What Skills Should I Learn Before Starting a Computer Science Degree in the UK?

I'm planning to start a Computer Science degree in the UK next year, and I want to make the most of my first year.

For current CS students or graduates....what skills would you recommend learning before uni starts?

Some ideas I had were:

- basic programming (Python, Java?)

- maths refreshers

- problem-solving / algorithms

- version control (Git?)

Would love to hear what helped you the most, what you wish you had learned earlier, or any resources you recommend.

Thanks in advance!

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Original post

by Abdul_MalikM

I'm planning to start a Computer Science degree in the UK next year, and I want to make the most of my first year.
For current CS students or graduates....what skills would you recommend learning before uni starts?
Some ideas I had were:
- basic programming (Python, Java?)
- maths refreshers
- problem-solving / algorithms
- version control (Git?)
Would love to hear what helped you the most, what you wish you had learned earlier, or any resources you recommend.
Thanks in advance!

Hello!

From the research i've done on your question here is what i have gathered!

You should get a general feel for programming as it is a competitive industry so you will need a well rounded skillset which you will acquire from your degree.

Key attributes:

•

Passion

•

Creativity

•

Collaboration

•

Confidence

•

Time management

•

Resourcefulness

•

Dedication

Key skills:

•

Problem solving

•

Analytics abilities

•

Initiative, show this throughout your education

•

Time management

•

Constantly seeking improvement on knowledge and skills

Learn these:

•

Mainstream programming such as Python, Java or C++

•

Typing and computational thinking skills

•

Understanding concepts like algorithms and data structures

•

Engaging with tutorials and preparatory materials to build effective knowledge

I would also advise you to join a computer science society and get computer science placements or volunteering for them throughout university to gain experience, build knowledge and show your passion, initiative and dedication!

Hope this helps,
Katy,
LJMUStudentRep

Reply 2

marcus.0

I'm surprised you haven't yet learnt programming in Python or any other mainstream language and landed a place in a CS course?
Basic problem-solving and algorithms come first, then learning a language to solve said problems in. I would then recommend you complete some LeetCode questions to set yourself early for internship interviews.

Reply 3

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

Original post

by marcus.0

Most UK CS degrees don't assume any prior programming knowledge. They normally just require good mathematical background.

Reply 4

cherrycosmos

Original post

by Abdul_MalikM

I'm planning to start a Computer Science degree in the UK next year, and I want to make the most of my first year.
For current CS students or graduates....what skills would you recommend learning before uni starts?
Some ideas I had were:
- basic programming (Python, Java?)
- maths refreshers
- problem-solving / algorithms
- version control (Git?)
Would love to hear what helped you the most, what you wish you had learned earlier, or any resources you recommend.
Thanks in advance!

It's not exactly a skill but I have a notebook just full of my failures like things that didn't break, how i tried to fix it and how I solved it. Things like that.
I find myself taking ages trying to fix a couple of lines - so you will thank your future self if you make the same mistake but you have the documentaion to know how to fix it.

Reply 5

Insouciant.

Original post

by Abdul_MalikM

I'm planning to start a Computer Science degree in the UK next year, and I want to make the most of my first year.
For current CS students or graduates....what skills would you recommend learning before uni starts?
Some ideas I had were:
- basic programming (Python, Java?)
- maths refreshers
- problem-solving / algorithms
- version control (Git?)
Would love to hear what helped you the most, what you wish you had learned earlier, or any resources you recommend.
Thanks in advance!

Absolutely doesn't hurt to be prepared,

however, do note you are going to university to be taught this and will have ample time to do so, unless you're thinking of working longer hours during university id mostly try to enjoy the last summer break you get!

Its so positive to learn these, but so much easier with the subscriptions etc that you're given with the university

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