Hey everyone! I'm a first-year computer science student in Poland, and I'm really feeling overwhelmed. Despite studying hard, I often find myself struggling with exams and programming tasks, especially in Java, which I find particularly challenging. I have a little experience with Python, but it hasn't been as bad. I don't have much background in coding or advanced math, but I'm passionate about working in cybersecurity. It's frustrating because I feel like I'm paying a lot for this education and not seeing the results I desire. I'm looking for tips on how to cope when I don't understand a concept, strategies for reading and writing code, particularly arrays and collections, since I feel lost there. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
5 Answers
Since you're aiming for a career in cybersecurity, you might want to focus on Python first and leave Java for later. There are some great free resources like the Python certification from Free Code Camp that can help you gain confidence. It’s okay to ask for help when you’re feeling stuck—just keep moving forward!
Try not to overthink arrays—start using them in simple programs. For example, create a little program to track scores and find the highest one. Sometimes the panic comes from the pressure to understand everything before you actually start to code. Just build small projects at first!
Have you tried really diving into hands-on practice? Watching videos is great, but writing actual code helps solidify your understanding. I suggest you create small programs that utilize arrays to see how they work in practice. It can make a big difference!
That makes sense! I think I’ve only written about a dozen practice problems, mostly just old tasks from my classes and tutorials. Maybe I need to focus more on practicing.
Have you considered getting some one-on-one help? Asking an accomplished classmate can really clarify concepts. Also, take notes on paper first before coding—it can help you process the logic better. You can find practice problems on HackerRank or check out question sets that are relevant to what you're learning. Good luck, and remember to keep asking for help when you need it!
I totally agree! Writing on paper can sound old-fashioned, but it actually makes you take note of the details and really helps you understand.
I totally related to your situation two years ago! Don't give up—you'll get through it. The first year is about laying down the basics, and it can feel disjointed. Just hang in there! Once you start working on group projects, you'll find everyone feels a bit lost. Remember that struggling now is part of the journey, and you don't have to master everything all at once. Just keep at it!
For learning to read and write code better, break down your assignments into smaller bits and tackle them one at a time. If you're feeling good with Python, use that to cross-compare with Java.
I tried using AI for coding before, but I found it harder to learn that way. Sometimes failing is part of the process, and it's tougher to learn when AI skips those steps.