Vasiliki Koulouri
from Greece
Email:541209@mail.muni.cz
Describe your journey to the Faculty of Pharmacy
My decision to study at the Masaryk university does not sum up to just one.
Coming from Greece, where entrance exams are highly competitive, I started looking for alternatives early. I wanted a program that combined health sciences with creativity—especially in cosmetics—and Masaryk University’s Faculty of Pharmacy offered exactly that.
Another reason was that my sister also decided to study here, at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, which shares the same campus as the Faculty of Pharmacy. That made the transition smoother and more comforting for both of us.
What do you like about your studies?
What I appreciate most about my studies is the supportive and well-organized environment at the Faculty of Pharmacy. The faculty is modern, well-equipped, and well-maintained. The Student Help Office is incredibly responsive and efficient, especially helpful during the challenging first year.
The professors are not only knowledgeable but also approachable and willing to help, which makes the learning experience much more enjoyable. One of the highlights of my studies so far has been the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ mobility program, which allowed me to spend a few weeks in Lithuania attending a specialized program in Cosmetics.
Outside of academics, life in Brno is very student-friendly. Everything is close by and one of my favorite things about it is the fact that it is very easy and cheap to travel all around Europe. The city also has a vibrant international student community and a Greek community, which makes me feel a bit more at home.
What difficulties have you encountered before or after moving to Brno?
One of the main challenges was finding suitable housing—especially for two people, since I live with my sister. It took some effort, but eventually, we found a place that worked for us.
As for the entrance exams, I had already gone through the rigorous Greek exam system, where I was tested in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Literature. That preparation helped me succeed in the entrance exams at Masaryk without too much difficulty. However, I would advise future students to pay particular attention to Chemistry, especially Organic Chemistry, as it is a vital and challenging subject in our faculty.
What advice would you give to new students?
Believe in yourself—you can succeed! Many have done it, and so can you. Confidence in yourself is one of your greatest tools.
Step out of your comfort zone. Try to connect with students from other countries, not just those from your home country.
Explore Brno—it’s more interesting than it might seem at first.
And most importantly, get involved! Join student groups, attend events, and take part in activities. These experiences will not only enrich your university life but also help you grow on a personal level.
All in all - Dare to try!