University of California-Berkeley A Student Interview

University of California-Berkeley A Student Interview The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Rohaum is a San Diego tutor and 2014 graduate of University of California-Berkeley. He holds a Bachelors degree in Molecular and Cell Biology and tutors several subjects, including Biology tutoring, French tutoring, and Pre-Algebra tutoring. Check out what Rohaum had to say about his time at University of California-Berkeley: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. How urban or safe is the campus? Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Rohaum: In my opinion, the campus setting is a blend of an urban environment and a natural atmosphere. There is a lot of greenery on campus, as well as a lot of shops and restaurants around the campus. The campus itself is relatively safe. I have walked alone through campus late at night several times, and I have never had any issues. However, in terms of the areas around campus, some parts are safe, while others are not. The area south of campus is known to be more dangerous, and I would not advise walking alone there late at night. The area north of campus is a very safe and quiet neighborhood (there are many families that live there in addition to students). A car is definitely not needed, as most places are either within walking or biking distance. BART trains can get you to other parts of the Bay Area. The bus system is also pretty extensive, and one of the benefits of the University of California-Berkeley is that the tuition includes a bus pass that is valid for the whole semester. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Rohaum:The availability of professors varies heavily based on the class and the department. In my experience, the professors who teach humanities courses are more accessible than those in the maths and sciences, since there are generally fewer students trying to go to their office hours. For example, I tried to attend several of my professors office hours in order to get to know them so I could ask for letters of recommendation for my medical school applications. Unfortunately, about 20-30 other students had the same idea, so office hours were very crowded, and it was very difficult to speak one-on-one with professors. In general, though, availability depends on how large the class is, how many students try to go to the office hours, and how much of an effort the professors put into trying to be available for as many students as possible. The same applies for teaching assistants. In regard to academic advisers, it can be difficult to get appointments, and sometimes you have to wait a couple of weeks before you can speak with an adviser. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Rohaum:There are multiple dorms, each with its own vibe. For example, there are dorms that are more social, one that is more for students in the sciences, one for athletes, a boys-only dorm, and a girls-only dorm. I stayed in a triple, which was pretty small and cramped. But I have seen suites and doubles which are large and look nice. It all depends on the building you end up in and what kind of room you get. Most of the dormshave co-ed bathrooms, which was a shock to many of us at first. However, using co-ed bathrooms is something that most students become accustomed to within the first few weeks. The dining is fine. The food is not amazing by any means, but there are enough options provided so that everyone is able to have a decent meal. And in terms of socialization, many dorm buildings encourage an open-door policy so that everyones room is open to any student who would like to come in and talk. (Of course, this is not mandatory, so you can keep your door closed if you prefer privacy.) The resident assistants also plan numerous socials to help people living in the same building get to know one another. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Rohaum:From what I saw, the most represented majors were Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science. That being said, I did not feel that there were any majors that were necessarily under-represented. University of California-Berkeleydid support my Biology major well (especially since it was one of the most popular majors on campus). There were plenty of different classes to take, and there were many research positions open to students. The main drawback was that I did not feel that there were as many resources dedicated to helping pre-medical students as there could have been (which may be linked to the fact that the university does not have a medical school). VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Rohaum:It was relatively easy for me to make friends as a freshman. I was fortunate because the friends I made during orientation shared several of my classes with me. In general, however, it can be difficult for people to make friends considering how large the student body is. But there are a lot of different clubs and events that people can participate in if they feel like they are having a hard time finding strong friendships. (For instance, there is a day during the first week of classes where all the clubs set up tables on Sproul Plaza to advertise themselves, which is the perfect opportunity for someone to look for a crowd of people with similar interests to him/herself). Greek life does play a somewhat significant role in campus social life (they are always hosting events), but it is very easy for those who do not want to be associated with Greek life to have a strong social life on campus. I personally went to very few Greek events during my time at University of California-B erkeley because there were so many other fun activities both on and off campus. VT: How helpful is the Career Center and other student support services? Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Rohaum:The Career Center provided a lot of useful services, such as resume building, mock interviews, and advice on how to apply to graduate school. The only issue was that there were a lot of students who were in need of their services, so there was sometimes a long waiting time to get an appointment. For example, at one point, when I wanted a pre-medical advising appointment, the earliest open time slot was in three weeks. VT: How are the various study areas such as libraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Rohaum:There are multiple libraries on campus, a large student union, and multiple student lounges in each dorm building. The libraries all have multiple study areas, as well as private study rooms that you can reserve. There is usually plenty of room on campus and in the dorms to study. The only time when it might be difficult to find a spot is during finals week. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between? To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Rohaum:There are many amazing restaurants, including several that are not very common in other areas (Salvadoran, Indonesian, Peruvian, Ethiopian, and Caribbean cuisine). Besides restaurants and bars, there are not too many activities to do in Berkeley itself, but it is very easy to get to other parts of the Bay Area, such as San Francisco (where you could go to places such as Chinatown and Fishermans Wharf), Oakland (where you could go to Jack London Square), or Emeryville (where you could go shopping). A big part of the Berkeley experienceis exploring the Bay Area, and I highly encourage students to take advantage of Berkeleys closeness to all of these great places. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Rohaum:The student body is very, very large. My classes generally had about 100-150 people in them. However, the numbers varied widely. Some of my courses had less than 10 people, while others had over 500. It was a big shock for me initially, since I came from a small private school where there were only 100 students per grade. Still, I became accustomed to it after a couple of weeks. I was surprised by the fact that it was easier to make friends in large classes than I thought it would be. Almost everyone feels overwhelmed by the large class size, and they are all looking for friends to help make the size feel more manageable. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one you regret the most. Rohaum:My best experience in a class was when I took MCB 150L, which was an immunology laboratory class. I had heard a lot of horror stories about how difficult the class was and how many hours had to go into it, so I was very intimidated when I walked in on the first day. However, the professor was very friendly, and he and his teaching assistants approached every student individually while we were conducting our experiments to see how we were doing and to answer any questions we may have had. And while the class did require a lot of work, some students formed a study group that always got together outside of class to work on lab reports and to help each other study for midterms. I had a great time with my study group, as we found ways to have fun while working on this class. It made me realize that one of the best ways to make a difficult class fun is to find a great group of people to form a study group with. Check out Rohaum's tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Definition And Use Of The Number E In Maths!

Definition And Use Of The Number E In Maths! Math Education: What Is The Number E In Math? ChaptersWhat Is An Irrational Number?What Is The Number E When Learning math?How Useful Is The Number E Outside Of Mathematics?Basic History Of The Number  E  Mathematicians History Of The Study Number  E  How To Calculate The Number E?How To Remember The Number E?Resources To Learn Math Using The Number E For The Mathematics StudentWhen you think about maths probably what comes to mind is Addition and subtraction, Multiplication and division, Negative numbers, algebra, the distinctive number i,   differential equations, Geometry, Trigonometry (trig) or fractions etc. But while you are learning complex or even basic math, it is unlikely that you think about the definition or history of parts of your calculations. Because you will be busy calculating, solving and checking the math problems so that you have the right answer.It can, however, be useful to understand the story behind the symbols, numbers and mathematical principles that you use in your everyday math class. If you find you rself with a mental block why not take a closer look into some of the histories of your equations. Today we will take a look at the number e and understand why it is made up some of the most important numbers in mathematics.An irrational number is a number which can not be made into a fraction and whose decimals go on infinitely. Photo Source: UnsplashWhile a math tutor does cost money, it is the best investment you can make to get yourself past any difficulties. If private math tutorials or tutoring is too expensive an investment for your math curriculum however you can use free math exercises, math games like Sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, quizzes, math videos worksheets or math courses that can be found online to further your mathematics education. This interactive math, Subtract boring study routines and start counting cool math and fun math into your study routine. This is an effortless way to work at multiplying your understanding and math practice.If you like to learn about special numbers read more about pi and its history, the curious prime numbers or the secretive perfect numbers.

