The Raw Reality of Pursuing a Computer Science Degree

You may regret choosing a CS Major

Photo by Honey Yanibel Minaya Cruz on Unsplash

You might think that studying computer science (CS) is a glamorous journey filled with coding, high-paying jobs, and tech-savvy genius friends — well, think again. The reality is that CS degrees will take you on a roller coaster ride full of surprises, stress, and personal growth. So, fasten your seatbelts and join me as we explore the ups and downs of this wild adventure.

The First Year: Say Hello to the Basics (and Goodbye to Your Social Life)

It all starts when you decide to embark on this exciting journey and get admitted into a CS program. It doesn’t matter whether you’re at Harvard or your local university, the experience will still be quite a ride. As you dive into your first year, you’ll be introduced to programming fundamentals, often taught using Python, Java, or even C or Lisp. And let’s not forget the weeding-out process — any lazy TikTok-inspired CS aspirants will soon realize that this isn’t their cup of tea.

Just when you think you’re getting the hang of coding, reality hits you: half of your first-year schedule is filled with math classes and seemingly unrelated electives. The CS degree suddenly starts feeling a lot less like a direct path to your dream job…