Feeling stagnant? It’s time to break out of that rut and acquire some new skills! After all, the internet is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering numerous free online courses, and you can learn practically anything from the comfort of your own home. To that end, here are 30 incredible (and free!) online resources that will have you impressing friends, family, and potential employers in no time.

Firstly, let’s explore some free online courses to broaden your personal and intellectual horizons.

• Learn a new language.  Instead of lugging around a translation book or butchering your order at your favorite taco spot, head over to Duolingo. This free app is a fantastic alternative to pricey night classes or Rosetta Stone. Furthermore, it’s incredibly user-friendly and gamifies the learning process.
• Delve into the basics of psychology.  Ever wondered why your significant other claims they’re not hungry, but you know they’re secretly hoping for a dinner invitation? This Intro to Psych class from a renowned Yale professor might offer some insights. While it probably won’t save your relationship, at the very least, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of human behavior.
• Crack the code.  In this era of tech-savvy teens making millions, coding is an invaluable skill. Just glance at any job board, and you’ll see countless listings prioritizing HTML knowledge. Fortunately, platforms like Codecademy offer newbies a space to learn and practice coding for free. However, 24 million users are already honing their skills there, so don’t fall behind!
• Become a money maestro.  Earning money is pointless if you can’t manage it effectively. With an app like Mint, you’ll gain control of your finances and acquire the tools to maintain and even grow your wealth. Best of all, it’s completely free.
• Dive into American Government with a Harvard expert. Harvard University boasts a stellar reputation, so who better to learn about American Government from than their esteemed professors? Through their open course channel, you can access this course for free. Fun fact: Natalie Portman is a Harvard alumna. Need I say more?
• Conquer your fear of public speaking. Public speaking is a common fear, but this online course from the University of Washington can help you overcome those jitters and deliver a compelling speech without collapsing in a nervous heap.

Next, let’s explore some creative outlets.

• Strum like a rockstar.  As a seasoned guitarist, I can attest that mastering the basics is the hardest part. To kickstart your journey or overcome a learning plateau, explore interactive lessons and easy-to-use tablature on Justin Guitar or Ultimate-Guitar. Before you know it, you’ll be shredding with the best of them.
• Capture stunning photographs. Photography blends art and science, making it a challenging yet rewarding pursuit. To elevate your Instagram game, this free MIT course will equip you with the fundamentals of photography from leading experts.
• Become a master brewer.  What’s more satisfying than enjoying a store-bought beer? Sipping on a brew crafted with your own hands! HomeBrew Academy provides all the resources you need to embark on your home brewing adventure, including crafting delicious, scandalously-named IPAs for your personal enjoyment.

Now, let’s delve into some opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

• Unlock the mysteries of economics and physics. MIT is renowned for its brilliant minds, so seize the opportunity to learn about economics or astrophysics from their esteemed professors.
• Cook like a culinary wizard.  Being a fully functional adult involves mastering at least a few decent meals. Why stop there? Aim for culinary excellence with Allrecipes, a comprehensive resource for all your cooking needs. While the free section is perfect for amateur chefs, there’s also a paid “cooking school” for those seeking to truly elevate their skills.
• Cultivate a thriving garden.  If your gardening attempts have been less than successful, this comprehensive online Botany course from Oregon State University can help you cultivate a green thumb. Imagine having the most enviable cherry tomatoes on the block!
• Communicate with sign language. Sign language is a surprisingly useful skill to have. Similar to condoms, you may not think you need it until you really need it. Fortunately, resources like ASL Browser and LifePrint offer accessible online platforms to learn American Sign Language.
• Knit like a pro.  While knitting might not seem like the most masculine hobby, there’s something undeniably badass about crafting your own jet-black wool sweater with a defiant middle finger and wearing it as a symbol of rebellion against winter’s chill. This step-by-step guide by Instructables will have you knitting like a grandma in no time.
• Become a savvy investor.  If you haven’t been investing in stocks, you’re likely missing out on opportunities for financial growth. Investopedia is an excellent resource to learn about stock investing and potentially build your own Scrooge McDuck-style fortune.

Furthermore, let’s sharpen our minds and expand our skillsets with these free online courses:

• Sharpen your math skills.  Whether you’re helping a younger sibling with their homework or simply embarrassed by your reliance on smartphones for basic calculations, Shmoop offers infinite math drills and lessons to boost your arithmetic abilities.
• Train your furry friend.  Nobody appreciates a misbehaving pet. Ensure your canine companion is well-behaved with Dog Training Central, a comprehensive online database of dog training lessons and tips, complete with videos.
• Create hilarious GIFs.  Have a funny video that would be even funnier as a GIF? Giphy is a user-friendly platform for creating and sharing high-quality GIFs with the world.
• Hone your writing skills.  Aspiring writers, take note! Macalester College offers an excellent online course and video series dedicated to improving your writing. Thanks to this resource, I went from illiterate to… well, you’re reading this, aren’t you?
• Develop an appreciation for poetry.  If you’ve always wanted to grasp the nuances of poetry, this Yale course taught by published poet Langdon Hammer is your gateway to understanding why a rose, by any other name, would still smell as sweet.
• Explore the world of philosophy.  This comprehensive philosophy course is offered completely free of charge, much to the chagrin of those of us who shelled out thousands for a philosophy degree. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic resource for anyone seeking to delve into this fascinating subject.

Finally, let’s explore some free online courses to boost your digital skills.

• Become a Photoshop pro. YouTube is a fantastic resource for learning Photoshop, and the bluntly-titled “You Suck at Photoshop” series stands out as a comprehensive and entertaining way to master this powerful software.
• Unleash your inner artist.  Even if you lack natural artistic talent, Drawspace offers hundreds of free online lessons for all skill levels, allowing you to hone your drawing abilities.
• Develop your own mobile game.  Inspired by the addictive nature of mobile games? This online course from the University of Reading provides a foundation in mobile game development.
• Achieve peak fitness.  While the internet is saturated with fitness information, finding reliable advice can be challenging. However, AskTheTrainer and BodBot offer respectable guidance and resources for achieving your fitness goals.
• Win any argument (even if you’re wrong).  For those who enjoy the thrill of debate, Austhink provides strategies to win arguments, even if your position is completely unfounded. Use this knowledge responsibly!
• Become your own mechanic. AutoEducation is a valuable resource for learning about car repair, much to the dismay of mechanics everywhere.
• Demystify finance.  Finance can be a complex subject, but this University of Michigan course can help you navigate the world of money and gain a solid understanding of financial concepts.
• Find your inner peace with yoga.  Achieve tranquility with Yome, a platform offering a library of free yoga videos led by experienced instructors.
• Master Excel.  While not the most glamorous skill, Excel proficiency is essential in many workplaces. Chandoo offers free resources to help you become an Excel expert.

So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these incredible resources and unlock your full potential!

 

*The list was originally compiled by Wil Fulton and appeared for an online magazine.