Become fully accustomed to the language during the initial stage of your preparation. Take advantage of the fact that the biggest news corporations, such as the BBC and CNN are in English and read news daily. Magazines and television broadcasts -- even movies -- will help you start thinking in English.
Read academic publications, researches or watch university lectures on websites, such as Academic Earth. Since TOEFL tests your capabilities on academic English, after you have grown accustomed to the language, focus on such topics.
Speak English on every possible occasion. Family members or friends can help you familiarize with speaking English, but for a more advanced and TOEFL-centered level of communication, use the social networks, such as Facebook or Bebo, to interact with students who already speak the language the way you want to learn.
Take as many practice tests as you can. Even experienced English speakers can be confused and subsequently fail, if they have to cope with an unknown test format, in a limited amount of time. Make sure you avoid any distractions, such as loud television, washing machines and open windows, while you keep the timetable at TOEFL test standards.
Practice your typing skills if you are giving the internet-based test. TOEFL is available in both paper-based and internet-based formats, but the latter is the most commonly used, as of 2011. You will be asked to type your answers, as well as write your essay using a typical computer keyboard. Unless you are an expert on typing, work on it, typing your practice essays or even by using correct spelling and punctuation on instant messaging programs, such as MSN.
Set your goals high. Ignore the minimum score set by your desired university and go for the highest possible grade. There is always the possibility of unexpected errors, so even when going for an average mark, a mistake can prove a disaster. Instead, a mistake in an excellent test will lower your score, but still allow you to be over the university's limit.