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optomstudies · 7 years

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#optomstudies here to stop your 💸💸💸 from flying away, again! This is to answer an ask I received from @psychblr and also the anon entering uni who wanted to know about textbooks! (thank you for asking!!).

For some pointers on how to make money, please also check out my 7 Part Time Work post. The first part will cover food, transport and entertainment (linked here). This second part will cover textbooks, tax, and scholarships.

TEXTBOOKS

Generally the only free textbooks... aren’t usually prescribed for your course by your professor. Meaning they’re essentially useless. I mean, sure they’re good resources, but if you need to do any specific reading or questions, you’re out of options :L

After 1st year, you’ll find it really difficult to find free textbooks (legally). It’s the publisher who decides whether a textbook is available or not. If they’re being draconian, they’ll actively take down all the .pdf links on Google.

You can try some of the websites here, they seemed pretty good, but it will take a little digging. Anything that links you to a site where you need to purchase the textbook means that the publisher hasn’t made it free, and hence it’s illegal to get it for free. Note: Don’t download anything that tells you to download a specific download manager though.

Save money by renting or purchasing second hand.

Okay so what to do? I study optometry, meaning like all university degrees, there aren’t any free textbooks once you get past 1st year sciences LOL. It’s just too niche. My principles are:

I only buy ‘prescribed’ textbooks.

Wait until the second week to see whether you actually need the textbook a great deal. Your professor will usually tell you.

NB. if your professor wrote the book, and is telling you that you need the book, I’d suggest you try for an older version, used version, or share with someone, since they have conflicting interests. This actually happens so much with the Management and Accounting Schools lol.

Go to the library to peruse the textbook. There are copies in the High Use Collection where you can only borrow the textbook for 2 hours. Just stalk the place. Your uni library website will tell you whether a textbook has been checked out or not.

If I feel like the textbook is useful for more than 1 year then I’ll purchase it. Otherwise I just make copies of the chapter I need to use (as far as copyright law goes, you can copy up to 1 chapter or 10% of a book, whichever is larger).

Try the Book Depository if you are buying new - reputable, plus occasionally cheaper than university bookstore prices (which are already 10% off RRP).

For every other textbook, just camp out at the library for it. When the teacher suggests you read something, zip off to the library as soon as class ends.

Sell the textbook to next year’s students once you’re done using it to recoup your losses.

TAX

So if you’ve managed to get a job directly in the area that you’re working towards in the future, you’ll actually be able to claim back some of the course expenses as tax deductions since money you spend on your university degree is a work-related self-education expense since it “result in, or is likely to result in, an increase in your income from your current employment” (source).

You can claim the following expenses in relation to your self-education. I’ve marked the ones that uni students should find the most useful.

accommodation and meals (if away from home overnight) !!!

computer consumables !!!

course fees (but not HECS-HELP repayments)

decline in value for depreciating assets (cost exceeds $300)

purchase of equipment or technical instruments costing $300 or less !!!

equipment repairs

fares

home office running costs !!!

interest

internet usage (excluding connection fees) !!!

parking fees (only for work-related claims)

phone calls

postage

stationery !!!

student union fees !!!

student services and amenities fees !!!

textbooks !!!

trade, professional, or academic journals

travel to-and-from place of education (only for work-related claims) !!!

To claim, make sure you keep all your receipts, and logbook anything needed!

SCHOLARSHIPS

I’ll focus on Australian scholarships. There’s plenty of information about American scholarships, and how to write a scholarship essay in this masterpost answer here.

Unlike American scholarships, Australian scholarships are usually tethered to the university that you apply to.

Each grant has specific criteria for who can apply, e.g. females, sports achievements, indigenous students, etc. Some are just open to any high achievers.

Most scholarships are for high-school leavers and first year students, but there are a few that are offered for higher years too (I wish I had known this!)

Each grant is a couple of thousand dollars, which can really help you out. Grants for next year usually open during second semester, so just go for it! You can’t win any if you don’t even put an application in!

MY STUDY TIPS

Please see my #optomstudies tag or my study tips directory (web only) for the full list of study tips + see my langblr posts + stationery + bujo spreads! ^_^

UNIVERSITY STUDY TIPS SERIES

Part 0 Choosing a Degree - what’s right for you? popular!!

> Things to Consider Before Switching Degrees!

> Changing Degrees

Part 1 Administration - choosing majors, available services, choosing class times etc.

Part 2 Getting to Class - pros and cons of attending class, when you should choose not to attend, advice about choosing a backpack and other essential equipment.

> Laptop Considerations and Recommendations

Part 3 Studying - differences between high school and uni, basic tips on how to keep on track, class types like lectures, tutorials, etc.

Part 4 Extra-Curriculars - what clubs to join, what to do outside class, and other great things to discover around campus.

