Life as a Pharmacy Student at Birmingham

One of the best aspects of studying Pharmacy has been the wide range of placements available throughout the course. These have allowed me to gain experience across diverse sectors, including community pharmacy, hospitals, GP practices, prison pharmacy, and the aseptic sector, areas I had not previously considered or been exposed to.

A particularly memorable experience was completing an industrial internship abroad in Lahore, Pakistan. This opportunity allowed me to see how healthcare systems operate in a different international context and to apply the knowledge gained from lectures and seminars in real practice. Experiencing pharmacy from a global perspective has been incredibly rewarding and has strengthened my confidence and professional development.

What I get up to outside of my studies

Birmingham is a vibrant city with plenty to do outside of studying. I enjoy exploring the wide variety of restaurants and visiting the city centre, which is easily accessible by train. There are also many great shopping areas and beautiful parks, perfect for relaxing walks when the weather allows.

During the summer, my favourite place on campus is the Green Heart, where I enjoy sitting outdoors to read, relax, or work on assignments. I have also been actively involved in student societies; during my first year I joined five different societies, which helped me explore new interests. I have since narrowed this down to three that I am most passionate about.

I particularly enjoy being involved with ISoc (the University of Birmingham Islamic Society), where I regularly attend events such as the University Community Iftar and other social and community-focused activities.

My top tips

My biggest piece of advice is to consider Pharmacy if you enjoy working with people, are passionate about making a difference, and want to support others during challenging times. An interest in chemistry is also important, as it forms a strong foundation for the course.

I would strongly encourage prospective students to speak to current pharmacy students, reach out via platforms such as LinkedIn, and gain work experience where possible. Visiting a pharmacy, speaking directly to pharmacists, and learning about their day-to-day roles can provide valuable insight. It is also important to remember that pharmacy offers many career paths beyond community pharmacy.

In terms of studying:

• Start assignments early and aim to use your time at university effectively, ideally treating it like a 9am–5pm working day.
• Create your own exam questions and answers rather than relying solely on lecture slides, and study in groups where possible.
• Take advantage of opportunities such as conferences, mentoring schemes, the PharmParent Scheme, and summer placements to build your experience, confidence, and CV.

Finally, make sure to look after your wellbeing. Try to do at least one enjoyable activity each day, whether that’s exercising, baking, or relaxing. It’s okay to say no sometimes and prioritise your education. but most importantly, enjoy the journey and have fun.