/prog/ - Programming★

Try some intro to CS courses see if you like it

https://www.edx.org/course/introduction-computer-science-harvardx-cs50x

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-00sc-introduction-to-computer-science-and-programming-spring-2011/

http://www.theodinproject.com/home web dev bootcamp

>>3216 (OP)

Also, you would be better off having a strong math knowledge base to survive the first 2 years, you could use a totally different language in CS 101 at your school but the math won't change

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/electrical-engineering-and-computer-science/6-042j-mathematics-for-computer-science-fall-2010/

>>3217

If you do this, you'll be miles ahead of everyone in your grade. This is my first semester of a CS major and all of the programming in the intro class is basically the same as MIT's intro to CS and programming.

These are designed for beginners (though, don't kid yourself - beginners struggle a lot - it takes a lot of time and dedication to learn to program).

I think if you learn the basics you should be fine. Bonus points if you do one of the first two in >>3217 .

You'll probably want to brush up on your math though. That's something a lot of programmers overlook when they go to uni - any IT or CS degree at a decent university will have at least one required discrete math class. Just be sure you can into algebra, and practice proving some things. Proofs can take a bit to get the hang of.

>>3216 (OP)

I am in the same situation. I suggest delving into the Linux world. It is what made programming less scary for me. Once bash scripting becomes comfy, most languages will come to you fairly easily. Also, it helps make you more tech literate. You will encounter hardship, but it will do nothing less than help you. Just don't let distrohopping and rabid package installation get in the way of any of your classes (especially maths or ap histories). Arch and gentoo will grow the most hair on your chest, but mint is likely the best for beginners. Arch has an amazing package management system, but you will probably break it weekly. If you need windows for gaymen, dual boot, or use cygwin. If none of those seem viable, just use Python the hard way, codecademy, memrise, YouTube, and Khan academy to get you started. Lainchan has a great programming board (this one is pretty good too) and reddit (dare I say it's name) can be a good resource for links to programming resources and /unixporn/. Good luck, and godspeed.

The only had part about university is time management. The courses you take aren't hard, anybody can do them and plenty of TAs and support study groups are around. Remember a Bachelor's is the basic information level needed to pursue something. That's it, basic info. They try to challenge with some research area thought exercises but you're literally just learning a foundation that's all.

The problem will come when you have eleventy billion credits per semester, so in one night you'll have to write a philosophy paper, read 5 chapters for next days lectures, do X amount of math exercises, do X amount of physics exercises ect. all with your friends and g/f calling you to come out and party.

Read through this guy's blog http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/11/25/case-study-how-i-got-the-highest-grade-in-my-discrete-math-class/