Part 5 Exams - everything to know about examiners, how to prepare, what happens during the whole examination process.

Part 6 Social Life - differences between high school and university, some hard learnt lessons, etc.

Part 7 Part Time Work

Part 8 Four Secrets The Uni Tells You

Part 9 Best Study Spots On Campus

Part 10 Saving Money 1 - Food, Transport, Entertainment

Part 10 Saving Money 2 - Textbooks, Tax, Scholarships

Part 11 Adapting to Uni Study - 3 big differences from studying in high school popular!!

Part 12 How to Study From Textbooks in Uni

Part 13 Dealing with Lazy Group Members popular!!

Transitioning from High School to University popular!!

OTHER POPULAR POSTS

Weekly Planner Printable with Extra Space for Sat/Sun popular!!

Overcoming the Planning Fallacy

Study Spaces Masterpost

Studying and your Visual System

Catching Up with Your Studies popular!!

Sleeping and Waking Up Early popular!!

My 2017 Planner and Bullet Journal popular!!

#studyblr #studyspo #study tips #saving money #emmastudies #hermionegoals #obsidianstudy #studyplants #studypetals #areistotle #eintsein #educatier #tbhstudying #etudiance #university #college #wiwikbu #optomstudies #mymp

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heartfeltheart · 4 years

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Alchemy: Tiny Steps

Chapters: 15/45 Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist/Harry Potter Rating: T Relationships: Edward/Winry, Lan Fan/Ling, and May/Alphonse. Primary Characters: Edward Elric, Severus Snape Additional Tags: Crossover, Teacher!Edward, BrOtp Edward/Severus. Sassy beyond measure. Pro!Snape Series: Part 2 of 9. Summary: Part two of the Alchemy Series. Politics. Either you love it, hate it or you live it. For Alchemy Teacher Edward Elric, he lives it, hates it and loves it when he gets the upper hand. Here is to another year of hell… D/C: I do not own Harry Potter or Fullmetal Alchemist. Discord: La Red(Mesh Mash of… stuff.): https://discord.gg/KYjmVAb Alchemy Series: https://discord.gg/DejEYNJ

"I believe this will be my final rough draft." Edward mused as he, Severus, Alphonse and Draco walked down Diagon Alley. The three had just separated off from Narcissa, Riza and Mei, whom the eldest of the three guided the younger ones to Rosa Lee Teabag. Mainly to show them a wider variety tea Magical Great Britain has to offer. Lucius and Roy opted to stay at the Malfoy Manor with Zampano and Jerso.

"Will you publish your book here, Mr. Elric?" Draco asked.

"I am. I just need to test it out during this school year. By then, I will know vat i need to work on or leave as be." Edward responded back to the young Malfoy. He looked down at the preteen with an eyebrow raised with a questioningly. "Are you still planning on studying Alchemy?"

"Yes, sir."

"Then you will need books, studying materials and other needed items." Edward stated as he placed his rough draft in his charmed suitcase. "Severus, take us to the necessary location!"

"…Typical..." Severus resisted the urge to roll his eyes but nevertheless took the lead to leading to the needed store.

"With a couple of years of learning and training, you might be able to transmutate something." Edward snickered, he reached over and ruffled Draco's hair. Draco made face and attempted to move away but Edward swung an arm around his neck to give him a noogie. "Stop! You're going to mess up my hair! Uncle Snape!"

"Mr. Elric… would you like me to inform the Major General of your behavior?"

"…" Edward broke out into cold sweat and promptly pushed Draco away from himself. He began to whistle a random tune as he walked away acting like nothing had happened.

Alphonse could only shake his head at his brother's antics. "Let's just go where we need to go. September 1st starts less than two weeks and from what I have seen, you haven't prepared for the upcoming year, Brother."

"I have been preparing for the upcoming year. I had planned on sending out an exam for my students that planned to continue to learn Alchemy, but that fell through due to the meetings and other…previous engagements…" Edward coughed into his hand to cover up a possible slip up in saying a curse word in front of a child. Judging by the fact Severus isn't glaring at him, all things are good. "I decided to give them a test the day after they arrive at school. It will give me enough time to see where to place them and to give the results to their respected Head of Houses."

"Does this mean you plan on sending out an exam during the Summer Holiday's?" Draco asked Edward, his face scrunched up in confusion. "Wouldn't that give them an opportunity to cheat, ask for help or…"

"That's the point." Edward deadpanned, cutting off Draco mid-sentence. He rolled his head to his side and let out an audible sigh when he felt his neck pop. Then he went into lecture mode to explain his reasoning for taking an exam at home. "I already know what each of my students are capable of. The purpose of the exam is to see if they can use the information they have in hand and understand it fully. It is not about copy and pasting. It is about them understanding the material fully and have a better comprehension of the world around them."

