Ramadan at Warwick: Finding a home away from home

Undergraduate student, Arwa, shares her experience of Ramadan at Warwick.

As an international Muslim student, one of my major concerns when coming to university was finding a sense of belonging and community. I was worried I’d end up spending Ramadan and Eid alone, without much festivity. However, now in my final year, I am glad to say that my experience has been positive and has made me look forward to celebrating Ramadan at WBS. I have found Warwick to be my home away from home.

Support offered by WBS

The month began with informational Instagram stories from WBS, informing the student body about what Ramadan entails and wishing well to those observing the month. I was with a friend, and we saw the Instagram stories together, which prompted her to ask me more about my experience fasting at university.

The initiative helped to start meaningful conversations with peers among the student body while also providing actionable steps to support the Muslim community around them. It is heartwarming to have all these different religious festivities recognised by the university, helping tackle feelings of homesickness.

Festivities at ISOC

Throughout the month of Ramadan, the Islamic Society at Warwick (ISOC) offers the Muslim community events and piping-hot dinners to break the fast at the Prayer Hall within the student chaplaincy. Students can focus on academics and worship without worrying about their meals, as they are provided for free by ISOC.

The student community comes together every single day in the month of Ramadan to pray in congregation and break their fasts together, providing a solid sense of community. I have found myself going to the prayer hall with friends or otherwise throughout the month, finding it calming, with a small study area to complete my work, as well as being able to enjoy dinner with many other students.

International student support by Together @ Warwick

On the final Wednesday of term, international student ambassadors and the Together @ Warwick team organised an Eid celebration at the newly opened Nook space for students. Here, I connected with other students partaking in Ramadan, and we participated in several festive activities, including trying out Arabic calligraphy and decorating dates with chocolate. This was also an opportunity for cultural exchange, as we shared facts about our languages while doing Arabic calligraphy. This served as an eventful end to a beautiful month and helped me converse and celebrate with students from other departments who weren’t aware of Ramadan.

Gradually finding momentum

While initially the thought of Ramadan away from home was daunting, the many activities and initiatives at the university helped me gradually settle in. Dinners with others who are also fasting, reminders from WBS, and Eid celebrations help tackle any thoughts of homesickness while providing a community. There are plenty of opportunities on campus, so it’s always best to keep an eye out for these and gradually find your own momentum in balancing academics, Ramadan, and community!