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

Sarthak WakadeSarthak Wakade
3 min read

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.

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Written by

Sarthak Wakade
Sarthak Wakade