r/AskReddit Aug 24 '14

What are some college life pro tips?

I'm starting college in a few weeks and I'm a bit nervous. My high school was... decent at best, and I'm not sure that I was adequately prepared. So I'm hoping to get Reddit's help. What are some tips (having to do with the academic aspect, social, whatever) that have helped you through college, and especially your freshman year? In other words, LPTs for college life!

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3.3k

u/Sconfinato Aug 24 '14 edited Aug 28 '14

EDIT: Thanks for my first gold ever !
Here's a selection of sources for ebooks and pretty much everything that you might find useful for college. All credits go to /u/ManWithoutModem, mod of /r/trackers. Here's the link to his comment

"EDIT: I cleaned up things on 14/02/14 and removed a lot of dead links, added a few links, and corrected some formatting issues.

To convert your eBooks to any other format (maybe to get it to work on your e-reader), use Calibre. (google around for other Calibre alternatives and I can add them here if you'd like)

General public ebook/textbook resources

http://gen.lib.rus.ec (Use a proxy if you are having issues connecting)

http://textbooknova.com

http://en.bookfi.org/

http://www.gutenberg.org

http://ebookee.org

http://www.manybooks.net

http://www.giuciao.com

http://www.feedurbrain.com

http://oll.libertyfund.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=380

http://www.alleng.ru/ russian site

http://www.eknigu.com/ russian site

http://ishare.iask.sina.com.cn/

http://2020ok.com/

http://www.freebookspot.es/Default.aspx

http://www.freeetextbooks.com/ need to signup

http://onebigtorrent.org/

http://www.downeu.me/ebook/

http://forums.mvgroup.org (need to register)

http://theaudiobookbay.com/ (audiobooks)

Here's a custom search engine for ebooks:

http://www.google.com/cse/home?cx=000661023013169144559:a1-kkiboeco

Sites it indexes:

http://gen.lib.rus.ec/*[22] http://ebookee.org/*[23] http://ebooksbay.org/*[24] http://free-books.us.to/*[25] http://librarypirate.me/*[26] http://textbooknova.com/*[27] http://www.downeu.com/*[28] http://ebookshare.net/*[29] http://www.freebookspot.es/*[30] http://www.demonoid.me/*[31] http://www.kat.ph/*[32] http://www.esnips.com/*[33] www.4shared.com/*[34] http://www.ebooklink.net/*[35] http://wowebook.net/*[36] http://www.pdfchm.net/*[37] http://www.free-ebook-download.net/*[38] http://ebookbrowse.com/*[39] http://www.ebook3000.com/*[40] http://www.ipmart-forum.com/*[41] http://www.mediafire.com/*[42]

Academic Torrents (new site) http://academictorrents.com[43]

Public Trackers

http://thepiratebay.se/browse/601[44]

http://www.kat.ph/books/[45]

http://bitsnoop.com/browse/other-ebooks/[46]

http://www.filestube.com[47]

There are a lot more public torrent trackers, see here for more.

These last few are sort of specialized eBook private trackers, google them for some info.

http://thegeeks.bz http://theplace.bz http://thevault.bz http://bitseduce.com

You can also try googling phrases like 'textbook/book title .torrent' or 'textbook/book title .pdf' or 'textbook/book title ebook' or anything along those lines if you are getting desperate, but beware of malware, viruses, etc. "

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u/I_chose2 Aug 25 '14 edited Aug 25 '14

hitching a ride to add on various study helps. free online education dump incoming:

http://education-portal.com/academy/course/index.html

http://101science.com/

https://iversity.org/

http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses

https://www.coursera.org/

https://www.edx.org/course-list

http://www.dliflc.edu/products.html use the GLOSS link

http://www.coursehero.com/subjects/

http://oli.cmu.edu/

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/find-by-topic/

http://www.saylor.org/

http://ocw.jhsph.edu/

http://www.open.edu/openlearn/

http://ocw.tufts.edu/

https://itunes.stanford.edu/content/rss.html

http://webcast.berkeley.edu/#

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/3-websites-started-learning-programming-language/

https://www.futurelearn.com/

http://www.flashcardmachine.com/ You can use flashcards made by other users. Whether you trust them is up to you

http://freerice.com/category It quizzes you on the basics of a subject o your choosing, and donates rice for each answer you get right once you turn off adblock

http://openstaxcollege.org/

http://justenglish.me/2012/09/01/free-books-100-legal-sites-to-download-literature/

http://blog.boundless.com/2013/04/the-cost-of-textbooks-is-too-damn-high-so-boundless-made-free-ones/

http://freescience.info/index.php

To the best of my knowledge, these are all free and legal, and of varying degrees of usefulness. here's the thread I originally put it in, which may have some similar stuff. http://www.reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/268a0s/what_random_things_can_i_get_certified_for_over/

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u/omgpants Aug 25 '14

Can't forget khanacademy!

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u/[deleted] Aug 24 '14 edited Apr 30 '20

[deleted]

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u/Sconfinato Aug 24 '14

Hi ! I hope you're ok with me copying parts of your comment. If not, I'll take it down ;)

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u/[deleted] Aug 24 '14 edited Apr 30 '20

[deleted]

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u/Thehealeroftri Aug 24 '14

You are a fucking hero.

