Learning a new language is a challenge, but finding time for it as a busy college student can feel unattainable. However, incorporating small, manageable habits into your busy routine can make language learning possible. From one busy college student to another, the following are my favorite practical tips for learning a new language.
1. Use DUOLINGO OR OTHER LANGUAGE APPS
While language apps like Duolingo are only a small step in the vast language learning journey, they can serve as a great daily habit. If you already have a foundation in your target language, use Duolingo or other language apps to refresh what you already know. If you’re a complete beginner, these apps are useful for learning basic greetings, vocabulary, and fundamental grammar. Keeping a daily streak isn’t just about the lessons—it’s a reminder of your dedication to learning. Spending a mere 5–10 minutes a day forming small phrases in a foreign language is better than not practicing at all! Plus, Duolingo is always there to be a nagging drama queen, reminding you to practice. There is no escaping that damn owl’s wrath.
2. Find a favorite YouTube channel or podcast
Finding a YouTube channel or podcast in your target language can make learning feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable part of your day. Look for content that interests you, whether it’s lifestyle, news, comedy, or educational content. If you struggle to find downtime, try watching videos while eating meals or listening to a podcast between classes, in the shower, or while doing chores. There are always small moments in the day when you can passively absorb a new language.Trust me, I always have random German videos playing! The more you listen to your target language, the more you will understand.
3. Watch the Daily news in your target language
One of the best habits you can develop is incorporating the language into your daily routine. (Okay, maybe it is just my favorite.) Watching the news in your target language is a great way to improve listening comprehension while staying informed about world events. For example, if you’re learning German like me, watching Tagesschau in the morning while eating breakfast can be a simple and effective way to immerse yourself. Just like older generations read newspapers with their coffee, you can make listening to foreign-language news a daily ritual. Over time, you’ll start understanding more than you ever thought possible.
4. make a native-speaker friend
One of the best ways to improve your language skills is to have real conversations with native speakers. If you don’t have time for formal study, simply chatting or calling a friend who speaks the language can be a fun and informal way to practice. This doesn’t have to be an intense study session—just casual conversations will help reinforce vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural nuances. If your friend is in a different time zone, set aside a weekly time that works for both of you to practice together.
As to where to meet these folks, the internet has a wide variety of options. If you use social media, look for friends in the region of the world that speak your target language. Tons of online language-learning communities are dedicated to making friends and practicing languages. For example, a popular one is Lingoda where you can learn in one-on-one sessions or in group classes. While joining a class might not fit into your schedule, perhaps you will just meet native speakers in general. Don’t cut yourself off from great connections, there are millions of people waiting to speak your target language!
5. Set one specific goal each week
Many students aren’t studying a foreign language as their major but still want to learn as a personal goal. If your schedule is overwhelming, set one specific and achievable language-learning goal each week. For example, learn three different ways to introduce yourself—one formal, one casual, and one slang version. Practice these throughout your day and keep your weekly goals on your mind. Perhaps keep your goal as a reminder on your phone on a note widget, or as your background wallpaper, apply yourself to your goals and make sure you can’t escape them. If you’re focusing on vocabulary, write words on sticky notes and place them on your mirror, fridge, or laptop as a visual reminder. These small, consistent efforts build up over time and create steady progress.
in conclusion
Learning a language when you have unlimited free time is hard enough—but doing so as a busy college student with a packed schedule can feel even more daunting. However, committing yourself and finding creative ways to fit language learning into your daily routine will make your goals possible. Language learning is not a linear process; even those who dedicate hours daily experience plateaus and challenges. But small, consistent moments—whether watching the news over breakfast, chatting with a native speaker, or practicing vocabulary with an app—add up. The key is to make learning fun and fit it into your schedule in a way that feels natural. Before you know it, you’ll start thinking in your target language—it all depends on how you choose to integrate it into your life. So my friends, best of luck to you on your language-learning journey!