Everything I know about observing Ramadan at uni

Everything I know about observing Ramadan at uni

Don't mind me, just going MIA for a month...

Observing Ramadan always has its challenges, but recent graduate Hania Naeem soon learnt there are some that are unique to your university years...

It’s been almost a year since I graduated, which makes this my first Ramadan in a while where I haven’t had to juggle fasting for 18 hours a day, trying to make sure I get all my nutrients in, getting my spirituality on, and trying to be the best person I can be with crippling amounts of coursework and exam prep. 

I’ll admit, although Ramadan outside of this cycle feels completely alien to me, it feels really good to be on the other side. It’s a relief to finally have the freedom to work my life around the fasts and not have to worry about cramming revision in during ungodly hours of the morning while simultaneously getting as much food in me as possible (all nutritional, of course… if an entire pack of Oreos counts as nutritional?). But I totally sympathise with those of you who are currently at uni, trying to keep it together - the struggle can be REALLY real. 

 

 I always try my best to mentally prepare for the month - prepare a well-balanced routine, prepare meals (wishful thinking, cereal is my best friend during Ramadan!), prepare for the fact that my other senses will be heightened (so normally bearable levels of other people’s BO are suddenly overwhelmingly disgusting) and, my personal favourite, prepare for the inevitable questions and comments I’ll have to field from non-Muslims, like… 

“So, you don’t eat for an ENTIRE month?!” 

“Wow, I don’t know how you do it. I definitely couldn’t” 

“So, do you do it to like lose weight?” 

And every year without fail: “Not even water??” 

Nope, not even water my friend. 

While those are difficulties we all face – no matter our age or what we’re doing during the holy month – I quickly learnt that observing Ramadan at uni brings its own unique challenges.

For instance, there was the time I came out the prayer room one afternoon and ran straight into a dude from my art history class. I like to think of myself as a fairly edgy gal and I’m pretty alternative in how I dress, so he could barely hide the surprise on his face when he saw me in full on praying gear. I waved and asked him what’s up, and he managed to push past the shock and engage in some light-hearted banter before getting to his next class. I guess it’s always tricky to know how people are going to react in that kind of situation, and it can make you feel vulnerable to reveal another side of yourself, but I decided the best course of action was to act as though everything was perfectly normal – partly because I knew it would be amusing the next time he saw me in my standard uniform of heavily distressed jeans and a Led Zep tee! (If you’re reading this, sorry about that James!)

 

Then there was the time (ok, you got me, it happened more than once!) when I got caught with my foot in the bathroom sink making wudu. I soon learnt there are two ways to deal with that situation – politely smile through the deep embarrassment while continuing to wash your feet with an air of authority, or have a long convo explaining the ins and outs of wudu.

Ramadan can be a bit of a trippy time for those around you who aren’t massively familiar with the rules – especially when you’re a woman. More than once, confused classmates caught me stealthy stuffing my face in the back of lecture theatres when I was on my period.

Uni life is such a bubble, and when you have non-Muslim friends (as I did), being a practising Muslim during Ramadan definitely punctures it a little. Lunchtime catch-ups become unbearable (I’ll never get used to having to sit there helplessly watching my friends inhale copious amounts of food), birthday dinners are a no-no, and parties are missed because you’re too zonked after breaking your fast/ pretty much spend your evenings praying.

For my part, I always try my best to explain why, when, and how we fast, and I’m super #blessed that my non-Muslim friends have always been incredibly understanding and accept that I’m going to be a bit of a recluse for the month.

 

I’ve participated in about 14 Ramadans now - three of which were while I was at university – so I’ve cultivated a list of hacks to get you through the month if any of you are struggling: 

1. Figure out when you are the most productive and get in all your revision at this point.

2. Take a 45-minute nap every day if you can (and let’s be honest, you’re at uni, so you DEFINITELY can!) - it does wonders for productivity and sanity.

3. Try to change up your route to lectures - it’ll help distract you from the fact you haven’t had breakfast. 

4. Spend your lunchtime taking a walk – it’s the best way to avoid getting food FOMO. 

5. Take snacks and water with you during the night prayers (this is just common sense really IMO!). 

There are so many different challenges to overcome during Ramadan - especially when you’re at uni and face the added weight of exams and social pressures - so I dedicate this to all of you students, soldiering on with your academic commitments during this month. You the real MVP’s! 

Wishing everyone the most transformative of months, filled with joy, attainment, great food and as little triggering moments as possible!

Ramadan Mubarak!

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