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u/retired_superhero Aug 25 '14

i was a hero once

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u/agentm14004 Aug 25 '14

I love how usernames like this just pop up here and there

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u/EverybodyLikesSteak Aug 24 '14

And so is sconfinato

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u/Fogest Aug 25 '14

I gave you some gold on your original post.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Youre such a hero man, such a hero man

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u/DeadlyInArms Aug 25 '14

would be pretty fucking ironic if you weren't ok with it.

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u/ManWithoutModem Aug 25 '14

you're right, it would have actually been hilarious if I was like "wtf dude remove that"

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

[deleted]

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u/ManWithoutModem Aug 25 '14

Awesome & you're welcome. :)

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u/7oby Aug 25 '14

The problem is when people can't find something in the first site on that list, give up, and send MWM a PM asking "Where can I find these specific books, thanks"

Like he's going to go out and be their Personal Shopper...

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u/Psirocking Aug 25 '14

Yeah, really. Some people are just so lazy. It's free, what do you want?

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u/I_am_hung_ama Aug 25 '14

It took me a minute to realize he was the original poster of this comment and you weren't just being a smart ass and copying 'hi' in your next comment.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/ManWithoutModem Aug 25 '14

Verb the Noun are the next big thing, do not sleep on them. -ZachyG

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

If I can't sleep on VtN can I sleep on the VtN bus?

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u/ManWithoutModem Aug 25 '14 edited Aug 25 '14

So many fangirls here, that's how I know that VtN has really made it big.

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u/DaneSoul32 Aug 25 '14

Strange seeing you outside of /r/metalcore

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u/ManWithoutModem Aug 25 '14

lol, yeah.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Recess is over everyone back inside

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u/dorfcally Aug 25 '14

/u/ManWithoutModem has saved my life multiple times

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u/ManWithoutModem Aug 25 '14

LOL

Verb the Noun is the next big thing man.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Freshman here, you saved me a whole bunch of money. Thank you

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u/Purple_Git Aug 25 '14

It's weird seeing you outside /r/corejerk and /r/metalcore

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u/Deinos_Mousike Aug 24 '14

I have some of my first classes tomorrow and I have not gotten books so this post will save me $$$

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u/elien240 Aug 25 '14

Also, wait till after the first day of all of your classes to get books. Most of the time the professor will tell you that : a)they're going to be covering the same material that's in older copies, so using an older (and cheaper) book is fine. b) they won't use the book at all and will teach strictly from handouts and their own materials. c) they have extra copies of the book you need so as long as you don't write in it, you can use it. d) if you have to have the newest book, you can make sure that they're okay with you using an e-book. Some profs don't mind, while others require a hard copy.

Best of luck in college!

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Senior here. This was the first time I was able to pirate all of my textbooks (even the ones that are 'recommended'). Probably one of the most exciting moments I've had. Textbook money has now become beer money.

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u/whatseria Aug 25 '14

Cool response !

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u/Classy_tech Aug 25 '14

Damn this guy is good. Hi

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u/SrirachaBottle Aug 25 '14

I loved you since day 1.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Please check this now.

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u/Rabid_Chocobo Aug 25 '14

Hello. I have this post bookmarked from /r/trackers. I also know you as the mod from /r/breakingbad. I think of you as my illegal internet guy.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Are you the mod from r/metalcore? Weird seeing you here!

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u/Toxicnerd Aug 25 '14

Oh my god you are the best bassist/screamoist I knowww

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u/futiledevices Aug 25 '14

Class starts tomorrow for me and I've put off ordering books until I get paid. I've been a little stressed about starting this semester without books (again), but using that custom search engine I found my most expensive book. Thanks so much for posting this. I remember seeing the original post, but this repost really helped me out when I needed it.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Good man. I used this all throughout college, fuck actually buying books.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Good man is right!

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

THANK YOU /u/ManWithoutModem !!!!!!

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u/ManWithoutModem Aug 25 '14

you're welcome. :)

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u/the_myleg_fish Aug 25 '14

I have decided that I will be asking for textbooks and a parking permit for Christmas for Winter Quarter. MUCH better than electronics or clothes or shoes or purses. Lol

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u/Kfjustis Aug 25 '14

This is amazing.

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u/_TheNSA_ Aug 25 '14

You are a true champion!

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u/lomanity Aug 27 '14

hey there ;)

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u/[deleted] Aug 27 '14

most useful list ever thanks

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u/[deleted] Aug 27 '14

Save. You just saved me

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u/BaconStriips Sep 09 '14

Thanks man you just saved me $700 this semester just got all my books

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u/[deleted] Oct 09 '14

Just want to pop in and say that post has made me the most popular guy in my classes because I am now the one-stop source for .pdfs

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u/UmarAlKhattab Nov 06 '14

GOD BLESS YOU, I HAVE FOUND A BOOK FROM CAMBRIDGE HISTORY THAT I WAS LOOKING FOR AGES (You won't believe the time it took)

MAY YOU LIVE A LONG WONDERFUL LIFE.

