"Don’t think that you’ll be alone”: a student’s experience of Ramadan at university

Are you a student preparing to experience Ramadan for the first time away from home? Or simply looking to find out more about it? Recent graduate Ismaeel Mohammed spoke to us to share his experience of Ramadan during university, as well as Ramadan facts for students.

Did you know, there are over 330,000 Muslims in higher education in the UK?

Ramadan is the month of fasting. During this month Muslims won't eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. This month allows Muslims around the world to understand the pain and suffering of millions around the world who live in poverty and famine.

Ramadan can be a difficult yet, rewarding time. Celebrating as a university student can be a challenge, but as a recent graduate who has experienced Ramadan away from home for three years, I found ways to prepare for the month and adapt my schedule. To make it easier to handle. I've pulled together my best tricks and Ramadan tips for students.

Add flexibility to your work schedule

For me, what worked best was changing my work schedule. Instead of working on coursework and revision late at night, I decided to change to it mid-day as it allowed me to have enough energy and time to focus on other activities that I would do during Ramadan such as visiting friends at the mosque for sermons.

Take a look at what support your university offers

Are you worried about how to study during Ramadan? My university was great at understanding that fasting can be a struggle whilst studying during Ramadan, or if you have an exam during Ramadan. They would always offer us breaks during lectures and seminars to pray.

The university would put up posters to help educate everyone on the month of Ramadan, which allowed non-Muslims to ask us great questions about the religion.

Find support via societies and friends

I always thought living away from my family during Ramadan would make me feel lonely. However, this was far from the truth.

My university supports all religions and beliefs which allowed me to join the Islamic Society. This society was great for those Muslim and non-Muslims to come together and organise Iftar on a regular basis.

This made me feel more comfortable being away from home. It was great to see Muslims from all over the world coming together and experiencing new cultures. This was a great opportunity for our non-Muslim friends to gain a better understanding of Ramadan and the religion as a whole.

Be open with your flatmates

Not all of my flatmates were Muslim, yet they were super helpful in the month of Ramadan. As I was open to any questions they had and also how my day to day life would look it meant my flatmates could get involved with supporting me and learning about Ramadan.

They were keen to get involved with helping out with Iftar, taking part in the fasts and making me feel like we were family catering for each other's needs. This showed me how open minded and respectful people can be.

Speak to your student accommodation

As I stayed in student accommodation, the staff allowed us to pray in the social space which was a great way for everyone in the property to come together to pray and socialise. This helped me to become friends with residents who I would never have met. Just like my university, the staff at my accommodation always asked about our well-being and how they could help us. If you are new to university, don't think that you'll be alone during Ramadan. There are amazing people to meet and tonnes of help from universities and from the student accommodation.

Eat healthy during Ramadan

Many people during Ramadan are inclined to eat heavier and richer foods, which can make you feel sluggish. Avoid eating fried foods and fizzy drinks. Having a healthy and diet full of nutrients will help get you the energy and vitamins you need. For more healthy tips, check out Muslim Aid's blog on: Great tips for heathy eating in Ramadan

If you are new to university, don't think that you'll be alone during Ramadan. There are amazing people to meet and tonnes of help from universities and from the student accommodation.

I hope these tips help to make Ramadan much easier for you and remember there's always help if you reach out. For additional information and Ramadan facts for students, visit Muslim Aid.