Choosing Self-Directed Learning Alongside University

learninguniversityself-directed-learningprogrammingpersonal-growth

Context

I just started Computer Engineering at UAGRM and the first semester feels much slower than I expected. In Introduction to Computing we spend weeks on concepts that I feel I could understand in a few days. I want to start building real things, not just do basic exercises. I’ve always studied intensely on my own, so this pace is frustrating. At the same time, I’m starting to notice that many people online are learning programming through documentation, tutorials, and developer communities, and they seem to progress much faster than in traditional classrooms.

Decision

Learn programming intensively on my own while continuing university, using online resources to move faster than the curriculum.

Alternatives Considered

Just follow the university pace

Pros
  • Less workload
  • More time for other activities
  • Structured path
Cons
  • Too slow for my goals
  • Would take years to build real skills
  • Some outdated content

Drop out and learn completely on my own

Pros
  • Total freedom
  • Potentially faster learning
Cons
  • No degree
  • Less credibility when job hunting
  • Missing the university network

Focus only on passing exams

Pros
  • Less stress
  • Easier workload
Cons
  • Wouldn't develop real skills
  • Not prepared for actual work

Reasoning

I’ve always been curious and self-directed. I want to actually understand how things work, not just memorize enough to pass exams. Recently I saw another student who took a year off and came back with much stronger programming skills because he studied on his own. That made me realize it’s possible to learn a lot outside the classroom. I also keep discovering more resources online: documentation, tutorials, forums, and developer communities. It feels like the internet might allow me to learn much faster than the university pace. At the same time, dropping out doesn’t feel like the right move. A degree still has value for credibility and job opportunities. So the best option seems to be doing both: continue university for the structure and credential, but take responsibility for my own learning and go much deeper on my own.

Why the University Pace Felt Slow

In my first semester, I’m taking five subjects. Introduction to Computer Science is the one making me question things the most. After a couple of weeks, I feel like I already understand the core ideas, but the class keeps repeating similar exercises.

I want to build things, not just do board work.

Some topics also feel outdated, like spending time on COBOL. It makes me wonder if the curriculum is enough to become a good programmer.

Discovering Online Learning

Before university, I thought programming was something you mostly learned in school.

But I’m starting to realize the internet has almost everything:

  • Official documentation
  • YouTube tutorials
  • Developer communities
  • Google for solving specific problems

I’m finding creators who explain things really well:

  • MoureDev
  • Midudev
  • Fazt
  • Juan Pablo de la Torre
  • DevTalles

One phrase stuck with me:

“If you can imagine it, you can program it.”

That idea changes how I see programming. It’s not just theory. It’s a tool to build things.

My Plan for Learning

Right now my approach is simple:

  1. Google everything
  2. Watch tutorials when I need guidance
  3. Read official documentation when possible

Reading documentation also pushes me to improve my English, which is another useful skill.

I’m planning to build small projects constantly. Most of them probably won’t become portfolio projects. They’ll just be practice.

The Trade-Offs

If I follow this path, I’ll probably have to sacrifice a lot of social time. University already takes effort, and learning more on top of that will make my schedule tighter.

But if I want to become really good at programming, it seems necessary.

Programming feels like a field where the people who improve fastest are the ones who keep learning on their own.

What I Expect to Gain

If this approach works, it should help me:

  • Learn much faster than the university pace
  • Start building real projects earlier
  • Improve my English through documentation
  • Develop stronger problem-solving skills
  • Learn how to teach myself new technologies

Looking Forward

University still has value. It provides structure, a degree, and people to discuss ideas with.

But I don’t want to rely on it as my only source of learning.

For now, the plan is simple: finish the degree, but treat my real education as something I’m responsible for myself.

All decisions