Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Do as much extracurricular stuff as you can manage with as much time as you can give it, in whatever interests you. I was also a CS major, and my free time went to theatre. I actually ended up with two degrees, the second one being theatre, so I guess for me it was a little more than extracurricular, but the point stands. Now that I'm out of college and have a wife and job, I find it infinitely more difficult to find time to do any acting/directing/etc, and it's something I really miss and I'm very glad I did it in college while I had the chance.

Might not be theatre for you, obviously. Might be music, might be hiking, might be journalism, might be Ultimate Frisbee playing, whatever. Find something that isn't related to what you'll end up doing 9-to-5 after you get out, and explore that thing.

EDIT: slackerIII's point about making new friends is also spot-on. Luckily, extra-curriculars can make that easier so the two tips go hand-in-hand. ;) The social atmosphere of college is completely unique (at least in American society; I realize you may or may not be US-ian), so open yourself up to it and take advantage.




Not intending to get a job or get married (is the former actually feasible?), but will keep your advice in mind. I'm trying to get out hiking and climbing (I'm in the northeast), but (this) college is so much work.


Is getting a job feasible? With a CS degree? Yes, it can be done. ;) What were you planning on doing after college other than getting a job?


No, I meant the other way round - is it feasible not to get a job out of college? I was thinking the startup route, but again, that idea is still the vague-move-to-Valley plan.


Ah, okay. In that case, I have no idea. ;) Based on the number of startups in existence, I would guess that yes, it's probably feasible, but I didn't go that route so I won't have anything useful to say about it.




Consider applying for YC's Spring batch! Applications are open till Feb 11.

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: