What I Wish I Knew Before Starting Computer Science in College
Starting CS in college? Congrats—and brace yourself. You’re about to learn a lot of code, and even more about yourself.
Here’s what I wish I knew when I started:
You're not expected to know everything
You don’t need to memorize every language's syntax. Real developers Google stuff all the time. You’re here to learn how to learn.
Learn to be a developer, not just a coder
Anyone can write code. But being a developer means:
- Solving problems
- Communicating ideas
- Working on teams
- Knowing how to debug and test
- Writing code someone else can understand
Bad code is better than no code
Seriously. Write the ugly stuff. Break things. That’s how you learn. Bad code teaches you more than blank files ever will.
Debugging is your superpower
Most students treat debugging as punishment. But it’s actually one of your most important tools. Learn to debug well and you'll level up faster than anyone around you.
Learn your tools
Your IDE. Your terminal. Your debugger. Your version control system. These aren’t extra—they’re essentials. Mastering your tools will make your life so much easier.
Fundamentals beat trends
Languages change. Frameworks come and go. But things like loops, conditionals, data structures, and algorithms? They’re forever. Learn them deeply.
You're not alone
Imposter syndrome is real. Everyone’s faking it a little. Find your people, ask questions, and remember—you’re not supposed to be perfect.
Final Thought
You’re not just learning to write code. You’re learning how to think like a developer. And that’s a skill you’ll carry for life.
You’ve got this. 👊
👉 Read more no-BS tech advice at mullins.io
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