With Ramadan fast approaching, the most important thing to do is plan. Work out a schedule early on to make sure you have time for assessments, revision, rest, daily exercise, prayer and meals.
Make sure you plan meals and shopping in advance, as it may take longer than usual under current restrictions.
Make sure you don't overdo the exercise, and save your energy. If you do any physical activity, avoid peak hours in the sun and stay in the shade as much as possible.
If you have an afternoon exam, make sure you don't over exert yourself in the morning.
Ramadan is a great chance to reach out to someone you haven't spoken to in a while, or to keep building your friendships. Feeling tired, hungry and hot might reduce your motivation, but connecting with others will boost those endorphins and keep you going!
Why not connect with other students in Student Light's Ramadan channel?
People will be celebrating Ramadan in many different ways, so remember to be kind to yourself during this time.
We have excellent support services for you to reach out to if needed, or online resources to help you develop self-care routines and build your own wellbeing toolkit.
Multi-faith prayer rooms are available at the University on the Main Campus for you to use during this time.
It's important to say active during Ramadan, so sleeping all day is a definite no! But taking a small nap (and we mean small!) after lunch and before the pre-Iftar period will help you feel refreshed and energised.
With the assessment period falling during Ramadan, you may be feeling anxious about how this may affect your performance while fasting. The MDX students' Union have put together a variety of activities and support for you during this period. Make it Happen can help you relax and de-stress during this time.
Read how Middlesex are running exams and assessments this year. If you have concerns about Ramadan coinciding with any assessments you have, speak to your programme leader, or Personal Tutor and they'll give you guidance around this.
Make sure you always have the pre-dawn meal (suhoor), and pay attention to eating foods that will release energy throughout the day (dates are great!).
Remember not to over-eat at Iftar (time when breaking your fast), avoid fried and fatty foods, and carbonated drinks and don’t forget to drink plenty of water.
In addition to the above guidance, we know that there may be extra challenges faced by our students who are on a placement during Ramadan.
This may be relevant to students on a healthcare or professional programme or those who have a work placement organised
Communicate with your manager, placement mentor and co-workers about Ramadan and your fasting. This will help them understand your needs better.
Most placement workplaces will understand and be able to better support you once you have told them.
Plan your schedule and meals, ensuring you are able to access food when not fasting, and are able to get a sufficient amount of sleep. Try to also plan where you will be able to pray whilst on your placement.
Ask your placement contact if there is a quiet and private space for you to pray. It’s also worth asking in advance about Eid and if you can arrange time off – don’t leave this till the last minute.
Make sure that you drink enough water when not fasting so that you do not get dehydrated. When you do break your fast, eat nutritious, high energy foods (such as oats, nuts, protein shakes, dates) so that you have enough energy for your placement work.
If you feel unwell (e.g. dizzy) please speak to your placement mentor or manager as soon as possible.
If you have communicated that you are fasting to your manager or placement mentor and don’t feel that you are being supported then speak with your Programme Leader or Personal Tutor.
Middlesex does not tolerate any form of bullying, discrimination, harassment and intimidation – and this includes for when students are on placement. Please report any harassment that you experience.
Ramadan Mubarak!
Top tips for observing Ramadan
For Muslims, Ramadan is observed by fasting between sunrise and sunset and will take place between Tuesday 13 April (depending on the sighting of the moon) and Wednesday 12 May. The holy month is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam - which commemorates the first revelation given to the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).
We recognise that in 2021 Ramadan will be a very different experience for many Muslim students. Whilst restrictions are slightly more relaxed than last year, with some mosques holding shorter services and allowing limited numbers inside, social distancing rules still apply with only one household allowed in the same space.
Middlesex is committed to promoting and advancing equality, diversity and inclusivity by supporting its staff and students. With some exams, assessments, and placements falling during Ramadan - as well as the weather getting warmer - we've put together some tips to help support you best through this time.