7 little Self-care tips for lazy people to start today

Introvert Whisperer / 7 little Self-care tips for lazy people to start today 7 little Self-care tips for lazy people to start today Evelyn Kail March 4, 2017 Adaptability, Emotional Intelligence No responses So, your life isn’t really going as planned. You missed the bus this morning and got to work late, your lunch buddy canceled on you so you ended up eating a tiny sandwich from the deli alone, your boss keeps piling more and more work on you and your pants are starting to feel a little tight. To top it off, you think you see a zit beginning to develop on your forehead. Then you go to bed, wake up, and this series of events repeats itself (with a little variation, of course). All you need to fix these problems is a little self-care. That’s where we come in we’ve got a simple self-care guide that even the laziest of people will be able to follow. Read on to find out more! Tip #1: Exercise No one is stranger to the positive effects of exercise lowering risk of diabetes, heart disease, etc., as well as improving mood by releasing endorphins but while everyone is quick to tell you why you should exercise, you rarely get advice on how to actually begin exercising (and how to stick to it!). Going to a gym may be daunting if you’re not very fit (especially if you’re shy too) as being surrounded by a bunch of muscle maniacs is rather intimidating. But you don’t have to go to a gym, you can work in exercise right into your busy schedule! Walk instead of taking the bus or a cab. Take the stairs instead of the lift. Take 15 minutes a day to do some squats or lunges right at home. If you’re really serious about exercising and getting fit, it’s a good idea to invest in a stationary exercise bike at home. That way, you won’t have to go to the gym and you can still get a gym-quality workout! Tip #2: Wash your face twice a day You need a good skincare regimen to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy. While you may not have the time for a long routine that involves multiple pots of creams and ointments, you should definitely set aside 5-10 extra minutes every night to 1) remove all your makeup and 2) wash your face with a gentle cleanser to get rid of all the dirt and grime your skin has accumulated through the day. Be sure to wash your face in the morning too! Apply a facial moisturizer after each wash to replenish the moisture that was just stripped away. If you’re more serious about skincare, try to exfoliate your facial skin and apply a soothing face mask 1-2 times a week. Your skin will then glow with health and vitality! Tip #3: Sleep Your brain and body need sleep to recover from the long day you just had. You should aim to get at least 6 hours of sleep a night, but 8 hours is the ideal amount. Try going to bed 10 minutes earlier each night. It’s perfectly alright if you can’t fall asleep the second your head hits the pillow. Simply lying there with your eyes closed will help your brain and body rest too. Tip #4: Meditate Reduce your stress and anxiety by meditating at least once a day. All you need to do is find a quiet spot with minimal stimulation (no loud noises or bright lights), close your eyes, and let your mind go blank. It helps if you can play soothing music too. You don’t have to meditate for a long time 5 minutes a day is enough. Tip #5: Eat more fruits and veggies! What you eat doesn’t just affect your health, it also affects your mood. If you eat healthy, you’ll feel good, both physically and mentally. Fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamins and minerals that will boost your body and mind, so try to incorporate them into your diet. The next time you feel a craving for candy, munch on an apple or a carrot instead. Tip #6: Get some sun Spend 10-15 minutes out in the sun each day to soak up that vitamin D. You should aim to be out in the sunlight before 10 AM, as this is when the sun’s rays are the most beneficial. Read a book in the park or go for a walk you’ll feel much healthier and happier afterward. Tip #7: Rest up Sleep isn’t enough rest; you need to take short breaks from work (and life) during the day too! Otherwise, you run the risk of getting overwhelmed with all the work you have in front of you. Every 45 minutes or so, step outside for some fresh air or watch a funny video on YouTube basically, take a short breather. Then, get back to your work. You’ll find that your productivity and efficiency will be much higher. We understand it’s difficult to start following all 7 tips at once, so pick the easiest one and work your way through the rest of the list at your own pace.

