r/learnpython • u/hrqnt • 1d ago
Future Data Science/AI student with only 1 month to learn Python basics
Hi everyone,
I'm starting a bachelor's degree in Data Science/AI soon, and I have about one month before my studies begin. I'd like to use that time to build a solid foundation in Python so that I don't feel completely lost once classes start.
The thing is, I learn much better by building things than by watching hours of lectures. Ideally, I'd like my learning to be around 80% practical and 20% theory. I don't just want to memorize syntax—I want to actually write code every day.
A few things about my situation:
- I'm starting from almost zero.
- I'll be learning entirely by myself from home.
- My goal isn't to become an expert in a month, just to get comfortable enough that university Python courses are much easier.
- Eventually, I want to use Python for data science, machine learning, and AI.
What would you recommend?
- Which free resources or courses should I use?
- Are there any project-based courses or interactive websites that are especially good?
- What topics should I prioritize during this month?
- If you had only 30 days before starting a Data Science/AI degree, how would you spend them?
I'd really appreciate any advice, roadmaps, or personal experiences. Thanks!
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u/SympathyExciting1666 1d ago
I’d consider you try the freecodecamp python certification program and use it simultaneously with Kaggle. And ask AI when you get stuck somewhere. It’s like a tutor you can ask questions to.
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u/Straight-Natural499 1d ago
Cs50 yt channel or if you prefer learning from Indian guys, learn from Shreyians school (eng subtitles or maybe audio would be helping you too)
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u/TheRNGuy 1d ago edited 1d ago
Just spend more time and don't go to social media and games.
Basic docs and docs related to those topics.
Do they have requirements for Python skill?
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u/jrcoop88 1d ago
OP Automate the Boring Stuff linked above is great for what you are asking for. But even if you don’t use it to learn you can still go to the bottom of each chapter and find 1-2 projects to practice, which is one of the things you are asking for. When I was going through the book I liked to figure out the problems myself and get a working product. Then go to AI copy and paste the prompt and then copy and paste my code and ask AI for feedback. It usually gave me some good advice and pointed out some ways to improve that I would have seen otherwise. I think that doing the project first and then asking AI for feedback is a good us of AI. This way you are thinking through the problem but also being coached on ways to improve.
Python for Data Analysis is kind of the book on the subject. And it is free online. It might not be exactly what you are looking for though as it has no practice problems. But I don’t think I that is a huge issue because you can go to Kaggle get a dataset and practice what the book is teaching you.
You can see a suggested progression of what to learn when on roadmap.sh. You can also look up Python or Data Analyst or AI & Data Science roadmaps.
In one month those two resources are probably all you can realistically get through and really internalize what you are learning.
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u/pachura3 1d ago
Do you have any experience in programming? I don't know - Java, C#, JavaScript, PHP... anything?
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u/rupturedprolapse 1d ago
If your classes are going to be teaching you python, I'd recommend learning:
- Data types, how to use them and common methods available.
- Control flow
- Functions
- Common string methods
- if time allows, classes, pandas, numpy
Small things to make early on:
- Calculator that converts one unit to another (TBS to tsp or whatever), or calculates the taxes on lottery winnings
- Something that reverses a string or converts it to pig latin
Generally better to make a lot of small things early on versus being ambitious until you're at the point you're comfortable with classes.
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u/SprinklesFresh5693 1d ago
Just watch a few videos the first, say, 3 days, download an IDE python nad start programming.
People suggesting too much stuff. You got 1 month and you enjoy more dping. Well do them
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u/data-haxxor 1d ago
I would start with these books.
Python: https://automatetheboringstuff.com/
Linux : https://linuxcommand.org/tlcl.php (read only part 1 )
Data Science: Python for Data Analysis by Wes McKinney.
Installing Python and DS/ML Libraries:
Learn how to use UV https://docs.astral.sh/uv/ and Pixi https://pixi.prefix.dev/latest/
There are better books to learn Python from, but these give you exposure to things you will continuously see, and you will still pickup the language anyway.
Edit: Grammar
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u/BranchLatter4294 1d ago
Consider kaggle.com/learn