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9 Things You Have To Know Before Breaking Into Your First Hackathon

Now that a major Hackathon season is on, learn how you should go about it.

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Tanya Sengupta

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Hackathons have recently become a big thing for students all over the world. Let that be college or high school, everyone has its own type of hackathon. You may wonder why I didn't mention only computer science students. You may be happy to know, it's not only for the coders—anyone can be a part of it! Either by volunteering or by being a major part of a team cause, how can one code if one does not have it's reasons to? You can be the reason! Want to know more about the hacking marathon? You're on the right page!

1. Brainstorm ideas

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Someone has told: "Ideas are bulletproof". So, don't overthink. Let the creativity flow.

2. Consider coding platforms you are confident about

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Don't take up a random new coding platforms when you don't know how to use them. If doing so, start learning ahead of time(before the actual hackathon).

3. Be open to new stuff

Major League Hacking

Don't confine your self to old things/ people you know. Learn new things, attend workshops, meet new people.

4. Network

Major League Hacking

Remember, hackathons are a great source of networking. Meet and talk to people or representatives from different companies, get to know more about them, know about the vacancies and ways of recruitment.

5. Try to be as much original as possible

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It will be a lie if I say your idea has to be absolutely original. Nothing can be original, everything is derived. However, derive the least and create and innovate the most. How? Don't depend on already created APIs and general sites or apps and make your project presentable(eye-pleasing).

6. Unlimited Food and Snack

Tanya Sengupta

Coding for hours? Need to munch onto something to keep you awake? Hackathon organizers' got you! When at the hacking marathon, do not worry about munch-ons. Grab some anytime of the day...there's no limit.

7. Free Swag!!

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The most exciting part of hackathons is the free swag!!! Grab as many as possible. Remember: it's free!!! After all they say, "Best thing in the world is free."

8. Explore the new place

Aidan Russell

Hackathons are a good reason to visit multiple Universities and it's nearby locations. Go out while you take a break from coding and explore!!

9. DO NOT STOP AFTER JUST ONE.

Stony Brook Computing Society

Keep participating, success or failure do not matter. What matters is the consistency to learn and grow. The more you attend, the more you get to know about ideas and computing, the more you grow your knowledge, and you never know, you might win few of them!

About to hit your first/upcoming Hackathon? Ready, set, go!

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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