Break the Stress

Written By: Samuel K. Anti, Third-Year Student Pharmacist

As a current or prospective student pharmacist, you are likely familiar with or have heard about the rigors that accompany pharmacy school. The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the School of Pharmacy is no exception. Enrolling in one of the top ten pharmacy schools in the country, you can expect to experience periods of stress as you progress through the rigorous curriculum.  But, you don’t need to let it get the best of you.

To help alleviate the stress that you might be feeling, I would like to share five exciting activities that students at the School of Pharmacy can take advantage of, all while continuing to ace their classes.

1. Enjoy the Beautiful City

The School of Pharmacy is situated in the heart of downtown Baltimore. The fun-filled Inner Harbor is just a few minutes’ walk from campus. You can go on a harbor cruise, visit the National Aquarium, or just admire the beautiful scenery. In addition, the School is surrounded by numerous restaurants, pubs, and parks, and the stadiums for the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles are located just a few blocks away as well. Enjoy the city during a study break!

2. Join a Student Organization or Fraternity

There are more than 20 student organizations and fraternities at the School of Pharmacy.  Throughout the school year, the fraternities organize local and national events as a way of helping their members relax, have fun, and foster relationships. You can rest assured that, no matter which fraternity you join, you will be able to take advantage of many opportunities to help make the most of your pharmacy school experience. Additionally, the various student organizations housed within the School provide great opportunities to volunteer and get involved in many community service activities. These organizations also host great networking events, helping students meet new peers and develop professional connections that will serve them well in their careers.

3. Visit the Recreation and Fitness Center

This is my favorite way to de-stress from classes and exams. I play intramural soccer every Friday. URecFit is a great place to spend your leisure time while in pharmacy school. The fitness center hosts different sporting activities throughout the year, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, badminton, swimming, and water polo. There is also an indoor track that students can use. Furthermore, you can work out in the large gym, which features a wide range of exercise equipment. As a student, your fees cover the costs associated with using these facilities, so you don’t need to worry about payment before entering the gym or participating in the games. Just show your student ID and you are good to go.

4. Look Out for Events

Each week, the Student Government Association (SGA) sends out a list of upcoming campus-wide events. These are exciting events organized by the School of Pharmacy as well as other schools on campus, including the Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, Law, Social Work, and Nursing. You’ll want to be sure to look out for these events, as they serve as an important way of meeting and socializing with peers from different schools.

5. Make Good Friends

Living in isolation during your time in pharmacy school is not a good idea and will only add to your stress. It’s essential to make good friends while you are a student pharmacist. Make friends you can study with, hang out with, and share ideas with. Sometimes just talking to your friends can help you reduce your stress level. Remember, these are friends with whom you will share a profession, so keep in mind that you are building relationships that will likely last a lifetime.

Most student pharmacists will experience stress at some point during their time in pharmacy school. As an incoming student or a current student at the School of Pharmacy, adopting these five tips can help you navigate through the challenging curriculum while managing the stress from classes and other professional commitments. Stay calm and be a great pharmacist!