The PSAT is over now what

The PSAT is over â€" now what Parents of high school juniors, you may be wondering what your student should be doing to prepare for the SAT now that the PSAT is over (or almost over, if your student is taking the test on Saturday). PSAT scores don’t come out until December, so many students put off further test preparation until after winter break. However, it can be academically beneficial and stress-reducing to get a head start on test preparation for spring!Students can use the time between now and when PSAT scores come back in December to take a practice SAT and ACT and see how they do on each test. Colleges accept either the SAT or ACT for admission. We here at AJ Tutoring recommend that students take both the SAT and the ACT â€" after all, that gives you two chances to succeed!If your student would like some help preparing for the tests from our fabulous AJ tutors, it’s a great idea to complete a few tutoring sessions before winter break. This schedule allows the sessions to be spaced out before th e March SAT or April ACT. And with high schoolers’ incredibly busy schedules these days (I’m thinking of my student who plays two sports, participates in student government, and takes 4 APs), spreading out the tutoring reduces stress and allows ample time for academics and other activities.We know that junior year is a busy year, especially at competitive high schools like Paly, St. Francis, Los Gatos, Saratoga and many others, where college preparation starts early and never lets up. Joe and Aaron, the co-owners of AJ Tutoring, are experts at developing tutoring and testing plans that work for students’ individual needs and schedules. Email or call them today (info@ajtutoring.com, (650) 331-3251) to discuss your student’s game plan now that the PSAT is over!To summarize, juniors waiting for PSAT results should: • Take a practice SAT and ACT and compare the test scores • Continue to excel in academic courses at school • Talk to Aaron or Joe about a testing schedule for junior and senior year • Complete three or four tutoring sessions before winter break

Creating A Scholarship Game Plan

Creating A Scholarship Game Plan Parents of high school students have plenty on their minds, but at the top of the list is paying for collegeand for good reason. The cost of college has risen steadily for the last three decades.* While many families plan on taking out federal loans to help cover the cost, teens should absolutely apply for scholarships. That gift aid (free money) can make the cost of college a little or a lot more affordable. There are thousands of scholarships out there that can come from many different sources: the federal government, state government, colleges and universities, private organizations, nonprofits and even businesses. It is definitely worthwhile to search and apply for scholarships, but in a methodical, organized way. Here are a few tips on creating a scholarship search game plan: Create a spreadsheet for tracking research. Before teens start researching scholarships, its a good idea to develop a system for keeping track of them. Many of the popular scholarship engines out there have a dashboard of their own that allows students to manage their scholarship matches and application progress, but its wise for teens to have their own database too since they might apply to different scholarships from different sources. A simple Google Sheet or Excel spreadsheet will do the trick. Research. Too often, high schoolers disregard the idea of scholarships, thinking theyre reserved only for the highest achieving students. However, there are scholarships for students from many backgrounds with various skills and in different niches. Students should do their research, keeping several things in mind: Get to know the guidance counselor. Sign up for any college platform or email list recommended by the high school guidance counseling office (such as Naviance), which is likely to be the best way to keep on top of deadlines for scholarships the school advertises. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is used by both state and federal agencies (and colleges use the FAFSAs Student Aid Report to determine the financial aid award they offer, which might include scholarships). Keep small scholarships in mind, as they tend to be less competitive and can add up quickly. Start early, as many scholarships require elements like letters of recommendation and essays. Find ways to be efficient, like reusing/revising personal statements and essays to fit similar but slightly different scholarship applications. In addition to the guidance counselors office, there are many other places to look for scholarships: Scholarship databases like scholarships.com and fastweb.com Local foundations, community organizations, businesses and civic groups Library resource desk Dedicate time each week to scholarship research. There are lots of scholarships available to students, but those who earn them are dedicated and diligent. Teens should make time every week for researching scholarships and applying to those for which theyre qualified. Log progress. Teens should update their scholarship spreadsheet regularly, which will keep deadlines top of mind and keep them motivated to continue the effort. Heres an example of how a tracking system might look: Name Provider Website Deadline Award Criteria Other Status Johnson Scholarship ABC Foundation ABCFoundation.com 11/1/2019 $5K - $10K per year for tuition + fees in-state schools 3.75 GPA New Freshman, Top 10% of class Average SAT 1300 Average ACT 30 Letter of rec Interview required Requested letter from Ms. Smith 8/10/2019 Started online application 9/1/2019 Applying for scholarships takes effort, but the task is much less stressful when teens stay organized. Parents, encourage your teens to approach the job in a disciplined way, which will make it easier to apply widely and streamline the application process. * Trends in College Pricing 2017, published by the College Board, states that over the past three decades, the dollar increases in published tuition and fees (in 2017 dollars) ranged from $1,550 (from 1987-88 to 1997-98) to $2,690 (from 2007-08 to 2017-18) at public four-year institutions and from $5,860 (from 1987-88 to 1997-98) to $7,220 (from 2007-08 to 2017-18) in the private nonprofit four-year sector.

