people take this carefree lifestyle too far and waste their time and potential by partying all the time, skipping classes, and drinking too much. Just because you have the freedom to act like an idiot all the time, doesn't mean you should.
For the first semester or so, you WILL be homesick. Even if you hate your family and never want to see them again, you will miss other things about your old life, like pets, places you used to go, people you used to see every day, etc. It is normal to miss the ways things used to be, but don't let it overwhelm you. Cry it out and get back to studying! Whether you go to a school two hours or twenty hours away from home, you will be homesick sometimes. After the first semester or so, you will have created a new life for yourself in college and you will want to be there all the time, and when you go back home on vacations you will be homesick for college!
What you learn there is what you make of it. If you just try to get by and get the requirements done with as little effort as possible, then you will probably end up feeling like a number. However, if you actually pay attention, try to do well, and open your mind to new ideas, you will feel like you have learned a great deal there. It is up to you and how much effort you are willing to put into it. No one will be there to encourage you...you have to encourage yourself.
Stealing can be common, many college students are poor and will steal from other dorm rooms or cars. Just make sure you lock your door after you leave the room or your car, and keep valuables hidden away. As long as you are careful and think ahead, theft shouldn't be a big problem. Someone broke into my car once, but because I kept all valuables out of it, all they were able to steal was a pack of gum and my parking permit.
Fraternities and sororities were not a big thing at my school, but my sister joined one (she went to the same school as me). It was just a fun group of friends that she did a lot of charity work with. There were parties sometimes, and some girls knew how to act appropriately, and others went wild and made mistakes that they later regretted. Remember to act responsibly, regardless of how stupid others are acting, and you will be okay.
You will really enjoy college...have fun!!