1st Semester Almost Wasted: Need Guidance for a Better Roadmap from 2nd Semester Onwards

I’m a B.Tech CSE student at a 3rd-tier college. To be honest, my journey here started off in a bit of chaos. I was initially preparing for other competitive exams but couldn’t crack them, so I ended up taking admission here. Coming from that background, I didn’t have much clarity about what I should focus on in CSE, and I sought advice from different people. Some told me to focus on skill development, others emphasized DSA and coding, and some stressed academics. I got so tangled in all the advice that I couldn’t chart out a clear path for myself. So far, I’ve learned basic C programming by watching YouTube videos, but that’s about it. I feel like I’ve wasted my first semester by not doing enough. With the 2nd semester approaching, I really want to get my act together and make the most of my time. Here’s what I need: A clear roadmap for learning, focusing on both DSA and skills like web development. Advice on balancing academics with coding practice and project development. Any tips for students in tier-3 colleges to stand out and make themselves employable. I’m determined to turn things around and would appreciate any guidance from those who’ve been through this or are currently navigating the same path. Thanks in advance for your help!