"That and have a knack of common sense." Alphonse included.

"That too!"

-.-

"Whoa…" Alphonse eyes widened at the sight of all the book in the magical book shop. Words cannot even describe what was in front of him and what his brother told him, did no justice to what is in front of himself. "This is amazing…"

"You might as well prepare yourself for a letdown." Edward said under his breath to his brother as they headed towards the Alchemy section of the book store. Severus had wondered off to another alley leaving Draco fully into his care. In Edward's mind, this is a horrible decision on the man's part. He nudged Draco forward towards herbology section of the store. "Come on, Draco. Once I'm doing finding the book I want, we'll look for whatever you want to look for."

Draco allowed for Edward to move him along, his face scrunched up when he saw people pointing at them. He could already sense what they were saying. Edward being a muggle and he a pureblood, both sides that should not coexist. Even with that mindset in mind, the young Malfoy knew that this is no excepted of him. It will cause his family's name to be soiled and spat on. Yet… from what he had seen and heard from his father, god-father and many others, these are not regular muggles. Muggles are still muggles, but Alchemist are a whole other variable in the equation. Plus, if he comments on anything about it, Mr. Elric will hang his neck. Don't even get him started what Uncle Sev will do to him too.

"Don't get lost, Al."

"…"

"Oh Truth… I think we lost him."

-.-

"Are you not worried of the repercussion this will have on your family?"

Lucius looked over his cup of piping hot cup of tea to see Roy staring at him intently. Once he took a sip of his drink, the head of the Malfoy Family placed his cup down and took a moment to think of what he should respond with. He was already receiving grief, howlers, and many other…underhanded things done to him for his association. Then there are others that are silently taking his lead of 'liking' or will put asides their disliking temporarily towards muggles to look at the big picture. These are muggles that have access to a power they have never seen before. A power that could easily be taught and passed down. It's all about the personal interest. For Lucius Malfoy, this is about jumping on a massive opportunity that will pay for itself down the road. It is already paying off as both Elric Brothers and the Xing princess took interest in his son, whom had shown great interest in Alchemy.

Lucius could already sense his great-grandfather turning his in grave…

"I have my reasons for associating my family with Amestris and Xing."

Roy took Lucius words into consideration before he raised his teacup towards the other man's direction before taking a drink. He could accept the answer that was given to him. Everyone has their reasons and the General already has an idea what those reasoning's are. He already knows that Lucius will never voluntary be associated himself with muggles or whatever he considers lower than his status in terms of blood. Long as this helps them both in the end, it's all good.

-.-

Draco watched partially mortified and mystified at how Mr. Elric had literally pulled out every book from the shelf and rearranged them in different piles. The older male still hasn't found the book he wanted and is talking to himself on how a lot of the books did not make any sense. After hearing the reasoning for why they did not make sense, he had to agree. Still…

"Found it… and I hate it."

"Merlin's beard…"

-.-

"This… is… horrible…" Alphonse resisted the urge to hit his head against the bookshelf. His brother was right, such a letdown. Many of the books he went through were complete waste of time. The information was completely biased, unusable, or just plain idiocy at its lowest. There were one or two that peeked his interest or was truthful towards the topic in hand. The kicker… they were written by his late father.

Still, perhaps the books deemed unbelievable, could still be of use. A better view of the mind of the Wizarding Community of what they consider Alchemy to be. Plus, it will give Alphonse a leg up if he ever meets up with the supposed authors of these books. Now which ones should he take with him?

-.-

"Hm… lack of security, guards, false sense of security…" Miles mused as he, Armstrong, Bones and Young Susan Bones walked down Diagon Alley.

"A perfect setting for a surprise attack…" Armstrong muttered under her breath, her eyes scanning throughout the entire alley. She doesn't trust this place enough to allow her guard to be put down. "How could they stand to live ignorantly?"

"Ignorance is bliss…"

"Could I have a sword of my own?" Amelia asked her aunt, receiving odd or flabbergasted looks from onlookers. How could one give a sword to a young girl? To a child? She'll hurt herself? Or worse!

None saw the grin on the Major General's face, she is really starting to like Amelia's niece. "That would be an excellent present. I have every one of Miles's brats a sword on their fifth' birthday."

Miles visibly deflated at the mention of all of his children's fifth birthday parties. A sword for each of them and his wife having panic attacks left and right. Sure… they were amazing gifts… if they didn't try to kill everything or anyone!

"I have been meaning of commissioning a sword for Susan…"

"I could get you in contact with my family's blacksmith."

Susan giggled in glee at the prospect of getting a sword that she could call her own. The sword she had used for practice is at that point of being unusable. "Could it look like yours, Major General?"

