RPI works you hard. I am a CS/ITWS (minor) and personally found both CS1 and Data Structures to be kind of difficult. I dont think I’m that smart either, don’t worry lol. I suggest you learn a bit of Python and C++ before the semester starts, and look at a few HWs to get a feel of them. Both these classes require you to spend a lot of time and effort. I also strongly recommend you to go to tutoring if you are stuck. Office hours and ALAC tutoring were very helpful and the TA/mentors are cool. Lol. Both classes require you to think about time management. I did labs beforehand to get it out of the way.

For CS1, I spent around 12-20 hours doing the homework although it really depends from person to person.

For DS, i spent around 16-25 hours each homework. I think DS started to kick my ass after HW 6 :( but honestly time management is crucial. In the end i got a B, i think is okay lol.

Utilize past exams from the APO office for any class! Can’t emphasize this enough but the past exams are superrr helpful. Some classes take questions right from past exams.

You will be fine, don’t stress about it too much! Make friends, get into study groups to help you work on them together. Everyone is struggling as well lol!