What Life Skills Do I Need Before University

What Life Skills Do I Need Before University Many students who head off to university for the first time have never before lived on their own, which can seem intimidating. There will probably be a lot of things that your parents did for you that you'll now have to do for yourself. Before you head off to university, here are some life skills to keep in mind. (They'll come in hand day-to-day and may even impress your roommates and friends at the same time!) Organisation Learning organization skills sounds silly. Many students may wonder what being organised even looks like. To help you visualize it, grab a planner. Start writing things down. Planners are especially useful with keeping deadlines straight. Learn to take note of homework assignments, test dates, and any upcoming academic or social events you may want to attend. Luckily, smart phones and countless apps can replace paper and pen if that's more comfortable for you. Study skills The majority of us have to work at mastering writing, studying, and other academic skills. Since everyone is different, each of us may have to approach the art of studying differently. Find out how you learn best: whether that's utilizing visuals, words, or activities. Adapt your study sessions to accommodate the way you best take in information. If you're a visual learner, make colored note cards before a test. Find a space conducive to studying that offers the materials you need. The library is a great place to start, especially if you have loud roommates! Cooking Making food at home is often more affordable, tastier, and healthier than ordering takeaway. It may take a few tries to master simple recipes, but don't lose heart. Watch cooking shows, and follow recipes to the letter with your first attempts. Start with foods that are impossible to screw up: like an omelette or a simple pasta dish. Work up to more complex meals, and try to cook with what's in season or what produce looks good at the grocery store when you visit. Money management Chances are, even if you receive financial aid for tuition and housing, you probably have a personal bank account that you'll use for miscellaneous bills - things like food and entertainment. If you work a part-time job during school, take note of how much you make monthly and budget out your spending accordingly. Allow yourself some luxuries, but don't get caught up at the shops, especially if you have friends whose parents constantly replenish their bank accounts. Money is a personal issue, and one that you should be honest and mindful about throughout your unviersity career. You're sure to master countless other skills while away at school. Start by mastering these few things and you'll probably have a leg up on the majority of your classmates. Share your knowledge, and have fun!

Feeling Low It Could Be Seasonal Affective Disorder

Feeling Low It Could Be Seasonal Affective Disorder Image Credit to normanrosenthal.com The start of spring semester can be daunting for a lot of reasons.   You have to start planning for your summer, applying for internships, and if you’re graduating, you have to start searching for jobs.   You have to get used to a new schedule and transition from the holidays back into the daily grind.   But there’s another reason that the beginning of spring semester can feel especially daunting: the weather.   If you attend college in New England, or anywhere in the world where winter is no joke and sunlight is scarce, the term spring semester is a bit of a misnomer.   Actual spring weather doesn’t come around until at least mid-March, which means you’re kicking off your term in cold, often snowy weather with very little sunlight.   This may seem like a trivial detailâ€"but it’s actually not.   Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression and it’s very real.   So if you’re having a hard time dragging yourself out of a funk in mid-January and wondering why it se emed so much easier in September, consider the possibility that something bigger than you could be the cause. Season Affective Disorder has a list of symptoms similar to those you probably already associate with depression, including but not limited to: anxiety, loss of energy, social withdrawal, oversleeping, appetite changes (especially increased carb-cravings), and difficulty concentrating.   The Mayo Clinic notes that cases of Seasonal Affective Disorder tend to become more common the farther one moves from the equator.    This is thought to be due to the decreased amounts of sunlight during winter in these locations.   Seasonal Affective Disorder is very treatable, but you do have to get yourself to a health center if you suspect you might be suffering from the disorder.   Be prepared for your appointment; this webpage has a great list.   Once they see you, a doctor can diagnose you and suggest appropriate treatment options.   These typically include light therapy and/or oral medication, but there are lifestyle changes and alternative medicine options you can try if you are concerned a bout taking pills.   