Three Things I Would Tell my First Year Self
Reece Fenton
Studying Computer Science with Games Programming BSc(Hons)
Hi my name’s Reece and I study Computer Science with Games Programming BSc(Hons) and I am about to start my placement year. So, I have been at University for nearly three years now, and it got me thinking, what three things would I tell myself if I could go back in time to the first few weeks of my first year.
1. The Sky is the Limit
Be yourself and do what you enjoy doing.
Uni can be a great springboard to go on to the rest of life, so don’t constrict yourself in any way. I understand moving away feels like a massive change and it can be quite daunting living on your own away from family and your school and college friends. But everyone in the first few weeks is thinking and feeling the exact same, and they will soon become some of your closest friends and important people within your life. University is an opportunity not only to learn but to have fun!
2. Follow your heart
Go with your gut and believe in yourself.
Don’t be persuaded to do something that other people want you to, choose modules and subjects that you have a real passion for. You are going to get setbacks and feel like you can’t do it at times, so having a subject that you really care about and won’t give up on is so important, remember to talk to your tutors if you think you’re struggling. You’re not the only one who hasn’t done coding before, loads of people haven’t, and by the end of your first year it doesn’t matter anyway as everyone is at the same level, so you’re just as good as those that have coded before Uni.
3. Your course isn’t the only thing you can do
You don’t have to do Computer Science or Games Programming for the rest of your life.
There are loads of different jobs available in every area imaginable (in some areas you don’t even know exist yet!) that are looking for people with skills not for a specific degree. In your third year, you will get a Software Development placement with a company called Elder Studios in Huddersfield, which has nothing to do with games programming. Don’t worry that you still don’t really know exactly what you want to do, Uni can be a chance to gain some experience in a general area and find out what you are best at and enjoy most.
Hope you found this blog interesting, I can’t believe how far I have come in two years, it only seems a short while ago my parents dropped me off at Storthes Hall! The last thing I would say is whatever course you are thinking of taking, believe in yourself, just because you might not have any experience in that area yet doesn’t mean you can’t push yourself and learn something new.
If you have any questions about student life, Huddersfield, or would just like to chat with current students about their experiences, feel free to ask away on UniBuddy.
If you would like to find out more information about the course I study on here's the link:
Computer Science with Games Programming BSc(Hons).
Good Luck!
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