When you realize that lecture isn't benefitting you at all, and you're better on your own, the stop. Maybe the first week or so to meet classmates and stuff, but then stop. Shocked at the number of people who attend lecture and either 1) fall asleep; or 2) stare blankly at the lecturer because they're going to quickly. Both cases, they go because they have been trained to attend class and feel "guilty" for not going. Apparently, some students seem to believe that it's more logical to waste your time in lecture that doesn't optimize your learning but removes the feeling of "guilt" than it is to see what it's like studying on your own or seeking our help for alternative, more efficient ways to learn, while meeting up with classmates afterwards.
But, lecture is definitely the place to socialize. Make some friends, attend social events, have fun. Host or arrange get-togethers, etc. Join clubs, sports, go to the gym, get a workout partner, whatever. You can avoid lecture and still be social. You can also just go to school and study somewhere else on your own, without going to lecture. That way you still see classmates around, but don't deal with class (unless, like you said, you really meant the 'comfort of your own home' versus the comfort of a starbucks, or the library.
My advice: use common sense. If you do better by not going to lecture....then for Christ's sake, stop going to lecture. Nothing'll happen- no apocalypse, no judgement, no professors crying or getting offended (well, some professors will voice their 'disappointment'...but you won't be there to hear it, so it's all good). The point is to learn the best way you can. Consider it premature/mickey mouse 'malpractice' to do any type of behavior that doesn't result in you performing your best.
