đŸ’» What I Wish I Knew Before Studying Computer Science at University

I had the privilege of studying at EPFL (École Polytechnique FĂ©dĂ©rale de Lausanne). Here’s the advice I wish I had received when I started my computer science studies.

1. Make a personal website

Prefer to work on things you can show. Prefer to work where people can see you. Prefer to work on things you can own

Build a personal website as early as possible. Ideally, code it yourself so it reflects your identity. Don’t worry about perfection—just make it easy to update and keep evolving it over time.

2. Start writing a blog

Writing is the beginning of all wealth

Writing is the foundation of thought leadership. Share what you're learning — especially the problems you’ve solved. Many others are struggling with the same issues. A monthly post is enough. After a few years, your blog will become a valuable portfolio and attract followers, opportunities, and connections.

3. Work on open-source projects

Your net worth is your network

Contributing to open source is one of the best ways to accelerate your learning. You’ll gain hands-on experience, collaborate with real developers, and build a valuable network. Start by searching GitHub for “good first issue” tags to find beginner-friendly projects.

A good way to start is to look for “good first issue”.

4. Don’t get crazy if you don’t take the maximal vote

It might seem like you need to be a math genius or code like Linus Torvalds to succeed. You don’t. When I applied to jobs, no one asked about my GPA—but they did look at my GitHub, personal projects, and online presence. Focus on what you can demonstrate and communicate clearly—soft skills matter too.

5. Participate to University activities

Join hackathons, student clubs, faculty assemblies, or even help organize social events. These experiences enrich your academic life, grow your network, and improve your teamwork and leadership skills.

6. Keep tracks of your learnings

Document your learnings using tools like Notion, Obsidian, or even a simple markdown journal. Having a digital second brain helps consolidate your understanding and revisit key concepts when needed.

7. Learn how to learn

Read A Mind for Numbers by Barbara Oakley — a fantastic resource for mastering how to study, especially for technical subjects. It teaches metacognitive techniques that help you study more efficiently and retain more.

6. Conclusion

Keep showing up

Consistency beats intensity. Start now — go to vercel.com, fork a template, and begin personalizing it. Tomorrow, upload a profile picture. The day after, write a title for your first blog post. Keep going. In two months, you’ll have a site you’re proud of. In two years, you’ll have an audience and a network that opens doors.

Studying computer science today is full of opportunity. Enjoy the ride—I’m rooting for you! đŸ„‚

© Copyright 2025, Jonathan Besomi