10 Ways To Make Your Coding Bootcamp Experience Cozier

Everyone has their own opinions on the best ways to make the most of your time at a coding bootcamp; but as the self-appointed mayor of coziness, here’s my tips on how to stay comfortable through a software engineering bootcamp.

I put this point first because I think it’s the most important thing. When you start your coding career, first note that your classmates aren’t your enemies. They’re your friends and future colleagues. Do yourself a favor and open up to them. It’ll make your bootcamp experience a whole lot more fun. And once you graduate, then you’ll have comrades in your job hunt and beyond.

2. Pick out some extra-curricular reading

I had to commute everyday to my bootcamp, luckily my commute wasn’t too bad and it took be anywhere from 20–40 minutes depending on how quickly the bus ran. At the beginning of bootcamp I decided to start reading the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy by Cixin Liu. It was nice to have something to keep my mind away from coding but also not completely mind rotting (hey Netflix I’m looking at you!). I recommend picking out a book, or a couple of books, that have been on your bucket list.

3. Keep an emergency frozen dinner in the freezer

Your bootcamp will probably have a communal fridge of some sort. Stash away a frozen meal just in case you have a hunger emergency. You never know when the hanger will hit. Ajinomoto makes these great frozen rice bowl meals- the yakiniku one is my favorite. A none frozen alternative might be an energy bar or bag of chips.

Pro tip: if you’re a hot sauce fiend like me… maybe also keep a secret bottle in your cubby. My favorite is Dave’s Insanity sauce.

4. Keep slippers and comfy clothes at school

I kept a pair of slippers at school so I could change out of my shoes when I started intensely coding. That may not be your style, so maybe try Tevas or flip flops. I went the extra mile and had a fleece onesie to change into- but maybe you’re more a sweatpants person?

5. Don’t party (too hard). Treat your body well!

You made it this far, you got accepted to the bootcamp of your dreams, so why waste it? This 3 months of your life should be dedicated to your pursuit of software engineering knowledge. If you try to juggle a busy social life with bootcamp, you’re just not going to do as well as you can. Let me give you some advice I learned from undergrad: learning is hard when you’re hungover.

6. Advocate for your sleep and mental health

I made sure my close friends, family, and teachers understood if I was sleep deprived or needed a mental break. Coding for 8+ hours a day can be mentally exhausting. Be transparent about how you’re feeling and if you need a break. I was lucky enough to feel comfortable telling my instructors that I needed to go rest for 15 minutes before I felt comfortable tackling a problem again.

7. Stop paying for coffee

Maybe I was spoiled and all bootcamps don’t do this, but Hackbright provided us with an unlimited supply of ground coffee beans.

If you make a coffee run every morning, not only are you hemorrhaging money but you’re taking away from time you could be studying or setting up for class. Why make a detour every morning to grab coffee when you can head straight to school and relax with your coffee?

8. Carve out three months of your life for school

This point builds off of point #5. Except more specifically, if you’re going to do a coding bootcamp, really make sure that it is the one thing you’re doing. If you can help it, don’t juggle bootcamp with a part-time job or other strenuous obligations. In the words of the philosopher Kierkegaard, make software engineering your defining commitment.

Put simply, pour yourself into your work. Become a programmer by being one.

9. Keep a toothbrush on you

This was a game changer for me. If I was ever in a hurry or just ate some particularly aromatic food- having a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss on hand made my day just a little easier.

10. Invest in a good mouse

If you don’t already own one, it’s time to get a mouse. All that typing on your laptop will give you carpal tunnel. Having my own mouse during project season of my bootcamp made all the difference for me.

You’ve made it to the end of the list. Congratulations! I hope you make it comfortably to the end of your tenure at bootcamp. Reach out if you have any questions or leave a comment below!

in comfiness,

Kat

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