RAMADAN TIPS 2009

(15) Tips for Surviving Ramadan in College/Uni

Salams

Again we all know pretty much know someone that is about to start college or university - we found these tips are a little americanised, from an expat site, but think we can still use some of them in our lives in the UK- forward them on!!!

Tips for Surviving Ramadan in College

Fasting Can Be Easy for Muslims Living In a Non-Muslim Country
Being a student and living abroad can be both a lonely and the most rewarding experience. The key is to face Ramadan with the right attitude and prepare with confidence.

Being a student and living abroad during Ramadan can be a lonely experience, especially if a college does not have a huge network of Muslim students or a student organization to support Muslim students. However, with the right attitude and preparations it can be turned into a fun, and rewarding experience that brings one closer to the Muslim community as well as to the faith.

Advice for Students Fasting During Ramadan

Before starting, it must be kept in mind that college students should not compromise on their energy at all. Being away from home and family, maintaining good health becomes of paramount importance. Skipping suhoor (meal at sunrise) is not the best of ideas. It is best to find the time to sleep early and wake up in time for suhoor to eat well. Even if one finds it difficult to digest heavy food or cooked meals, one can alternatively eat nuts, yogurt and lots of fruits to compensate.

Preparing for Ramadan in College

The best way to make the most out of Ramadan is to prepare for it in advance. Once Ramadan begins, time flies so one wants to be sure one makes the best use of time before hand.

Here are some things one must keep in mind before starting Ramadan in college:

1.Find a Muslim student association in college or if unavailable, then at a nearby college

2.Email friends in a college student network. It is important to not be shy at this point and ask if others would like to join in the fasting. One will be surprised with the response!

3.Put up posters around college informing others of the beginning of Ramadan and allowing contact information for interested people.

4.Talk with the cafeteria manager to discuss that if one is missing lunch during Ramadan would the cafeteria allow for packed meals or compensation that can be used towards suhoor (Ramadan meal at sunrise). It may be a good idea to take a friend or two in order to show the manager that one is not alone and there are others who have similar concerns.

5.Most religious or ethnic groups receive some sort of funding from the school if the cause is legitimate. Talk with the student representative and demand assistance, either monetarily or otherwise, that would assist in Ramadan activities like combined iftar (Ramadan meal at sunset), combined prayers, Quran classes, talks or other spiritual activities.

6.If the top authorities at college do not show sympathy towards genuine concerns and one feels that the Muslim students are being unfairly treated, it is okay to make a petition signed by both Muslims and non-Muslim sympathisers.

7.Write articles in the college newspaper to show other college students what Ramadan is like for Muslim students at college, making the learning experience interesting and inspiring for others.

Spending and Enjoying Ramadan in University

Preparing for the above mentioned tasks should generate anticipation for the upcoming Ramadan. And perhaps a Muslim student will find a close friend or two in the process, which can make fasting an experience to remember in college / uni days.