Your guide to Ramadan

Read our handy guide to Ramadan at Surrey compiled by our Religious Life and Belief (Chaplaincy Service) team.
Published:
Read our handy guide to Ramadan at Surrey compiled by our Religious Life and Belief (Chaplaincy Service) team.
Published:
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims will fast, they will not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. It is a month for Muslims to take time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds, and spending time with family and friends.
The Muslim holy month of Ramadan doesn't start on the same day each year because the Islamic calendar follows the moon's cycle. This year, Ramadan this year will begin on Saturday 1 March 2025.
At Surrey, students will be able to book an Iftar meal at Hillside and enjoy the company of fellow students. The Library will be offering snacks during the time and students can eat near the reception on Level 1. This year Taraweeh prayers will take place in the University Hall.
As with any religion, showing your Muslim friends that you know it is Ramadan is likely to be appreciated. Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem are common greetings.
Ramadan falls in early spring this year. This means in northern countries like the UK the fast goes out late at night.
During Ramadan there are two meals - Suhur (just before dawn) and Iftar (after sunset). Please check the Ramadan timetable for more specific times.
Fasting with a lack of sleep can leave many feeling tired and more dehydrated than before. The first three days are particularly hard. Muslims do not expect others to stop what they are doing during Ramadan. However, it is considered polite not to drink, smoke or eat in front of someone who is fasting, including on Microsoft Teams/Zoom conference calls.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or on your period you are exempt from fasting and can make up missed days. If you miss days, you need to make up the days you miss. In some situations, you can pay for meals for the poor as an act of ransom even if you make up for it later. Please make sure you get the proper advice from a Muslim Scholar.
Part of Ramadan will fall during the spring break this year. However, for fasting students to ensure effective studying and learning, there are some excellent Ramadan and nutrition guides online.
Some recommend ‘brain foods’ as part of a healthy balanced diet:
Don’t forget to rehydrate during the evening.
The University does not give exam exemptions per se for fasting. If you are ill for any reason during the assessment period it is best to make contact with your personal tutor and the Muslim Chaplain at the earliest feasible opportunity.
It is best to alter your revision patterns according to your body clock. Many find varying revision, taking small breaks and revising in groups helpful.
Remember to catch up on sleep. Power naps are seen as a good idea.
Surrey Islamic Society has organised, in conjunction with the University, Students' Union, and Chaplaincy, an Iftar meal for students for the whole Ramadan month. Iftar will be held at Hillside, and the Society will send booking details through their social channels:
The Library team will be putting snacks out near the main reception on Level 1 of the library. The snacks will be available each evening after sunset and they’ll remain available until the morning.
If you have any concerns about your studies or forthcoming examinations because of any issues you may be facing personally, please contact your personal tutor or search for answers to your questions using MySurrey Help.
A copy of the University's academic regulations is available online.
The Religious Life and Belief Centre is available to offer support and guidance to all staff and students. The team is based at the Roundhouse and has experienced Chaplains to assist with pastoral, exam and timetabling issues arising from festivals and holy days:
The Centre for Wellbeing offers a range of services to help deal with difficult personal situations. It can be contacted by phone on +44 (0)1483 689498 or email.
Additional student support services are located at MySurrey Hive and NHS services on campus.
The Students’ Union Support Zone, led by the VP Support, is there to assist students with a range of needs, queries and concerns.
The Islamic Society is providing Iftar meals. You can stay up to date with the Society's activities or get in touch with them via their online channels:
The campus has an Ahlul Bayt Society.
There are a number of Mosques and Associations in Surrey. See Surrey Muslim Association for more details.