Advice for a First Year Pharmacy Student

Hello Everyone!

I will be starting Mpharm course this September and I'm feeling a bit nervous and would greatly appreciate any advice based on your experiences so far.

You don't need to be a pharmacy student to contribute; I welcome advice from everyone!

Here are some specific areas I was thinking about:

1. Study Techniques: Do you take notes or use flashcards? or any other method

2. Helpful Resources: Which websites, channels, or apps have you found helpful while studying? Etc.

3. Time Management

4. Completing Assignments: Do you have any tips for getting assignments done efficiently?
5. Exam preparations

Is there anything else worth mentioning that could help?

Also, do you have any recommended readings to prepare for the semester?

Anything you can share would mean a lot, and I hope it will be helpful to others as well!

Thanks in advance! :smile:

Reply 1

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

Original post

by rose_petals

Hello Everyone!
I will be starting Mpharm course this September and I'm feeling a bit nervous and would greatly appreciate any advice based on your experiences so far.
You don't need to be a pharmacy student to contribute; I welcome advice from everyone!
Here are some specific areas I was thinking about:
1. Study Techniques: Do you take notes or use flashcards? or any other method
2. Helpful Resources: Which websites, channels, or apps have you found helpful while studying? Etc.
3. Time Management
4. Completing Assignments: Do you have any tips for getting assignments done efficiently?
5. Exam preparations
Is there anything else worth mentioning that could help?
Also, do you have any recommended readings to prepare for the semester?
Anything you can share would mean a lot, and I hope it will be helpful to others as well!
Thanks in advance! :smile:

Hi,

Congratulations on starting pharmacy! Feeling nervous is completely normal, as this is a big change.

I recommend using flashcards and mind maps for active recall and reviewing lecture slides regularly rather than leaving it all until the end.

Useful resources include the NICE website for clinical guidelines, the British National Formulary (BNF) for drug information, and any lecture materials your university provides.

Try to keep a flexible timetable and break assignments into smaller tasks rather than leaving them until the last minute. Focus on learning rather than just memorising for exams, as this will reduce cramming later.

Recommended readings that can help include:
• Medicines, Ethics and Practice – for pharmacy law
• Introduction to Pharmaceutical Calculations – for calculations practice
• Aultons Pharmaceutics – for tablet manufacturing and formulation topics

Take things step by step, stay organised, and use resources as you need them. Make sure to also take time for things you enjoy and to spend time with family and friends. You’ll settle in quicker than you think!

Hope this helps, and best of luck with your first semester :smile:

Tayba
Student Rep