Who says you need a diploma to master something that can change your life? Sure, not every skill is possible to develop without formal — and often high-cost — education. At the end of the day, nobody wants to meet a self-taught surgeon. But there are plenty of skills that can enrich your life or at least make it easier, and the good news is that it is possible to learn these skills without enrolling in a university course or hiring a teacher. What you might need is a good study plan, a decent amount of self-discipline, and some support from a community of like-minded people.

So here is our non-exhaustive list:

• A second language. Being fluent in a foreign language can make you so much happier — just think about watching movies, meeting new friends, getting better job opportunities, traveling, and feeling at home in a different country… And yes, we believe that you can absolutely pick up Spanish, French, Japanese, and many other beautiful languages without paying a professional instructor. There is an abundance of free resources available online — from podcasts for listening practice to language exchange apps and platforms like Barter Bloc, where you can connect with native speakers to improve your conversation skills. Will you spend a lot of time to go from A1 to C1 level? Of course. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money.
• Cooking. Do you want to control what goes into your burger? Or impress your date with Crêpes Suzette? Or maybe you’d like to save money without compromising the quality of your meals? Cooking skills come with so many benefits. Learn to steam and sauté, bake and simmer, slice and chop — and learn for free — as long as you have internet access. Many YouTube channels not only offer recipes but teach culinary techniques, such as how to hold a knife like a professional chef. Another idea is to take inspiration from Julie & Julia: get a thick cookbook (even a used one will do if you want to lower costs) and execute one recipe after another until you reach the last page.
• Fashion and beauty essentials: style, makeup, skincare, and hair. Few things boost your self-esteem more than wearing well-fitting clothes or having glowing skin. There are tons of resources out there. YouTube is great for professional advice — check out certified dermatologists’ channels. Need visual inspiration? Try Pinterest. Want honest opinions? Reddit has you covered. By the way, some free fashion and beauty “lessons” will save you even more — just find tips on adding second-hand gems to your wardrobe. It’s stylish, sustainable, and budget-friendly.
• Meditation and mindfulness practices. Remember that amazing story from 2018, when 12 Thai boys and their coach, Ekapol Chanthawong, got trapped in a flooded cave — and he taught them Buddhist meditation to help them stay calm and survive? While most of us won’t face anything that extreme, even a few minutes of deep breathing can bring clarity to a chaotic workday or settle the mind before sleep. Free guided meditations are widely available on YouTube, and some introductory courses are offered by platforms like Coursera. For those who prefer reading, workbooks on mindful self-compassion offer practical tools for building a healthier self-image and managing emotional stress. Costs stay low if you borrow them from a local library or pick up second-hand copies.
• Knitting and crochet offer unlimited opportunities for self-expression through unique clothes and accessories, making heartfelt gifts for your loved ones, or simply helping you relax. Try focusing on those tiny loops of yarn for even 10 minutes a day — and enjoy the feeling of inner peace, comparable to the effects of yoga and meditation. Unlike sewing, hand knitting and crochet do not require a machine, and you can carry your work with you pretty much anywhere. Check out instructional YouTube videos and get free patterns on platforms like Pinterest or Ravelry. And if working on your project alone feels too difficult or too lonely, find a knitting tutor on Barter Bloc or join Meetup groups (for instance, Knit+Wine Brooklyn) to have a chat while you bring that sweater to life.
• DIY crafts and upcycling. If you care about the environment, this could be a great choice. Transform old furniture, repurpose glass jars into fancy storage containers, make Christmas decorations out of burnt-out light bulbs… Or consider things like paper mâché — an art form that involves creating sculptures or crafts by layering strips of paper soaked in a glue or flour paste. It’s simple, inexpensive, and allows for a lot of creativity, from making masks to 3D models. YouTube, Pinterest, and relevant Reddit groups will be your best friends here as well.
• Gardening. And you don’t even need a garden. A windowsill and a couple of pots — and you’re ready to grow your mint, basil, or even miniature roses. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching something you planted grow, especially when it ends up in your salad bowl or tea mug. Plus, tending to plants is a surprisingly effective way to reduce stress and slow down after a busy day. If you’re new to it, you’ll find tons of free guides and video tutorials for beginners on low-budget home gardening — from how to propagate herbs to how to keep your succulents alive. And if you don’t want to spend a fortune on pots, check out DIY upcycling hacks using cans, jars, or even old mugs.
• Drawing and painting. Want to boost your creativity, relieve stress, or eventually turn a hobby into real professional skills? Then it might be time to pick up drawing or painting. Learning about color theory or the golden ratio can sharpen your sense of style — or even make you a better photographer, even if your main subject is your dog. There’s no shortage of helpful resources out there: YouTube is packed with tutorials, online communities like r/learnart offer support and feedback, and free apps such as Krita, Medibang Paint, or Sketchbook give you the tools to dive right in.
• Coding, digital marketing, graphic design, photo editing, and similar digital skills can open doors to remote job opportunities, freelance work, and side hustles. In fact, many successful professionals have taught themselves how to code and then found jobs through networking. These skills might also empower you to create and manage your own personal projects — maybe you’d like to start a niche blog devoted to your favorite hobby? You can find free coding classes on Codecademy and YouTube, and also join communities like r/learnprogramming (or r/graphic_design, or r/LearnPhotoEditing — you get the idea.)
• Financial literacy. While managing your money might not be as fun as drawing or as peaceful as meditating, having these skills — from familiarizing yourself with budgeting apps to exploring debt reduction strategies — can be a game-changer. Blogs, podcasts, and YouTube creators offer plenty of free guidance, especially for beginners who want to feel less stressed and more in control. Learning the basics of saving, spending, and investing doesn’t have to be overwhelming or boring. Start small — like tracking your expenses for a week or setting a realistic savings goal — and build from there.

The best investment you can make is in yourself — and as you’ve seen, it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Platforms like Barter Bloc make this journey even more human — letting you exchange what you know for what you want to learn, time for time, person to person. Whether you’re learning to cook or code, every new skill is a step toward a more capable, confident you. So here’s an idea: pick one skill from the list (or come up with your own) and start practicing it this week. And of course — let us know how it goes.