Congratulations to the PharmD Class of 2024/2025- you're gonna kill it on the way to being full-fledged pharmacists! It’s that time to start thinking about what you’ll need as you start your program. As a P3 student, I can still say that these are so worth it.

📌 Tablet and Stylus

My go to rec is the iPad 9.7" (the others are more expensive and capable than you'd need just for annotating lecture slides). From scouring HELLA reviews online, I chose the Apple Pencil over the Logitech Crayon since it would be easier to charge on the go and works well with the iPad. I mainly use it for taking notes in Notability & a quick reference on clinical rotations/at work.

📌 Planner

If you've been following my posts or YouTube videos, then you know that my Erin Condren Academic Planner is my ride or die when it comes to juggling school and personal life things. The Academic Planner is available now (linked in my bio) and starts in July 2021 so it's a great time to order yours and settle in before the school year starts!

📌 Reliable Laptop

I know, this seems like a no-brainer, but as a proud member of the cheap elite, it was hard for me to spring for my Macbook to have a machine that wasn't going to sound like a jet taking off a runway in the middle of me finishing a project like my last laptop. Whether you go for a Windows or Apple computer, make sure that it will get you through the school year. I know some students will start without, but at least for my program, this is absolutely a non-negotiable. There's significantly less paper-based assignments and I would use my iPad and Macbook during lectures and to complete tasks.

📌 External Hard Drive

I'm a fan of my Western Digital My Passporr HDD. It comes ready to work with either an Apple or Windows computer (no formatting necessary) and was a lifesaver when I had to send in my computer for repairs. I still had all of my files to keep doing work on campus for the two days I didn't have my computer. You'll be covered if your computer sounds off with one last Boeing 747 takeoff soundtrack before dying.

Any other recommendations for first-year student pharmacists? Leave a comment below and share with your future pharmacist!