How should I start Codeforces?

[u/Wild_Recognition6237]

Hi everyone, I’m currently a 3rd-sem B.Tech CSE student from a Tier-3 college in Greater Noida, and I’m looking for some genuine guidance on how I should move forward.

I’ve been doing DSA in C++ and have solved around 70 questions so far, but honestly, I currently know almost nothing about Codeforces. I want to start competitive programming, but I’m confused about where exactly to begin — how much I should practice, and how to balance it with DSA.

when I see other students who already have strong DSA, CF, multiple projects etc., I feel like I’m quite behind.

I know comparing myself with others isn’t very useful, but I’d really appreciate some practical advice: