What Tips Do You Have for a New Software Student?

Make sure to code outside of your classes! Just following the coursework isn't enough; you need practical experience. Try to do more than just what's required in your labs — refine your work and get creative with it. Working on projects with friends helps a lot too; you'll learn from each other and build your skills together. Don’t be afraid to ask your professors questions; remember, you're paying for this education, so take full advantage of it! Most importantly, have fun with the process!

Stay away from relying too much on AI for coding help; it can create bad habits. Instead, communicate regularly with your professors and show them your eagerness to learn — they'll often help more than you expect if they see you are engaged. And yes, memorizing key concepts is essential even if some tools make it seem trivial!

Besides coding skills, learn how to use version control like Git and project management tools. Working in a team is a big part of the job, so develop good communication skills and get comfortable discussing your ideas and debating them in group settings. It's not just about code, but how well you collaborate!

Internships are invaluable. Try to grab any opportunity to intern during your studies or after graduation. Real-world experience is a game changer and helps build a network. Also, check out good IDEs like JetBrains or Visual Studio Code, and attend any workshops offered by your school — they can provide great insights that help you with your studies!

Get a jump on programming projects. Don’t procrastinate — if you fall behind, get help right away. Understanding the material is crucial, especially since you'll need this knowledge long-term. Some students do just enough to pass and then regret it later when they don’t know how to code properly. It’s all about the effort you put in!