So, this was probably stupid right?

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Today I only had two classes to take. One early in the morning and another one in programming 3 hours after the first one. Since I basically already know the entire contents of the programming course, I had decided early on to skip this lesson rather than wait for it to start hours later.

However, just as I was about to take the bus home, a few classmates that I had helped in chemistry the day before showed up and asked if I wanted to follow them and take a look at the material in advance of the next lesson. Now keep in mind that I don't yet have any friends at this university, and that I never had any in high school either. Yet I know that it is essential to learn how to socialize. The fact that these people approached me this way was very surprising to me (I guess I made a positive impression when I helped them the day before).

So I had to make a quick decision (something I'm not very good at). Do I follow these people or do I take the bus home (I was really tired and wanted to rest)? I must mention that I have a hard time reading social context, so I did not know what they would think of me if I just turned down their offer and went home as I had planned. I mentioned at first that I felt like going home, and they didn't seem to get upset or anything. So as I was walking with them (the computers and the bus stop were in the same direction) I was intent on taking the bus. But when we approached the bus stop and I said "Bye", they seemed really surprised that I were in fact going home after all.

Therefore I ask you this: Did I just completely screw up this chance at maybe getting a friend or two? I'm really confused as to what they might be thinking about me now and what I should be doing next (just smile and say "hi" on Monday?).

They were likely just surprised that you left before giving a definite answer. At most, they probably just thought, "Huh, that was weird." Next time you see them, just say something like "Hey, sorry I couldn't stay with you guys the other day, was really tired. Maybe next test coming up, we can do a study session or something." If they say yes, great. If they say no, they were probably dicks anyways, so it's really win/win in any event.

saying you're gonna do something and actually doing it are two really different things. Your friends might think that when you said you feel like going home that you were just expressing what you were thinking in your mind. But to actually act on your thought as a final decision surprised your friends. To test if your friends minded whether or not you went home, you should've said "I'm really tired, but i guess I will stay for a while." and if your friends respond "nah, its ok, if you're tired then get some rest" then you can go home. If your friends say "ok" or doesn't say anything, then follow them.