Michelle Saunders - MPharm (Hons) Pharmacy

'Before filling out my UCAS form I actually had my heart set on going to another university to study pharmacy. When I was filling out my form I had one space free and the Head of the sixth form college I was at suggested putting Portsmouth down as it had a fantastic reputation for pharmacy. I thought I might as well as I had nothing to lose.

A couple of weeks later I worked with a locum pharmacist that had been to the University of Portsmouth and she raved about how good it was and I began thinking about going there.

When I came to the Open Day I found it really organised, which was very appealing as some of the other universities had had very poor open days. Also the building and the labs were very modern and the lecturers that I spoke to were really approachable and friendly.

The final deciding point was the bus tour that was set up. I took us round all the sights of Southsea and I realised not only did I like the Uni, but I could also imagine myself living in Portsmouth.

Overall I have enjoyed the course and have obviously learnt a lot during my time here. I've found that the Pharmacy Practice and Community Pharmacy units are very well organised and have really enjoyed those.

There are good opportunities to get involved with the course, especially if you put yourself forward to be a student representative. I've always found that most of the lecturers are very approachable, whether it's help with the course you're after or just a chat.

I've really enjoyed my time at Portsmouth. I've made loads of friends here at Uni and know that some of these relationships will be life long.

Portsmouth's a great place for students as the city is really geared towards them. Like many university cities, Portsmouth is quieter when some students go home over the Christmas and summer vacations, but during the summer months the seaside is really nice and it's also a good time to go down the common as there's always something going on down there.'

Sanam Yasin-Horton - Mpharm (Hons) Pharmacy

My course is hard work involving lots of lectures and private study time, but it is very interesting and challenging.

Not only are the lecturers approachable and supportive, the admin, technicians and non academic staff are all very
helpful.

I don't often go out to the pubs and clubs, however, on the occasions when I do, I have found them to be very student friendly. I have lived here for a few years now, but whenever I go to the beach it always seems like the first time.

I feel very lucky to attend a University so close to the seafront, it's just so relaxing.