Whenever I have free time I always feel as if there is nothing "right" or "good" enough to fill my time, which is why I always end up binge watching shows until I become an immobile wreck on the verge of an emotional breakdown. In the end, I always feel guilty for not being productive. After a ton of sophisticated research, I am happy to share the wisdom that was passed onto me: super classy and free ways to spend spare time and gain something out of it.
1. Learn a Language
This program offers 23 languages, even Klingon. Lessons are relatively short, making the learning feel like a game that's addictive in all the right ways. "Lingots" can be earned to unlock bonus lessons or edit documents. The website and app are easy to navigate, even allowing users to upload their progress to LinkedIn.
Memrise is user-friendly to the point where actual users create and share lessons. Only 9 languages are offered, however, Memrise provides other educational categories ranging from Pokemon to Introduction to Law. Users can join groups to study with friends and well as share and edit documents.
A great place that provides learning resources to over 40 languages. Audio lessons are popular on this site.
2. Take College Courses (non-accredited)
Users can choose from 17 main courses that entail classes ranging from 101 to 402. Required readings are provided as well as online exams. Users can work as their own pace and receive a completion certificate at the end.
Videos of 24 introductory courses from Yale Professors are available for the scholar who wants to brag to their friends that they took a class at Yale. Most recent videos are from 2011.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
By far the most equipped for free lessons, 39 courses enable users to begin introductory courses and end with graduate level classes. Big ups to MIT.
3. DIY a Little Somethin' Somethin'
Literally everything and anything is available to one's disposal on Instructables. Hundreds of thousands of how-tos create one of the biggest online communities to date.
Just as its brother site, Wikipedia, Wiki How has community edited content though this place offers simple and psychological how-tos rather than a last minute study guide.
A site suited for technology buffs, especially those into hacking life.
4. Cook
Reluctant Gourmet
A great way to enter the real world of cooking, articles are fun to read and there is a plethora of visual aids. Everything is covered from budgeting, recipes, ingredients, and tools. External links assist with tips and culinary education.
If a really annoyed convict gave out detailed recipes, Thug Kitchen is it. Gourmet type dishes are the go-to, while the commentary within the recipes makes for balanced meal making. A lot of the cooking is vegetarian.
An easy and free sign up opens the door to an Tinder-esque site that grants users the choice to like or move past recipes. Saving recipes is super easy and users can alter the recipes shown by using the "dislike" option, which omits recipes with specific ingredients.
5. Actually Understand Music
Tutorials enable users to learn music theory in its fullest. Teoria then allows users to exhibit their newly learned skills with ear training exercises.
This site gives more aid than Teoria to learners with videos and tests. Also, extends the learning process with a composing program users will find intriguing.
6. Learn to Code
Users first make faux websites and blogs before having a chance to create their own tumblr theme and website. Powerpoint like slides allow for easy learning and clarity. Is a good starting point.
Offers the same as Dash and then some.
In depth tutorials that are a great place to go to when having trouble with the above links.
7. Invest Your Money
Investopedia
An introduction to how the economy works. Everything from 401ks to stock trading. Users can educate themselves on the ins and out before putting money into anything. Even helps with stude
What's cool about Acorns is that users sign up, and the program invests user's loose change automatically. The app diversifies users portfolios to create better growth opportunities. Once everything is in place, larger, lump investments can be made.
Robinhood enables users to bypass paying $10 per stock, creating more independent, personal investments. It is a simple program with great rewards.
8. Expand Your Brand
Users can create a free personal website, blog, or online store with simple drag and drop themes.The program works from either desktop or app, allowing for website management to always be top notch.
Beautiful themes are offered to users as well as easy setup. Both professional and casual websites appeal to a younger, modern generation that needs the right look to become successful.
9. Use Free Time as it is Intended to be Used
Though out of all of these options, the only real way to spend free time is taking a much needed nap.
