Supporting students who observe Ramadan

Observing Ramadan as a university student may present its challenges, but we hope the following tips will help our Muslim students during this time of personal and spiritual growth.

Look after your health

Check out this Ramadan Guide to healthy fasting.

Some ways to stay well during Ramadan include:

• Eating as healthily as possible when breaking your fast and avoiding sugary, fatty, and processed foods
• Staying hydrated before and after fasting by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated drinks
• Keeping active with some light exercise such as walking. Take short breaks between study sessions to ensure you rest and rejuvenate.

Plan ahead

Balancing fasting with your academic timetable can be tricky but when you plan ahead can be done in a positive and rewarding way. Start by organizing your daily routine to accommodate both your religious and academic obligations. Plan your attendance at University, study sessions, assignments, and exams in advance so you can continue to meet your course commitments and deadlines.

Remember, it is important that you attend your classes on campus and engage with your course during this time.

Identify your peak productivity hours, where you can plan your hardest tasks during non-fasting periods and break down your studying into manageable chunks according to what works best for your energy levels.

Please talk to your course tutor if prayer commitments mean you may require breaks due to back-to-back classes or if you will be late. Remember if there is anything that is affecting your studies you can speak to your Personal Academic Tutors.

Stay connected

For our International students, this maybe the first time you’re celebrating the holy month away from home, so it’s important to look after your wellbeing.

Stay in touch with your family and friends from home during this time – maybe explore organising a virtual Iftar so you can keep connected.

• Check out CampusConnect - our mobile app for international students at CCCU.

• Head down to the ground floor of Augustine House, where you will find the Global Gateway, with daily drop-ins from 11 am – 2pm. Connect with the international student community, chat with friends, and speak to International Student Ambassadors about life in the UK.
  
  
• The Students’ Union offers a range of societies where you can meet other students who are observing Ramadan including the Indian Cultural Society, International Student Society and Pakistan Student Community Society.
  
  
• Remember the Canterbury Mosque provides a range of services including prayers and classes. There is a revert group associated with the Canterbury Mosque and includes members of our student community. All students are welcome and is a great way to connect with others in the community.