Balance pharmacy school and personal life

Hey there, future pharmacists! Let’s be real—pharmacy school is no walk in the park.

Between endless lectures, mountains of notes, and the constant pressure to exams, it’s easy to feel like your personal life has taken a backseat.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to succeed in pharmacy school.

Balancing pharmacy school and personal life isn’t about perfection—it’s about finding what works for you.
There will be days when you feel like you’re crushing it, and others when you’re just trying to survive - and that’s okay.

As someone who’s been through it (and survived! 💪), I’m here to share some practical tips for success in pharmacy school to help you balance school and life without burning out.

1. Prioritize Like a Pro

About 95% of our activities during school days, are more of lectures, assignments, practicals, research and not to forget tests and exams.

But guess what, pharmacy school is a marathon, not a sprint. You can’t do it all, so focus on what truly matters.

• Academic Priorities: Identify high-yield topics and exams that need the most attention.
  
  
• Personal Priorities: Make time for family, friends, God, and self-care—it’s not selfish, it’s necessary.

A Tip: Use the 80/20 rule—focus on the 20% of tasks that give you 80% of the results.

2. Create a Realistic Schedule

Yes!… be realistic with what you do, live in the moment and not thinking about the next lecture or exam, make time management your best friend.

Use a planner or app (I’m a fan of Google Calendar or Notion) to block out study time, classes, and personal activities.

But here’s the key: be realistic. Don’t schedule 12 hours of studying in one day—it’s not sustainable.

 Instead, break it into manageable chunks with built-in breaks.

For me, ‘I Study for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break’. Remember the quote,

“All work and no Play, make Jack a dull boy. Believe me”,

Your brain will thank you - later. And don’t forget to schedule fun! Whether it’s a workout, a date, or just binge-watching your favorite show, make time for things that recharge you.  

3. Learn to Say No

Pharmacy school will tempt you with a million opportunities—extracurriculars, research projects, leadership roles.

While these are great for your resume, overcommitting is a fast track to burnout.

Be selective - Choose activities that truly matter to you and align with your goals or well-being. It’s okay to say no to the rest.  

4. Take Care of Your Body

I know it’s tempting to survive on cassava-flakes (if you know-you know) and cafeteria food, but your brain and body need fuel to perform.

Try to: 

• Eat well: Cooked meal, healthy snacks and fruits if possible and avoid the junk food trap.
  
  
• Sleep: Aim for 6–8 hours a night. Trust me, pulling all-nighters (reading till day-break) isn’t worth it.
  
  
• Move: Take even a 20-minute walk can boost your mood and focus.

5. Build a Support System

Remember, “no man is an island” You’re not in this alone.

Therefore, Lean on your classmates, friends, and family when things get tough.

Study groups can be a lifesaver—not just for acing exams but for emotional support too

***Remember, I said Study group , and not Gossip groups.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to professors or mentors if you’re struggling.

They’ve been where you are and can offer valuable advice and more pharmacy tips in school.

6. Embrace Self-Care

Pharmacy school can be overwhelming, but your mental health should always come first.

Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival. Find little ways to take care of yourself, even during the busiest weeks.

For me, it was journaling, listening to music, or playing a video game.

For you, it might be jogging, seeing movies, or cooking. Whatever it is, make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

7. Remember Your “Why !”

When the going gets tough (and believe me it will), remind yourself why you chose this path.

Whether it’s to help patients, pursue a passion for medicine, or make a difference in your community, keeping your “why!” front and center will help you stay motivated. 

My breaking point - I would never forget, was in my 3rd year. It felt like the whole-world was on a pause. But then my “Why!” And the grace of God, sustained me.

8. Celebrate Small Wins

Pharmacy school is tough, so don’t forget to celebrate your progress along the way.

Celebrate every milestone, no matter how small—acing a tough exam, surviving a grueling rotation, or even just making it through a busy week.

These little victories will keep you going.
For me When I Pass my Exams? I treat yourself to my favorite meal (fufu & Egusi) or go out on a movie night.

Or When I Finish a Tough Rotation? I take a day off to relax and recharge.

Remember, you’re not just building a career; you’re building a life. So take care of yourself, lean on your support system, and keep pushing forward. 

You’ve got this! ✨ Hope, you enjoyed my pharmacy school tips. Don't forget to like and share