When do we use "le conditionnel" and when do we use "le futur"?

Answer 1

Sometimes it is easier to think about the conditional as "hypothetical".

Answer 2

The Future tense in French is used to discuss something that will happen in the future. It translates as "will".

1. I will go to College in 2 years = J'irai a l'universite dans 2 and.
2. I will study French in College = J'etudierai le francais a l'Universite.

The Conditional tense in French is used in the same way "would" is used in English.

1. I would go to the party if I could = J'irais a la fete si je pouvais.
2. I would study French in College if I could - J'etudierais le francais a l universite si je pouvais

The stem of the verbs in both tenses are the same. It is the endings that change.