How to prepare for a CS degree?

Hi guys,
Just got into Computer Science at Birmingham City University, and the guy I was talking to (clearing dude) was trying to dissuade me due to me having no experience in programming, but he did say they'd teach you all I'd need to know.

Do you guys think I should do any preparation before I start the degree, and if so what?

Hi guys,
Just got into Computer Science at Birmingham City University, and the guy I was talking to (clearing dude) was trying to dissuade me due to me having no experience in programming, but he did say they'd teach you all I'd need to know.

Do you guys think I should do any preparation before I start the degree, and if so what?

@ParadoxSocks can you help this member with their prep question please?

Enjoy Birmingham - it's an awesome city!

And also, don't forget to be on the lookout for temp jobs, internships or even placement years while you're studying, since you won't be at uni forever and the aim of getting your degree is a good job, right?

Thank you very much for the incredibly informative response!
Just another question please if you'd be so kind.
I checked the first year modules and I can't determine which programming language I will be taught, here's the list :
IT Professionalism, Data Analysis, Web Technologies, Open Source Systems, Computer and Network Fundamentals, & Software Development
Don't suppose you know what programming languages may be incorporated into those subjects?

Start with Python. Even if you don't use it at uni it will make learning Java a lot easier. Java can be quite tricky at first even with some programming experience, I wouldn't want to start with it. Once you know how to think like a programmer the other languages will become easier to learn.

Hi guys,
Just got into Computer Science at Birmingham City University, and the guy I was talking to (clearing dude) was trying to dissuade me due to me having no experience in programming, but he did say they'd teach you all I'd need to know.

Do you guys think I should do any preparation before I start the degree, and if so what?

Contrary to popular belief, programming is just a small part of a computer science degree so try and pick up a bit of the background behind it too. Investigate what makes a good algorithm (algorithms are just a list of instructions that have an end goal) and how can you apply those things and that will help you to not just become a proficient programmer, but an efficient one too. Plus calculating algorithmic complexity is fun.

You have lots of choices but just grab a language and run with it if you want to go through that route. Python is a language that many start with but the danger is that it hides a lot of its complexity and so when you hit the other languages you won't know the the fiddly bits. Java is a good first language that requires a lot more thought, but if you want to really get to grips with a language/are a masochist have a play with C++ or something in that vein.

Check what your unis languages are - mine taught Java, Haskell (not so much a language, more a method of torture), C++, Prolog (the language I use to freak students out), and a couple of others depending on speciality such as RobotC. And then you have your other bits and bobs like php, SQL, CSS, HTML5 etc. Seeing what you're about to be taught might help you to see what might work out best for you as a starter language.

Once you know one well, it takes next to no time to pick up the next - I self taught and was teaching Python to students after about a fortnight.

For tasks go to Project Euler which is where my nerdiest nerds go for funsies. If you hit an error message when programming, Google it. The mistakes are the most important part of learning. Humble Bundle this month has several programming ebooks - have a look at those too if you can.

The actual language you learn is a lot less important than the principles of programming which is why I would try and stay away from Python unless it's the language of choice at your uni. I also wouldn't touch online courses, you're jumping the hoops without mentally processing.

Oh wow, thanks so much!
Spoke to the uni, they mainly teach Python and C#.
I'm currently doing some Python lessons on CodeAcademy and I'm finding it rather fun haha.
Thanks again for the incredibly informative response!

C# is a really nice language to learn!
I teach Python as a first language because it's a nice and protective high level language. It hides the complexity but if you're also picking up a C based language then your uni definitely knows what they're doing

Try mixing up CodeAcademy with some small challenges such as writing a calculator, or a text based game to get a feel for the language to make sure it all sinks in. I get my students to write a programming glossary too and that can help things to sink in a little better.

Good luck and have fun! If you need any further advice, just give me a nudge