Advice for Preparing for a Computer Science Degree and Full-Stack Development

Start working on real projects rather than just consuming tutorials. This will help you figure out if you truly enjoy coding, or if you just like the concept of it.

Consider taking a few affordable Udemy courses on JavaScript and React. These are super useful as they’re not always covered in university curriculums but are crucial in web development. I recommend checking out course options by Jonas Schmedtmann.

Honestly, I didn’t even pursue university. If you’re UK-based, consider apprenticeships or alternative paths instead of racking up student debt. My degree is in music performance, but I'm now a full-stack developer. I didn't need my degree for this job. If you can’t find an apprenticeship, get a part-time job to fund your learning. Invest in cheap online courses, watch tutorials, and actively build projects. Networking on LinkedIn and attending meet-ups could also kickstart your career sooner than your peers who go through university.

If full-stack development is your goal, software engineering might be a better fit than a pure computer science degree. There are differences, even though they’re becoming more similar. In the meantime, I suggest reading about Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs (SICP) for deeper insights into software.

CS50 is a fantastic starting point! After you complete it, I'd suggest picking one programming language to focus on for a while, like Python or JavaScript, since you already have some web experience. Building actual projects that address real problems—even if they’re simple—is far more effective than getting stuck in 'tutorial hell.' Plus, getting comfortable with Git from the get-go will be a lifesaver when you need to fix things later on.

Watching CS50 is a great first step! If I could redo my journey, I'd definitely dive deeper into hands-on projects on GitHub. Focus on soft skills too, like understanding the role of servers versus clients and UI design principles. Even if you're leaning towards backend, it's crucial to keep users in mind when crafting your applications. Use AI tools thoughtfully to answer your questions, but always cross-check the info with what real developers post online.