1. Check if your university offers language courses that are free of cost.

Take a look at the list below to know if your university provides language classes without charging any fees.

2. Exchange languages with others.

If your university is not offering language courses without any fees or if you have missed applying for them, consider exploring what your student union has to offer. Several student unions conduct language exchanges, where native speakers of a particular language are paired with international students interested in improving their English-speaking skills. This is an excellent opportunity to learn a language without worrying about tests and coursework and socialize while doing so.

3. Avail of the excellent facilities and resources provided by your university.

Even if formal language courses are not available, universities have a wealth of resources and facilities dedicated to language learning. For example, Newcastle University’s language resource center provides access to 40 computers with language learning software, 24 satellite channels displaying content in 17 languages, and 800 foreign language films. This might be the ideal place for you if you wish to improve your French to a GCSE level.

4. Make use of online resources.

Several websites offer free language learning resources, such as BBC Languages, ElanguageSchool, and Effective Language Learning. You can also find plenty of free videos and resources online to help you learn a new language. Many language enthusiasts join online communities where they can converse with native speakers.

Universities that provide free language classes

If you are aware of a university that provides a free language program but is not mentioned below, send an email with the details to students@theguardian.com, and we will add it to our list.

Aston University

All first-year undergraduates who pay fees are eligible for free language tuition. The university offers courses in seven languages at the elementary, intermediate, or advanced level.

Brunel University

All students can take advantage of two-hour evening classes offered weekly free of charge. Staff and alumni can benefit from discounted rates.

University of Central Lancashire

All full-time students are eligible for either classroom or software-based language courses offered by the university.

City University London

The university offers free French, German, and Spanish language courses to students and staff from the lower intermediate to advanced level.

University of East London

The university offers courses in nine languages to all students and staff members free of cost. However, the application deadline is 20 September 2012, and places are limited.

The University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh University Students’ Association conducts free of cost six-week introductory level courses in Arabic, Russian, Japanese, French, Spanish, Gaelic, and Irish.

University of Essex

Students can enroll in part-time web-based or evening language courses at no charge, but they must pay a £100 deposit.

Leeds Metropolitan University

The university offers ten-week courses in nine languages for undergraduate students studying full-time. These courses are designed for beginners.

Oxford Brookes University

Students can choose to add a language to their program of study. These modules are worth credits that contribute towards their degree.

University of Portsmouth

Free courses are available in ten languages, including British Sign Language, with most of the classes held in the evening.

SOAS – School of Oriental and African Studies

The university’s language entitlement program allows undergraduates to register for one free language course.

University of Sunderland

Short courses in French, Spanish, German, Japanese, and Chinese are available free of charge to all students. These courses last between 15 to 30 weeks.

University of York

All undergraduate students of the university are entitled to attend a 19-week language course of their choice from 15 different languages.