If you’ve already completed Netflix during lockdown, don’t sweat it.
Now’s the perfect time to learn something new! It can be hard to participate in extra-curricular activities with the hustle and bustle of commuting, working and spending time with friends and family—so, since many of us have some new-found time on our hands, why not learn a language, take a burlesque class or become an Ivy League major, perhaps? Seriously, there is so much out there! It’s time to broaden your hobbies and your mind.
1. Become a burlesque star with this online class and accessory tutorial
It’s the perfect time to learn a new skill, and if you’ve always fancied trying your hand at burlesque, we’ve got the perfect option for you! This excellent online workshop offers you a one-on-one session with an international burlesque performer from Pandora’s Door, who’ll offer tips and guidance to help perfect your moves and look. Plus, you’ll get a neat discount on their future burlesque shows. Join in here.
On top of this, there’s also a masterclass on how to create the very best accessories you’ll need. You’ll instantly be top of the class once you rock up with the most professional-looking sparkling outfits. Join the class here.
2. Learn how to cook with Italian Chef Massimo Bottura!
This Italian chef is the owner of Michelin 3-star restaurant Osteria Francescana in Modena, Italy. Every day at 7pm, you can learn how to make something new using his videos. Soon enough, you’ll have all the ingredients (literally and figuratively) to prepare the perfect post-lockdown dinner party! Join the fun here.
3. Become an Ivy League Major with one of these free accredited courses
It’s time to become an elite intellectual. By signing up to this free plan, you’ll gain full access to courses from the likes of Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Dartmouth universities. The courses last from 6-15 weeks and range from Neuroscience to Contemporary American Poetry to Moralities of Everyday Life. Access the courses here.
4. Master the art of creative writing
Lockdown has been the perfect time to crack through that pile of to-reads. But, it’s also a perfect time to try writing your own. Didn’t you know that Shakespeare wrote his best work while isolated during the plague?! These creative writing classes could be the perfect springboard for any would-be novelists out there. Find the classes here.
5. Take a simplified video language course (including sign language)
This handy plan offers you a different take on learning a language. Instead of the more technical methods of learning rules and words, it’ll give you the chance to learn how to form your own phrases. With the help of short videos that aren’t too time-consuming, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can pick up your new language. Select from German, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, French, Chinese and British Sign Language. Choose your plan here.
6. Learn geography from David Attenborough, Spanish from Sergio Aguero, or history from Danny Dyer
BBC Bitesize pulled together a star-studded group of teachers to provide weekly 20-minute classes to the nation’s children. Hell, even the adults, I’m sure, could do with some soothing geography lessons from Sir David Attenborough. Sergio Aguero can turn you into a sharp-shooting Spanish linguist, and Danny Dyer can educate you on the Tudors. Join the fun here.
7. Learn how to become a YouTube sensation
Sign up to this course and you’ll receive a masterclass in how to break success on YouTube. Guided by Shawn, a content creator with over 250,000 subscribers, you’ll learn all the tricks of the trade in 10 lessons. All you need is an internet connection, and you’re good to go. Before long, we could see the next big YouTuber emerge from out of the lockdown. Sign up here.
8. Get tips on how to work from home with freelance gigs
This course will give you hacks on freelancing, during a time where this could be needed more than ever. The course is divided into thirteen parts which can be completed in as long as you need. This will help you discover the world of different jobs out there that can be completed remotely. Get involved here.
9. Practice your pirouettes with a free course from The Australian Ballet
Professional ballet is the order of play for the Australian Ballet. Each week, a 30-40 minute class is uploaded and can be accessed for free. A class is uploaded for three levels of difficulty, so anyone can get involved. If you’ve missed a class, they will all remain online, so you can work through the course at your own pace. Happy dancing! Join the classes here.
10. Learn how to code like a boss
Coding can seem pretty overwhelming, particularly if you’re not confident with technology. But this brilliant course, hosted by Skill Success, brings it back to basics—putting the powerful skill of programming at your fingertips. The course is available for you to access at any time, and the teacher will take you through the processes very clearly and slowly. Soon you’ll be creating your own desktop or mobile apps! For more info and to sign up to learn either Java or C# Basics, head over to Fever.
11. Learn the basics of music production
Aspiring producers, this one’s for you! Learn the basics of music production from the comfort of your home. You’ll be taught how to use FL Studio, one of the world’s most popular Digital Audio Workstations (DAW) and, by the end of the course, you’ll be confident in creating a complete instrumental music track. You’ll even be able to customise the music creating software (FL Studio) to your personal taste for maximum results. Sign up here.
12. Learn the art of pasta making from a real Italian sfoglina
Taught by Italian sfoglina (pasta chef), Roberta d’Elia, these workshops will turn you into a pasta making mastermind in just one hour. The classes focus on everything from ravioli to gnocchi, and Roberta will teach you all her tips and tricks for creating the perfect pasta shapes. You’ll even find classes designed specifically for vegan and gluten free pasta fanatics! The classes cost £15 and you can sign up here.
13. Become an expert at moulding your own pottery
This handy website offers a host of online pottery classes. Fill your kitchen with mugs, spoons and dishes galore as you learn all the ins-and-outs of creating ceramic. An excellent place to keep your pasta after Nonna teaches you the art of making it from scratch! Join the pottery fun here.