How to Get Started With Frontend and UI/UX — A Student’s Guide


Why Frontend Might Be the Best Place to Start
If you're a student trying to break into tech but unsure where to begin, frontend development is one of the most beginner-friendly and rewarding paths.
It doesn't require complex math or advanced programming to start. With just HTML, CSS, and some curiosity, you can build actual websites — even without prior coding experience.
Plus, it gives you visual feedback instantly. You write a few lines of code, and you see the result. That’s motivating.
What You Need to Learn First
Here’s a simple roadmap to start with frontend:
HTML: Structure of a webpage
CSS: Styling and layout
Basic JavaScript: Interaction and logic
Responsive Design: Making your site work on mobile and desktop
You don’t need to master everything at once. Build small projects as you learn.
Some beginner project ideas:
A personal blog website
A landing page for a fictional product
A clone of a website layout you like (Netflix, YouTube, Starbucks, etc.)
Where Design Meets Development: UI/UX
Once you're comfortable with HTML and CSS, you’ll naturally start noticing how things look and feel — button placement, colors, spacing, flow.
That’s when you step into UI/UX design.
Here’s how you can get started:
Use Figma to design interfaces visually (no code needed)
Try redesigning existing apps/websites
Learn the basics of UX: user flow, usability, consistency
If you’re someone who enjoys art, layout, colors, or even small visual details, this might feel like a natural fit.
A Small Note from My Experience
I personally started with frontend during a break between semesters. I was curious, so I picked up HTML and CSS, and to my surprise — I really enjoyed it.
I later explored Figma and worked on redesigning pages like Starbucks, building dark mode UIs, and designing fitness app interfaces. Over time, frontend and UI/UX became a space where I felt creative and productive.
I’m still learning — and that’s the point.
Tips for Students Who Want to Start
Don’t wait for college classes to teach you. Start small, today.
Use free tools and resources: YouTube, MDN Web Docs, Figma, and community blogs
Focus on building, not memorizing
Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle
You don’t have to be a designer or a full-stack developer to start. Just begin with what interests you. Learn, build, and grow from there.
Final Thoughts
Frontend and UI/UX are not just technical skills — they’re creative outlets. If you're unsure where to begin in tech, this is a great starting point.
Explore it, experiment, and see what clicks for you. You might just find something you love.
If you’re a student trying to get started and need guidance, feel free to reach out or drop a comment. I'm still on this journey too — learning, building, and sharing along the way.
Subscribe to my newsletter
Read articles from Sarthak Wakade directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.
Written by
