What is an effective way of learning French?

Learning a foreign language is half about learning the grammar and the verbs, and half about learning some vocabulary. The first part is usually not the easiest or the funniest part but it is essential and once you have learned it you can focus on learning plenty of vocabulary. As a French student who had to learn English, I know that learning by heart lists of vocabulary is not really useful. My advice would be to watch (a lot of) movies and series in French with English subtitles at first and then move on to French subtitles. In that way, you not only learn new vocabulary, but you understand the way it should be used and in which context. You can also listen to French music, and even read the news or a book in French. That way you learn French without even realizing you do. I suggest that you take these sessions as an opportunity to speak French with a native French speaker. It doesn’t have to be about anything serious, we can discuss the most random topics. What is really important is not to be scared and try and communicate even if you are unsure about what you say and how you say it. In that way, you will be more confident in speaking French in any context, and thus revising for your exam will seem much easier.