University isn't
just about learning new things, it's about meeting new people and improving your social skills. This is something basement dwellers don't seem to realize. It's no good being an EXPART
/PROG/RAMMER if you lack the proper communication skills to coherently express your ideas to others. Additionally, being able to talk to professors with far more experience than yourself also helps if you're trying to advance the state-of-the-art.
>>18
I'd imagine most students would already have at least some programming background from high-school (or earlier), though your mileage may vary from place-to-place.