From his spot, Miles couldn't help but chuckle at how the young Susan Bones is going to become a fierce warrior one day. Judging by his commander's expression, the Major General has a similar train of thought… if anything far more sinister than his own train of thought.

"You are still small and not built for this style of sword… but I will see what I can do."

Oh yes… same train of thought.

-.-

"No."

"Just one?"

"No."

"A tiny bit?"

"No!"

"…"

"Stop pouting, Brother. You are drawing attention to us…" Alphonse whispered to his brother, in an attempt to get him to behave. They, along with Severus and Draco are at the Leaky Cauldron for a late lunch. Edward wants to order a Firewhiskey but Severus is ensuring that does not happen. To early and last thing they needed is the eldest Elric Brother drunk off his ass.

"Ugh… fine. Then get me a sandwich and a butterbeer." Edward huffed out in defiance, crossing his arms over his chest. He looked around the busy bar and saw semi-familiar faces from his previous visits to the establishment. None of whom he ever bothered to get to know or make a difference in his life. His group were sitting in the back to have some sort of privacy and keep their conversations private.

"Uncle Severus, could I get a Butterbeer?"

"Don't tell your parents."

"Thank you, Uncle Sev!"

"Pushover…"

"That behavior is unbecoming of you, Mr. Elric."

"Oh brother…"

The small group ordered their lunch and waited for their food. They chatted about random subjects or subject Draco to the butt of their jokes. Well, giving the kid life lessons so that he won't make too many enemies.

"Blood and status does not matter. What matter's is what you make out of life… otherwise people will try to kill or take advantage of you." Edward repeatedly patted Draco's head. The young Malfoy glowered at the Golden Blonde that is touching his hair.

Alphonse reached over and swatted Edward's hand with a sigh. "Leave him be…"

Draco let out a sigh of relief but he still wasn't out of the woods yet when Alphonse placed his hand on top of his head. "Professor?"

"Despite my brother's way of going about with things, listen to him. I know it will take a while but keep an open mind." Alphonse said to the young Malfoy before he pulled his hand away. He relaxed his in seat when he saw their food coming. "We've seen the results of bigotry. It never ends well for everyone involved, plus… if you decide to take Alchemy at your school. You will have to leave that attitude out the door as it will not be tolerated…"

Draco visibly shuddered when Alphonse's tone took a dark turn and his smile never left his lips. Cold sweat dripped down the back of his neck, as the smile only grew.

"Got it?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Now who's causing a scene…" Edward grumbled into his butterbeer, his eyes sparkled with mischief at his brother's antics. He glanced around the room to see that they had everyone's attention. Failed attempts to keep their whispers to a bare minimum, talking about the Elric's antics of trying to convert the Malfoy's only child to change his mind in blood purity.

Severus, all the while taking a drink of hot tea, slapped Edward on the back of his head. "Behave."

Edward sputtered out his drink and glared at his friend as he quickly grabbed a cloth napkin. "Ugh! What the Truth!"

"Now who's causing a scene?"

"Ass."

-.-

Draco sat on a plush chair as he watched Edward pack his belongings into his charmed suitcase. The older male is rechecking what he was going to take with him to Hogwarts. Alphonse is sitting at another corner reading a letter that was recently sent to him by his future brother-in-law.

"Anything new?" Edward asked his brother as he looked through his final draft of his book.

"Besides the fact I'm joining you for most part of the year to observe the school for him… nothing much else." Alphonse responded with a shrug, he already knew this was going to happen but now it was now official. It would be monthly trips with breaks in between. "Have you heard much of the Major General?"

"Besides the fact she is taking in Madam Bones' niece as a protégé… not much else." Edward inwardly shivered in fear. He could only imagine how the young Susan Bones would end up like under the Head of the Armstrong family's tutelage. It wasn't a pretty picture especially after being told (ordered) he would have to take Susan in as a student. Mainly to introduce her more into their world and well… how to counteract Alchemy… among other things.

"Susan Bones?"

"You know her?" Edward asked Draco, looking over to see his face scrunched up in thought.

"I've meet her whenever father would take me with him to the Ministry and her aunt would take her too. I've hear the mass majority of her family were killed in the First Wizarding War and her aunt, Madam Bones is her only living relative." Draco explained what he knew of Susan. "The Bones are a powerful and highly respected family. Always had a strong presence in the Ministry of Magic."

"They are going to have a stronger presence once Major General Armstrong is done with Susan."

"Is that the same woman that beat everyone in the last meeting?"

"Yes. That is her. Take my advice… you are going to be in the same year as her. Do not make her your enemy. Never make an Armstrong your enemy."

"Noted…"

"Good. Now hand me that book you were reading. I am going to need that."

"Yes sir."

#Alchemy Series #Tiny Steps #FMA #FMAB #HP #HP/FMA #HP/FMAB #Crossover #Au #Pro!Snape

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