Regardless, do keep in mind that the proper diagnosis and care can only come from an appointment with a medical professional. If your symptoms aren’t terribly severe and you feel you’re missing some of the key aspects of actual depression but still feel sluggish and not yourself, it’s also possible that you might have a Vitamin D deficiency.   According to the Daily Mail UK, nine out of ten people in Britain have a Vitamin D deficiency.   It’s not at all unusual to see such a deficiency, especially in climates that don’t see a lot of sunshine.   Harvard Health published a pretty comprehensive article on the topic.   It contains a particularly helpful discussion on how Vitamin D deficiency is an issue in regions that lie above or below the equator by thirty-seven degrees or more.   This puts New England squarely in the area where Vitamin D deficiencies are commonplace.  If you think you aren’t getting enough Vitamin D, make an appointment with your school’s health center and share your concerns with a professional.   Correcting a Vitamin D deficiency usually just involves taking a Vitamin D su pplement.   These are pretty readily available; CVS carries them.   Your doctor should be able to suggest the correct amount to take and even perhaps which brand is best. Regardless, don’t worry.   If you suspect you may have Seasonal Affective Disorder or a Vitamin D deficiency, there is no reason to panic.   Both conditions are very treatable and there are lots of helpful books on the subjects.   A great one to have if you do find you have Seasonal Affective Disorder is Winter Blues by Norman Rosenthal.   He has a very helpful website as well.   Arm yourself with knowledge, but don’t overreact, and bear in mind: Spring is on its way.

Learn a Language Through Songs with These 9 Groovy Tips

Learn a Language Through Songs with These 9 Groovy Tips Learn a Language Through Songs with These 9 Groovy Tips You hum them while you work.You belt them out in your car.You dance to them when no one is watching, and sometimes, even when everyone is watching.Songs are an integral part of your life, so why shouldnt they be part of your language learning routine?Listening to music is so much more than just a fun way to pass the time. It can also be one of the most powerful language learning tools in your arsenal!You just need a good approach and the right song in your heart and on your playlist. Heres all you need to know to learn a language through songs. Why You Should Incorporate Songs into Your Language StudyLearning with music is a fun way to break up your study session without halting your learning. Conventional study methods are useful, but they can also zap your energy. Eventually, youll need a break to recharge. Listening to music in your target language can give you the refreshing break you need from your normal study methods while still upping your language skills.Plus, popular song s will be well-known in their countries of origin, giving you another connection to local culture. Not only can this make you feel more deeply connected to the culture, but it also provides a great topic of conversation for interactions with native speakers. You might even want to discuss your favorite songs and performers with your language exchange partner. For instance, Korean students will have no problem finding someone to discuss BTS with.Songs are also easy to memorize, so you can use them to remember grammar rules and vocabulary. The combination of rhythmic lyrics and a melody make songs much easier to remember than words alone. That makes them great tools to remember vocabulary and grammar rules you might otherwise forget.For example, beginning Portuguese and Spanish students can reinforce some key vocabulary with Meu Menino/Minha Menina  (My Boy/My Girl) by Luan Santana featuring Belinda. Luan Santana (the man) sings in Portuguese, while Belinda Peregrín (the woman) sings in Spanish.The vocabulary is pretty basic, so beginners can see common vocabulary in context and get more comfortable with word gender and past and present tense verbs. Plus, you can always read along if you need a little extra assistance.Music is also  easy to have with you wherever you are. Music is one of the most portable language learning tools imaginable! Its easy to load onto your phone and listen to in your car, on a plane, in line or anywhere you are when the desire to practice your target language strikes.Its easy to listen to music in short bursts. Songs are just a few minutes long, and listening to one isnt much of a commitment. You dont have to set aside long chunks of time, so its easy to squeeze in whenever you have a couple minutes. Because its so quick and easy, you could listen several times throughout the day.Finally, songs use repetition, which is great for reinforcing vocabulary. Songs are inherently repetitive, particularly the choruses. For instance, anyone w ho has heard Despacito  (Slowly) by Luis Fonsi can probably remember the titular word even if they dont speak Spanish because of the repetition alone. Because repetition is often the key to language learning, music and learning seem like a natural fit.Learn a Language Through Songs with These 9 Groovy Tips1. Pick the right song.Choosing the right song is the key to success. However, it isnt as easy as just selecting any song in your target language and listening to it. Instead, there are some key