How to Learn a New Skill for Free

There’s something amazing about spending your days learning new skills and exploring interesting topics.

It doesn’t get much better than being a full-time student for many of us. Unfortunately, our time in school will come to an end, and we will be forced to enter the “real world” and find a full-time job.

You don’t have to stop learning just because you’re working on your career.

Attending university classes or visiting well-known seminars, might be quite costly. Taking out a student loan while paying off your bachelor’s degree or simply filling out your credit card aren’t tempting (or wise) choices.

What’s the good news? You don’t have to stop your education because you don’t have enough money. Think outside the box if you don’t have a few thousand dollars to spend on formal education.

Here are five free ways to learn new skills. It doesn’t get any better than this: it’s completely free!

Table of Contents

1. Pay a visit to the library

If you’re like the majority of people, you haven’t visited a public library since you were a kid. That’s unfortunate because there’s almost nothing you can’t learn at your local library.

There are countless books and tools to aid you along your road, whether you want to become a WordPress guru or learn SEO all you need is a library card. Everything requires self-directed learning, which is not impossible for the majority of skilled adults.

Better still, many library systems now provide digital lending services. With a Kindle or other e-reader, you may access hundreds of thousands of books without ever leaving your home. Also, your local branch is likely to provide free classes on a variety of topics; simply keep an eye on the events calendar to see what’s coming up.

2. Enroll in an online course

Do you think you could benefit from a more systematic approach to learning? Then enrolling in a free online course might be a better option for you. There are many places to learn new skills, but here are a few of the more well-known:

SkillShare: SkillShare is a free online learning platform that focuses on creative talents such as writing and fashion (and thousands more are available with a paid membership). These video classes are usually under an hour-long, with many being only a few minutes long. To assist you in selecting the finest solutions, use the grading system.
Udemy: The majority of the audio and video programs in this marketplace cost $15 or more, but there are always some free options thrown in for good measure. A lot of the stuff on this site is about technology and business.
Coursera & edX: Try these sites if you want to go back to college but don’t care about getting a degree. They provide access to online courses from prestigious universities such as Stanford and Harvard. You can study the course materials and videos for free if you want to (or pay to get a Certificate of Completion). You sign up for multi-week classes in a variety of topics after creating an account (no application required).
Highbrow: Why not learn something new in just five minutes a day if time is of the essence? Each morning, Highbrow sends you a short lesson through email. There are a number of “courses” on topics ranging from technology to productivity.
Code Academy: Employers may find you more appealing if you learn the fundamentals of computer programming. It’s also a good idea for self-employed persons who hire web developers to learn their language so you can communicate with them more effectively. Fundamental classes in JavaScript, HTML, Python and other areas are available.
Duolingo: This tool transforms learning a new language into a game, with several levels of difficulty and points awarded for accurate responses. Choose from 22 languages and receive speaking, listening, and translation courses in bite-sized bites to make learning simple and enjoyable.

3. Listen to Podcasts

Turn your phone into a university professor. Thousands of podcasts are accessible for free (subscribe via iTunes, Google Play, or other sites) and cover practically any topic of interest. These are a great way to make your journey more productive and enjoyable.

Experts in practically every industry now offer free weekly podcasts where they impart masterclass-level expertise.

4. Establish an exchange

You can learn from others by sharing your knowledge with individuals who wish to learn more about your area of expertise. Bring together a group of like-minded professionals from various fields and encourage them to share information.

Maintain an open environment in which members are only available to each other as needed. Alternatively, create a structure with monthly instructional classes (the featured presenter/educator rotates among members until everyone has had a formal lesson).

5. Go back to the basics

There is really nothing wrong with using a traditional bartering system. Find someone who knows what you are looking for and offers to give them some of your goods or service in exchange for one-on-one tutoring. Although finding a user can take some time, this can be a highly beneficial tool for learning specific expertise.

Setting aside time for further education is always a good idea, no matter where you are in your work. Don’t let a tight budget stand in the way of your studies. You can easily find alternative ways to learn for free if you get creative.

Do you know of any more clever ways to get a free soft skill? Please share them in the comments section so that others can learn about them as well.

Disclaimer: The author does not support or advocate any particular educational institution, and the website has not been paid in any manner to publish the names above. While the information provided above is regarded to be accurate and current, readers should conduct their own research. The author’s views are his own.