How I Learn From MIT For Free (Ideal for Lifelong Learners)
And how you can too
Sounds like clickbait, right?
Thatâs what I thought when I first read something similar. I believed it was a scam, but it is not. You can actually take thousands of courses from MIT, one of the best universities in the world, for free.
And you can start right now.
This is how.
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Option 1: MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW)
This was a game-changer.
I like to think about this as an âeverything is on the tableâ option. Why? Well, because you donât need to sign up or pay anything. You just pick a course and dive in.
OCW is basically MITâs course materials, published online for anyone:
Lecture notes.
Readings.
Assignments.
Exams.
Video lectures.
Itâs the closest thing to quietly sitting in an MIT classroom, except youâre doing it from a comfortable place. Just one disclaimer: not every course has all the resources mentioned above.
What contents can you find? Pretty much everything: biology, math, computer science, physics, neuroscience, etc. However, you should be cautious in trying to go for everything. That strategy will fail, and I said it from experience.
So, Iâd recommend you to:
Start with a goal.
Pick just one course.
Follow the syllabus as a GPS.
Do the assignments (if available).
Remember: it is free, forever, and you can move at your own pace. But not everything is good news: the downside is that you donât get a certificate, nor do you have deadline pressure. In other words, you need to create your own structure/learning path.
If youâre a lifelong learner, you will love it.
MIT OpenCourseWare: https://ocw.mit.edu/
YouTube channel for MIT OpenCourseWare: https://www.youtube.com/@mitocw
Option 2: edX
Letâs say edX is the more âguidedâ version of MITâs learning.
One note: edX is a learning platform that includes courses from many top universities (not just MIT). In contrast with MITâs OCW, videos are organized, progress is tracked, quizzes actually quiz you, there are discussion forums, etc.
In other words, edX gives you a structure, a clear learning path.
But there are downsides: most edX courses let you learn for free if you choose the audit (free) track, and there are fewer courses than in OCW. That gives you access to lessons and videos, and some graded assignments, full access to everything, but no certificate. The latter requires a paid upgrade.
If it helps, this is how I use it:
I search for MITx on edX (if you want MIT-specific courses).
I choose Audit when I enroll (donât spend money; upgrade only if itâs worth it after a few weeks of auditing).
I treat it like a real class with a weekly lecture, such as in real life.
I use the quizzes to check my understanding and avoid the illusion of learning.
edX: https://www.edx.org/
Summary
edX is perfect if you want a clearer path and a more âcourse-likeâ experience.
OCW is the giant library, an oasis for self-taught learners.
If you struggle with consistency, start with edX. If you want maximum freedom, go OCW. Either way, youâre learning from MIT, without waiting for permission or paying unpayable fees.
How cool is that?
Enjoy!
Ultra-learning saved my career.
It helped me learn anything without overstudying or overworking. But remember, each person has a different life. Perhaps you work full-time and also study. Or maybe you have a family, etc.
Be reasonable, and donât fall into toxic productivity.
Here are some last recommendations:
Donât compare yourself with others. Take your time.
This is not a competition. This is about you. Make it fun and healthy.
Please take care of yourself. Thatâs the most important thing!
Now it is your turn.
What are you going to learn next?
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This is great, I have to take a look. Thanks !