points to take in consideration.The first thing to consider is whether you find a song enjoyable. You want to pick a song you truly like listening to. The more you like it, the more likely you are to listen to it. The more you listen to it, the more likely you are to learn from it.You should also consider whether or not the song is level-appropriate. If a song is much simpler than your current skill set, like a childrens song, you probably wont learn as much as you could. However, if a song is way too hard, like a rap, everything might blur together, and you end up learning next to nothing. If you understand some but not all of the song the first time you listen, its probably at an appropriate level.2. Keep your target song handy.Keeping your target song with you wherever you go makes it easier to squeeze in a quick learning session. Because learning through music requires repetition, being able to listen whenever the mood strikes can increase your learning potential. Keep the song on your phone, on your computer and anywhere else where you might like to listen to music.Resources:iTunesPurchasing your target song on iTunes can make it easy to save it on your phone, computer and/or favorite device. And you never have to worry about English-language ads interrupting your immersive language experience!The selection on iTunes is hard to beat, so youll find plenty of great options in your target language. You can download individual songs or entire albums so that you have plenty of content at your fingertips.SpotifyNot only can you listen to some of your favorite songs on Spotify, you could even craft your own learning playlist! If youre not up for creating your own playlist, thats fine, too. There are a lot of existing foreign language playlists that can help learners find and enjoy great songs in their target languages.If youre using a free Spotify account, your playlist will be interrupted with some ads, so try to tune out the English and focus on your target language if youre looking for a more immersive language exercise. If you cant ignore the ads, though, try translating them in your head for a little extra practice!3. Use the lyrics for added support.Even native speakers cant always understand all the words in songs. While misheard lyrics can be hilarious, they can also create headaches for language learners.Thats why theres no shame in using the lyrics for added support. Not only can they help you make out individual words more clearly, but you can use them to study even when youre not listening to your target song. Referring to the lyrics gives you ample opportunity to look up and practice new vocabulary without interrupting your favorite tune.Resources:FluentUWant to take some of the work out of learning a language with music? FluentU can help! FluentU takes real-world videos, including music videos, and turns them into language lessons.FluentU gives videos a unique learning twist. Each video is captioned, and the captions are annotated to give you easy access to any words definition and example sentences. If you want to study a word from a music video more, just add it to your vocabulary list.But your love of authentic language learning materials doesnt have to stop at music! FluentU also offers other authentic videos, like news broadcasts, movie trailers and informational talks, so youll have plenty to choose from.When you want to change it up, hop on over to Quiz Mode. Quiz Mode combines videos, images and example sentences into flashcard activities that provide an authentic, engaging experience.And FluentU can help you access some of your favorite videos, including music videos, wherever you are, whether you use FluentU online, enjoy the iOS app or use the Android app.Lyrics TranslateLyrics Translate provides lyrics translated between languages, so you may be able to find English translations of your target song. Perhaps best of all, you can view the original song lyrics side-by-side with the translation, making it easy to check the meaning of any word or phraseIf you dont see a translation of your target song, though, all is not lost! You can post a request for a translation, and a friendly translator may help you out. If youre feeling particularly ambitious, you could even offer translations for songs as an additional way to practice your target language.GeniusGenius provides tons of song lyrics, so you can find a lot of popular foreign language songs through this website.However, Genius is more than just song lyrics. Annotations provide additional details on inspiration and meaning, allowing you to understand songs in greater depth.4. Look up new vocabulary words.Even if you understand your target song for the most part, looking up words youre unfamiliar with can expand your vocabulary and ensure you understand the song more completely.If youre using printed lyrics, looking up new vocabulary words is simple. Just read through the lyrics, jot down any unfamiliar words and look them up. Then you can study them in greater depth so that you understand them better when listening to the song.If youre not using lyrics, youll need to rely more on your ears. When you hear a word you dont know, write down what you think you hear. Then look that word up. If the