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How Should i learn for Data Structures & Algorithms(First semester)

Nidal.Smali

I've ignored D&A the whole semster and i dont know how i should approach studing. I'm open for guidance .

Reply 1

mesub

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post by Nidal.Smali

I've ignored D&A the whole semster and i dont know how i should approach studing. I'm open for guidance .

Read up on it and then get practising using your programming language of choice.

Reply 2

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by Nidal.Smali

I've ignored D&A the whole semster and i dont know how i should approach studing. I'm open for guidance .

Hi,

Don’t worry , it’s not too late to start! Data Structures and Algorithms can feel intimidating, but with a structured approach, you can make significant progress. Here’s a plan to help you get started:

First, focus on understanding the fundamental concepts. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, start small. Review your course materials: lecture notes, slides, or recommended textbooks. If you’re unsure about the basics, online resources like GeeksforGeeks, freeCodeCamp, or YouTube videos can provide accessible explanations. Make sure you grasp the core data structures (arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, graphs, and hash tables) and algorithms (sorting, searching, recursion, etc.).

Once you have a foundation, work on coding examples for each concept. Start with beginner-level problems and gradually increase difficulty. When solving, focus on understanding the problem, thinking through the logic, and then coding. After you’ve written a solution, compare it to others and analyse its efficiency, this helps you learn different approaches.

A good way to stay motivated is by tackling one data structure or algorithm per day or week, depending on the time you have left. For example, you could dedicate a few days to arrays, then move to linked lists, and so on. As you practice, keep notes of the key properties, uses, and common pitfalls for each topic. it’ll be a helpful reference for exams and coding interviews.

If your university offers tutorials or office hours, definitely take advantage of them. Speak with your lecturer or tutor and explain where you’re struggling—they’re there to help and can guide you toward specific resources or explain complex topics in a simpler way. At the University of Salford, we encourage students to lean on academic support services, so see if your university offers similar help.

Additionally, don’t try to learn everything in isolation. If you have friends or classmates who are also studying DSA, form a study group. Discussing problems and collaborating on solutions can make learning more interactive and less overwhelming. Sometimes, someone else’s perspective can make a tricky concept click.

Finally, don’t let the semester’s end overwhelm you. Focus on the key topics that are most likely to come up in exams or assignments; review past papers or example problems if you can. DSA is as much about understanding logic as it is about practice, so even if you feel behind, consistent effort now will go a long way. And remember, it’s okay to make mistakes while learning, they’re a natural part of the process. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll catch up!

Good luck,
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

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