So, you’ve decided to take the exciting path of becoming a pharmacist—congratulations! The next big question is: which university should you pick?
If you’re anything like me (clueless and winging it), you might feel overwhelmed by the options. I was the first in my entire family—including the extended ones—to go to university, so I had no idea what I was doing. I went to one or two open days, got a vibe, and chose my university based on those fleeting snapshots. Looking back, I might have made a better decision with a bit more research. So, let me help you avoid my mistakes.
Step 1: Figure Out What’s Important to
You
Start by asking yourself, “What do I want from my university experience?” For me, it was smaller classrooms (so I wouldn’t just be a face in the crowd) and staying close to home. Your priorities might be completely different—maybe you want a buzzing campus life, state-of-the-art pharmacy labs, or the best coffee on campus (because let’s be real, caffeine is your future best friend).
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Step 2: Check Out Student Life (and Not Just the Glossy Brochures)
Don’t be fooled by the shiny university websites that look like they were made by professional marketers (because, well, they were). Instead, do some detective work.
- Head over to The Student Room or What Uni to hear real experiences from actual students.
- Brace yourself for honesty—you’ll hear the good, the bad, and the occasional “I wish I never came here.” You might uncover some dealbreakers, or you might find that the campus café has the world’s best chocolate cake (priorities, right?).
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Step 3: Think About the Commute
If you’re planning to live at home, map out your travel route. Ask yourself the real questions:
- How many buses or trains will I have to take?
- How much will this cost?
- Will I need to leave the house at dawn to catch that 9 a.m. lecture?
- What time will I actually get home after those dreaded late-evening labs?
Trust me, even a 1.5-hour train ride might sound manageable in theory, but after a few weeks of doing it every day, you’ll be asking yourself if it’s worth the stress. (Spoiler: it’s probably not.)
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Step 4: Look Into Accommodation Options
If you’re staying on campus, dig into the nitty-gritty details:
- Are the rooms private enough for you to study without being interrupted?
- How’s the storage space—can you fit all your stuff? (Yes, even that huge suitcase your mum insists you’ll need.)
- How much will it cost, and what’s included? WiFi? Laundry? Heating? Or will you be freezing under 10 layers come winter?
- How far is the nearest grocery store?
- Will you be sharing with 2 people or 12?
These are important questions because this is your life for the next 3+ years. And yes, the idea of “making memories” in a chaotic shared flat might sound fun, but wait until someone steals your milk for the fifth time during exam season.
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Step 5: Narrow It Down
Once you’ve done your research, you should have a shortlist of universities that fit your criteria. Don’t be surprised if some of the options on your list change. You might find that the uni you thought was your dream doesn’t quite fit your vibe—or that an unexpected one feels just right.
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A Final Thought
Choosing a university can feel like a huge decision, but don’t stress yourself out too much. No matter where you go, it’s your attitude, resilience, and ability to make the most of your opportunities that will shape your experience.
And don’t forget—you’ve got this! You’re already taking the first step to building an incredible future, so pat yourself on the back. Wishing you all the best, future pharmacist!
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