meaning you find doesnt seem to make sense in context, try listening againâ€"you may have misheard a lyric.You can also maintain vocabulary lists for all your favorite songs to give yourself reference material and trac k how much youve learned.5. Learn one chunk at a time.When you first start out, approaching an entire song at once may be challenging. One great technique to learn and enjoy a song in your target language is to break it into tiny chunks.To do this, just listen for a set length of time, like 15 seconds, or just choose a section of the printed lyrics. Look up unfamiliar words and study them until you know everything in that chunk.The chorus is an ideal segment to start with. Because the chorus is repeated, youll hear it often, so learning it right away can make it easier to enjoy the song.6. Sing along.Finally, the excuse youve been looking for to sing at the top of your lungs! Singing along is definitely fun, but theres so much more to it than that. When youre singing along in your target language, youre also practicing your pronunciation and reinforcing the vocabulary youve learned from the song.Not confident yet? Try lip-syncing. It will get you used to thinking of what lyrics come next, and it might help you transition toward singing your heart out.If you have friends who are studying the same language as you, even better. You can get together and have sing offs, of just enjoy a language learning binge on your next road trip.7. Watch music videos.Watching music videos is a great way to feel more immersed in the music. Not only do you get great visuals to go along with the music (and possibly hint at the meaning), you may also have the opportunity to watch the singers lips, which could make it easier to figure out what theyre singing and learn how to replicate the sounds yourself.While FluentU is a great resource for music videos, there are even more options to accompany it.Resources:YouTubeYouTube provides a wealth of music videos. You can find a lot of the most popular international hits, so you can probably find the music video of your target song.And YouTube comes with some major bonuses! You can interact with other fans in the comments section, and many of the videos offer English subtitles. For instance, French students who dont mind adult language can enjoy Balance Ton Quoi (Expose Your What) by Angèle with English subtitles.To find your target song, try searching the song name and official video in your target language.VimeoVimeo also offers up a lot of official music videos. You can encounter plenty of foreign language content just by searching official music video, or you can search the title of your target song. Regardless, Vimeo has some great options, such as  Oasis  (Oasis) by La Chica, which Spanish students may enjoy.8. Dance along.Wait if the goal is to listen to your target language, why should you dance?Well, studying can be a pretty sedentary activity. However, studies indicate that physical movement can aid learning, so if youre sitting still, you might be missing out!The next time you watch the music video of your target song, just try to pick up as many dance moves as possible. Once you have a handle on the moves , try to dance when you listen!Not only is it a fun, active way to break up your study session, but associating words and phrases with specific movements might make that vocab easier to remember.9. Interact with other music fans.While music is great for listening practice and building vocabulary, it doesnt provide great writing practice. However, that doesnt mean your passion for music cant fuel your writing practice! There are avid music fans all over the world, and connecting with them online can be a great way to practice your writing skills and make new friends.To find fan groups using your target language, try searching music fans for your target language. You can even search the name of the performer/group and fans to try to find people who share your specific preferences.Resource:RedditReddit has plenty of subreddits dedicated to music, including international music communities. While these groups may discuss both English and non-English songs, they communicate in different l anguages. So if you find the right subreddit, you can practice reading and writing in your target language. And if no one is talking about the music you want to talk about, you can simply start your own thread to launch the conversation.Spanish students can try out their skills at Música en Español  (Music in Spanish), where members share music videos and discuss songs.Francophones who love music can interact in the La  musique française  (French music) subreddit.Learning Italian? You guessed it! Theres an Italian Music  subreddit, too.While not all languages have a dedicated music page, you can also discuss music in other foreign language subreddits. For instance, music definitely isnt the focus of the Japanese subreddit, but that doesnt mean you cant bring it up!To find subreddits for music in your target language, just search the name of the language and music in your target language on Reddit.If it sounds like music to your ears to learn a language through songs, try these ti ps to get started! Theres no groovier way to learn a new language.