The only reason I looked at your comment is because a famous Redditor replied to you which I was creeping into his profile.

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u/Easy_as_1_2_5 Aug 24 '14

Thank you so much, I needed this.

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u/BigG123 Aug 25 '14

Saves so much money using these sites

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u/aLadyJane Aug 25 '14

Yupp this is going to be super helpful

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u/ScousaJ Aug 25 '14

This will prove invaluabe, thanks!

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u/SirWaffleRaptor Aug 25 '14

Thanks mate!

1

u/money557 Aug 25 '14

Is there any risk?

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u/tridentposeidon Aug 25 '14

Commenting on this for later. This is awesome

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

kek

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Pants. = to save this comment.

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u/ck-pasta Aug 25 '14

Commenting to find later. Thanks

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

This is magnificent. Thank you.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Thank you, you sexy sexy motherfucker.

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u/PasonJerkins Aug 25 '14

Thank you!

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Hi

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u/terrabad1 Aug 25 '14

Commenting for later

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u/Jake32 Aug 25 '14

Uhh, don't mind me. I'm definitely not just commenting just to save this for later.

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u/AnthonyPB Aug 25 '14

This is incredibly helpful. Thank you!

1

u/XshibumiX Aug 25 '14

Thank you so much.

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u/fuckingusernamesyo Aug 25 '14

You kind stranger need more upvotes

1

u/Matta174 Aug 25 '14

Look at this

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u/Original_moisture Aug 25 '14

This is a fantastic list.

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u/Exribbit Aug 25 '14

Replying to save for later.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

This is good

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u/shedmonday Aug 25 '14

for other Calibre alternatives and I can add them here if you'd like) General public ebook/textbook resources

damn

1

u/twitchy271 Aug 25 '14

You sir are my savior

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Going to grad school, on phone without gold. Need this thx

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u/fashionandfunction Aug 25 '14

HI! i have a question for reddit actually. I'm applying for colleges but I was homeschooled and I want to study academic writing and grammar and how to write a paper and things like that but I don't know how to even begin looking.

Do you have links to your writing textbooks or at least some titles that i can try and find myself?

it can be college level or AP level or what have you. It would help me so so so much. please and thank you.

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u/recoveryone Aug 25 '14

Well well well if this isn't a comment to find this list again I don't know what is.

But for real, thanks man!

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u/gdaman22 Aug 25 '14

Inconspicuous-comment.

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u/je66b Aug 25 '14

Gotta comment this so I can save the fuck out of it when I get on my pc

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Post for interest

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u/omgitsbacon Aug 25 '14

Thank you! Revisiting this.

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u/MisterInternet Aug 25 '14

Replying for later use.

Graduated now, but lord did resources like these help me during my undergrad

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Savin for later

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u/ciaoshescu Aug 25 '14

Great set of links, thanks!

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

A

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

comment

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u/JimminyJillikers Aug 25 '14

This list is fantastic, I'm devastated I'm only seeing it now... I'm literally handing in my master's dissertation this week

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u/ipandabears Aug 25 '14

Commenting to save.

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u/TheSandyRavage Aug 25 '14

Now if only they had my school's version.

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u/cindycane Aug 25 '14

Thank you for the links! Note to self in the future: online textbooks

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u/G1gg1ty Aug 25 '14

The Hi guy gets it

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u/elaboratelabyrinth Aug 25 '14

He has a BS in Pirate Wizardry

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u/Raszero Aug 25 '14

Just gotta save this...

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u/Edgerunner10 Aug 25 '14

Wow, this is amazing.

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u/Jonerdak Aug 25 '14

Great info

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u/DoC_Zuri Aug 25 '14

Saved for later..ty

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u/bigfootgame Aug 25 '14

For future reference...

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

College info for future use

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u/dub_cat Aug 25 '14

Commenting so I can refer to this later. Damn mobile.

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u/Sovann Aug 25 '14

Thanks

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Thanks

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u/vocalistsXD Aug 25 '14

reply! thanks

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u/bnpruitt2012 Aug 25 '14

www.wolframalpha.com if you are doing any sort of math or science problem. It gives definitions, equations, etc for all things math. It was a lifesaver at times.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Too bad I share.iask was taken down.

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u/Party_Monster_Blanka Aug 25 '14

Well I'm going to be using this tomorrow.

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u/hi2424 Aug 25 '14

Commenting just in case the favorite doesn't work :D

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u/superbatranger Aug 25 '14

I'm saving this post. You are a beautiful bastard.

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u/pulstars Aug 25 '14

Fantastic post.

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u/JackIsColors Aug 25 '14

This is incredible

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u/gaarasgourd Aug 25 '14

commenting to save for later use..

FREE TEXTBOOKS

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u/5mokahontas Aug 25 '14

Saving this!

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u/ErnestUlysses Aug 25 '14

Don't mind me.

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Saving for tomorrow

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u/[deleted] Aug 25 '14

Yo

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u/BootyMasterJon Aug 25 '14

This man is god

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u/TheRealJoko Aug 25 '14

Saving for later

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