Klea Kojko
If you’re thinking about studying computer science at university, you’re considering diving into one of the most exciting and fast-paced fields today.
Computer science is at the heart of almost every technology we use, from smartphones and social media to AI tools and video games. The best part? It’s not just about coding—it’s about using technology to solve real-world problems. Whether you’re into developing software, creating websites, designing video games, or advancing artificial intelligence, computer science offers endless opportunities to shape the future.
Getting started in computer science begins with curiosity and a love for problem-solving. You don’t need to be a coding expert right away (though some basic knowledge can help), but you do need to be passionate about learning and figuring out how things work. Many universities offer computer science programs, some of which allow you to specialise in areas like software engineering, data science, or cybersecurity. But before you apply, why not test the waters? There are plenty of free online resources, like Codecademy, Coursera, and Khan Academy, where you can dip your toes into coding and see if it’s something you’d like to pursue further.
The Challenges of Computer Science
Studying computer science at university is an exciting and rewarding adventure but it comes with challenges. Here are the three biggest hurdles I’ve faced while learning computer science, along with some tips on how I overcame them:
1. Abstract and Complex Concepts
One of the trickiest parts of computer science is dealing with abstract concepts like algorithms, data structures, and computational theory. These topics can seem overwhelming at first because they often require thinking in new, unfamiliar ways. For example, understanding how a sorting algorithm works or how to organise data efficiently can take some time to grasp fully.
Tip: Don’t be discouraged! I learned that breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable pieces makes a big difference.
Visualising these concepts helped too, as there are some great online resources that do just that. And remember, thinking abstractly gets easier with practice—don’t give up!
2. Learning to Code
Programming is at the core of computer science, and while it’s a lot of fun, it can also be tricky. Every programming language has its own rules and syntax, and debugging errors or figuring out how your code interacts with other systems can be frustrating at times.
Tip: I found that the key to becoming a good coder is practice, practice, practice!
My course started with small and basic parts of coding and gradually got more difficult with more complex ones building from the coding I had previously learnt.
It’s easy to get stuck, but when I did, I wasn’t afraid to ask for help whether from professors, classmates, or online communities. Over time, I could see my coding skills improving!
3. Time and Focus
Computer science often involves solving complex problems that require deep focus and attention to detail. Whether I was debugging code, designing algorithms, or working on group projects, it was easy to lose track of time. This intense focus can feel overwhelming, especially when there are multiple assignments and deadlines to juggle.
Tip: Time management became my best friend.
I learned to break tasks into smaller steps and set aside dedicated time for coding. Taking regular breaks helped me recharge and get a clearer mind as it is easy to get lost in coding as well as frustrated when there is a bugging issue in the code. If even after getting a clear mind and reviewing the code again, I was still unable to see the problem in the code, I would get a second opinion, which would usually be more than happy to help me. Collaboration is a huge part of the field, so leaning on peers and professors for support when needed was important.
While these challenges might feel daunting at first, the good news is that they are completely normal parts of the learning process. With time, patience, and practice, I found that I was more than capable of overcoming them. Keeping an open mind, staying persistent, and trusting that the process takes time helped me push through.
How to Overcome the Challenges
Don’t worry—every challenge in computer science has a solution, and the best part is that you don’t have to face them alone. The first step to overcoming obstacles is developing a growth mindset. I learned that setbacks are a part of the journey, and it’s how you respond that makes the difference. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve.To keep up with the ever-changing tech world, I made sure to take advantage of the many free learning resources available online. Platforms like Codecademy, Coursera, and Khan Academy were essential in helping me build my skills and learn new things. And if I ever hit a tough spot, I wasn’t shy about asking for help—whether from a professor, a peer, or an online community like Stack Overflow. There’s a huge network of people ready to share their knowledge, and that support was invaluable.
Computer science might seem intimidating at first, but with determination, curiosity, and the right resources, I found that I was more than equipped to tackle the challenges and enjoy all the rewards this field has to offer. After all, every expert programmer was once a beginner—what matters most is your passion and persistence!
Comments