Tips on getting through it

Observing ramadan during term time can be difficult to balance alongside university work, and lonely away from home. From my experience, here are things that have made it easier: 

Having iftar/breaking your fast with people

inviting friends or sharing with flatmates for a meal brings back that sense of community and ramadan vibes

Going to the mosque

There are multiple mosques near campus that conduct congregational prayers including Al-Manar and Dar-ul-Isra. Praying with people has helped me keep in touch with my religion and helped me meet new people. Dar-ul-Isra also offers free iftar on the weekends. 

Having Suhoor (pre-fast morning meal)

Waking up to eat before the fajr/dawn prayer helps keep you full and energised throughout the day. I recommend keeping 2L of water at your side between sunset and sunrise and aim to drink it all during that time- this helps you keep you on track to getting the daily hydration you need, and it feels like an accomplishment when you finish it. 

Meal planning

Making a nutritious, filling meal to break your fast with when your busy with work can be stressful. Preparing your favourite veggies (washing and cutting them) and freezing them can help you quickly incorporate them into your meals. Most curries and soups also freeze well and pasta can last a few days in the fridge. Rice quickly defrosts in the microwave. Remember to eat protein-packed and fibrous foods to stay fuller for longer. Have a look at your timetable and try and prepare for the hectic days by perhaps dedicating an evening solely to cooking. Be realistic with yourself about how many time a week you'll actually want to cook. I've found making a list of all the things I'm good at cooking makes choosing what to eat less overwhelming and makes shopping simpler. 

Sleep!

with the night prayers and early morning classes, it can be hard to fit in enough sleep. For this, don't underestimate the power of a nap. Having a midday nap can keep you alert for the rest of evening. Sleep during the night is still of course optimal, so to make sure I fit in prayers and a decent number of hours of sleep I try not to waste any time after I break my fast.

Studying during the day

For me, I've found being productive throughout the day keeps my mind off food. Your energy levels will be highest in the morning and will slowly deplete as it approaches sunset when its time to break your fast. Taking advantage of this means you can tick things off your to do list with better efficiency. Though it's tempting to sleep through it all, I've found it creates an irregular timetable which can be difficult to sustain throughout the month and means you're extra busy during the night- ultimately stressing you out. 

Learn about why you do it!

Understanding why you are fasting and the benefits you get can keep you motivated. Reading books and listening to talks on spotify or youtube can help you do this. Most books are available as free online pdfs you can keep on your phone.