Best products from r/UCI

You don't have to know anything about programming going in, as aixelsdi mentions. If you want to get ahead, here's some information which may help you do so. The rest is up to your own initiative. It can never hurt to know more about CS or more languages, as long as you don't waste time complaining about what's better in [insert language of choice].

I wouldn't recommend learning data structures and algorithm analysis before coming to UCI. Not because they aren't fundamental, they are. But because most people find it harder to learn those abstractions before learning the tools that utilize them (Python, C++, etc), which is why ICS 46 and CS 161 aren't the first classes taught. If you like math proofs more than math problems then maybe go that route, it could be helpful as iLoveCalculus314 mentions.

Languages: The CS introductory series (31-32-33) which you'll be taking first year is taught in Python. It switched to this because it's a good first language as a teaching tool. Right after you're done with Python, 45C will teach you C++ and 46 will use C++. The lower division systems core (51-53) generally use C or C++ but it differs by professor. Knowledge of Python will be useful in making your first year easier. Knowledge of the other two will make your next three years easier because they're common mediums for upper division courses. But you should be able to pick up a new language for a specific problem domain by the time you reach upper division.

Courses: If you want to get a head start on planning your courses, check the UCI Catalogue - Computer Science page. At the bottom it lists a sample of what your schedule over the 4 years might look like. That page is for the "Computer Science" major, for other majors in ICS see here.

Course Resources: You can actually view the Schedule of Classes without being a UCI student. Select a term (like Fall 2014) and a department (like I&C SCI) and it will list what classes were offered that term. Most lower div will be I&C SCI, most upper div will be COMPSCI. From the results you can go to the websites for those courses to see a syllabus, books used, etc. For example, here are the current websites for the introductory series ( ICS 31, ICS 32, ICS 33 ).

Your course professors and books and assignments will NOT be identical to those, but looking at what's currently taught will give you a pretty good idea of what the course entails so you can pre-learn anything that sounds difficult.

Books: If you have to pick one book to learn before coming to UCI, I would highly recommend C++ Primer, 5th Edition. It's very well structured as a self-teaching tool AND as a reference manual. You won't come away with any Python knowledge, but picking up Python as someone versed in C++ is easier than the other way around, and you'll find 45C much easier as well since you can focus on language quirks rather than fundamentals.

If you choose to learn Python first, Introduction to Computing Using Python: An Application Development Focus is the book currently suggested for ICS 31/32, and Learning Python (5th Edition) is suggested for ICS 33.

Another solid circlejerk book in the CS community is Code Complete, but I wouldn't recommend reading that until later on since it's more of a "best practices" book.

I'm surprised to hear that they don't have an eating disorders group - but I double checked the Counseling Website and you are right. However, they DO have a workshop on Wednesday, March 6th at 1pm in the Counseling Center called, "Love Your Bodies, Not a Size" - going to this workshop might be helpful for you - and it might be a good first step in getting comfortable enough with the Counseling Center and their staff to schedule an individual appointment.
At the very least, you could let the therapist who runs the workshop that you are disappointed that they don't have an eating disorders support group here at UCI and whether they could consider starting one (or at least refer you to one).

I hope that helps!

​

P.S. You may find this book helpful: https://www.amazon.com/Body-Image-Workbook-Eight-Step-Learning/dp/1572245468/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=The+Body+Image+Workbook&qid=1549762614&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Pancakes are cheap food that every student should know how to make in his/her own room. Here's some advice about how to do this. Buy pancake mix that specifically says "Complete" on the box. That means you only need to add water. I suggest that you buy a large 5lbs box like this, because it's the most economical. A large OXO food storage container is useful to keep the mix sealed and away from pests. Also buy one of these Bisquick Shake-n-pour bottles so that you can reuse the bottle if you've got a fridge to store any extra batter. A little spritz of cooking spray is all you need for pancakes or waffles, but you may need to add some cooking oil to the batter for waffles in order for them to brown, crisp, and release from the iron. Non-stick electric skillets are easy to find. Amazon will probably have same-day prime delivery to your room. Students can sign up for Amazon prime for free. The trick for pancakes is to use very little oil and medium-low temp. Wait for the bubbles to rise on the surface of the pancakes twice, using a spatula to check the edge for burning. It's better to start with low heat and only gradually increase it to speed up cooking as you learn the proper setting to keep it on for multiple pancakes. The items I linked are just examples. Feel free to use whatever similar items that you find instead.

A shower caddy helped alot. Didn't think I'd ever use mine but i ended up using it every day.

Besides basic school supplies, bring your vitamins as they'll help keeping you awake.

Plastic Drawers such as these where you can shove it into your closet to get yourself a few more feet of surface area helped in organization.

3M stick-on-hooks or whatever they're called to hang your stuff and keep them off the ground.

Tupperware or any container to keep your toothbrush and toothpaste neatly together.

I can't remember everything I brought over but basically anything that will keep your stuff together neatly and in a small package. Cups to hold your pens and pencils, tupperware to hold your stuff, ziplock bags. You don't want to be that roommate who drops everything on the floor as soon as they get back from class and have everything messy.

EDIT: The one thing I absolutely loved myself for bringing was a pair of ear plugs and an eye mask yo help me sleep during the day and help me sleep when it's late at night and my roommate continued to study at night. Those two things saved my life.

Talk to a counselor.

Think practically. College is about both expanding your mind, but more importantly, about giving you the skills you need to be a productive member of society. Join AIChE for a quarter and get a feel of "Chemical Engineering."

While Physics might be interesting, I see no reason to major in it other than for personal experience or niche jobs in research.

I reccommend you read this, or better yet, skim through it.

Physics and ChemE are distant enough that once you land a job, I doubt your other degree will matter at all (career wise).

I recommend you focus on one major and do it well and take your spare time to hammer down an internship or field related part time job rather than going balls to the walls school 24/7.

That's coming from a double. GL

Honeywell Indoor Portable Evaporative Cooler with Fan & Humidifier with Detachable Tank, Carbon Dust Filter & Remote Control, CS10XE https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IINNL9I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GK9OCb07HRXY7


A little pricey, but these are amazing. Like they’re on the larger side, but they work soooo well and feel just as good as AC honestly.

So this is what I would consider the "Core" reading list for anyone interested in programming games. None of this is really game specific though. These are just the fundamentals you need in order to be an effective Software Engineer.

Learn about...

C++ syntax: Programming: Principles and Practice Using C++ by Bjarne Stroustrup

Software Engineering: Code Complete by Steve McConnell

C++ gems: Effective C++ by Scott Meyer

Software Teams: The Mythical Man-Month by Frederick P. Brooks Jr.

Why we love Joel: Joel on Software by Joel Spolsky

Problem Solving: The Pragmatic Programmer by Andrew Hunt

Common Code Solutions: Head First Design Patterns by Eric Freeman

Pearls!: Programming Pearls by Jon Bentley

I'll do a supplemental on this in a few days that dives into specific topics related to engine development. All of this is generic enough that it will help you regardless of what you do. You'll notice that very little here is actually language specific. Almost all of this is about the art of making software and process of working with a team. These 8 books alone will make you think about making software in a whole new way.

Best earplugs I've used so far.

https://www.amazon.com/3M-OCS1135-Yellow-Neons-Earplugs/dp/B008MCUOH2/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=soft+ears&qid=1569945132&s=gateway&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FNFSPY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

​

Its $10 and its a plug and play. Dont waste your money on buying another router