My degree was like that too because students were all combining part-time jobs with studying. Ways to meet people are: meetup.com; film clubs; book clubs; football; Facebook groups for your area; walking trips; stamp collecting; (sorry it's sunday, joking); philosophical discussions; helping feed the homeless; learning languages; saving the planet; volunteering. I don't know your interests.

Through lack of money and previous experience and braininess (blushes) I did my 3 year honours degree in 2 years (a nightmare) then did a short computing course and landed a job mending databases.

Life works out if you use well the opportunities and contacts that come up for you , but it's normal to worry! Your parents seem to have had an easier life, but we are still lucky to have peace/ food/ shelter all taken for granted.