Top Tips for Maintaining Your Studies During Ramadan
- Thursday, 23 March 2023
Ramadan Kareem from Middlesex University Dubai to all those observing this year! Below we will be sharing some tips for how to keep your studies on track during the holy month, and how your classmates and friends can support you during this time.
But first, those of you joining from around the globe who may not have experienced this period before, you may be asking, “What is Ramadan?"
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a very holy time for the Muslim Community. The dates of Ramadan change every year, as the Islamic calendar is slightly different to the standardised calendar. This year it began on Thursday 23rd March, and is due to end Friday 21st April 2023 (dependent on the moon sighting).
During this time, most Muslims will be fasting in the sunlight hours, from dawn to dusk.
This religious practice requires a lot of energy, and that can pose challenges when trying to maintain effective study hours. Our small tips below may help just a little to get the best out of your studies this Ramadan.
Here are our top tips for studying over Ramadan:
- Check your amended timetables
During Ramadan, work hours are reduced for everyone, which will include your university staff and faculty. The new hours will have been sent to your email already, and you can check here for updates. You don’t want to make any unnecessary travel!
- Plan your studies into your day in advance
If you are fasting, you may feel tired and lethargic. If you have a pre-determined plan to study at a certain time, you will be more inclined to follow through, especially if it has been written or documented somewhere like in your journal or planner. If you can, study straight after Suhoor as this is your ideal focus time.
- Stay as cool as possible
Staying cool means you’re less likely to become dehydrated, and this can help you think clearer. If your friends want to hang out outside, suggest finding a place with AC instead so you can preserve some energy for class.
- Water and dates during your Iftar
Making sure you get well hydrated during the evening after your fast is broken will help your brain to reengage with learning and studying. Dates can also help give that boost of energy needed to motivate you to pick up your books in the evening.
- Study at a desk, not a bed or sofa
It may be tempting to drift off to sleep if you set up your study space somewhere too cozy. Spending study time at a dedicated desk removes distractions, and lets you focus. You can move to your bed to sleep properly and get some good rest afterwards!
How can you support your classmates who are fasting?
- Find a new location to spend lunchtime with friends on campus
If you have friends who are fasting, consider avoiding the food court and choosing a new place to spend some downtime together. Although food outlets will be open for non-fasters, it is considered respectful to not eat or drink around fasting people during this month. If you want to discreetly have some lunch, try not to do this directly in front of your fasting friends or classmates.
- Limit bad habits and be extra respectful
During Ramadan, people who are fasting often try to give up some bad habits. Keep things like smoking or vaping private and off campus. It is also always recommended to observe more modest dressing during this month.
- Avoid Iftar hours when making plans
This year, iftar is expected to fall at around 6:35pm. This is when people who are fasting can break their fast, and eat for the first time that day. Limit the amount of expectations you have on your classmates or friends around this time of the evening – they will be busy!
The most important thing during the next month is to look after yourself and each other. Take it easy, and don’t put too much pressure on yourself to overperform. Juggling your studies with fasting will be difficult but remember to embrace Ramadan and special time with your family during this month.
If you need any help or guidance, reach out to the CAS team at [email protected] who will try to help with time management.
