Keri Pappas walked into the Student Health Care Center Pharmacy on Friday afternoon to pick up her prescription allergy medicine.
The senior theater major walked out with her pills and a bottle of SPF 50 sunscreen.
Pappas took advantage of renovations made to the pharmacy over the summer that created room for a mini store for over-the-counter health and beauty products.
The SHCC is located at 1 Fletcher Drive.
The pharmacy counter was pushed back to allow room for everything from Advil and Airborne to umbrellas and travel-sized deodorant.
"I was pleasantly surprised when I walked in," she said. "It's pretty convenient. Now I can look around and shop while I wait."
The six-week renovation process began in July and was finished Aug. 21.
The store was open for business last Monday, just in time for the first day of classes.
"We felt like there were a lot of students who didn't know we had over-the-counter items available because we kept them behind the counter," said Laura Tipton, the pharmacy manager. "We felt it was kind of a disservice to them."
In addition to toothpaste, face wash and lotion, there is also a section with items like light bulbs, toilet paper and aluminum foil.
Tipton said the pharmacy was sure to include travel-sized items to cater to students who fly home for breaks.
The construction project cost about $30,000 and was funded by the SHCC.
The pharmacy is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
"We're just trying to meet the students' needs better," Tipton said.
For more information on the SHCC, visit www.shcc.ufl.edu.
