A time for fasting and spiritual reflection for those following the Muslim faith, Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is marked this year in the UK between the evenings of Sunday 10 March and Tuesday 9 April. Because Muslims follow the lunar calendar, the exact start and end dates depend on the sighting of the moon.
During Ramadan, from dawn until sunset, Muslims abstain from all forms of food and drink, including water. Most Muslims will wake before dawn for a meal before the start of their fast (known as Suhoor) and break their fast (known as Iftar) with dates and water at sunset, followed by a meal.
What’s on
Daily Iftar from the Islamic Society (ISOC)
Throughout Ramadan, the ISOC organises free daily Iftars for students who are fasting – these take place in the Muslim Prayer Room on Highfield Campus and are funded by donations from supporters. These gatherings include fruit, dates, and a full meal, and are a great opportunity to meet other Muslim students at Southampton and feel the community spirit of Ramadan. ISOC also organise celebrations for Eid – find out more and contact them on their website.
Iftar with the Faculty of Medicine, Wednesday 20 March, 18:00-20:00
All students and staff, regardless of faith, are invited to join the Iftar meal for free at LF9, Southampton General Hospital, and attend Maghrib prayer for a traditional Muslim prayer service. You can sign up for this meal using the dedicated Microsoft Form.
Free nutritious snacks, weekdays from 18:00
To support you during this time and help you break your fast, SUSU are offering calorie and sugar-dense snacks for free on the Concourse in B42. Snacks include fruit bars and chocolates and will be available from the dedicated table on weekdays during term time, as well as during the spring break (until 20:00 on weekdays, excepting the Easter closure period).
Free Fruit Fridays at WSA, 11:00-14:00
If you are near the WSA Café, you can grab a free piece of fruit every Friday during term time to help break your fast later that day and restore your hydration levels.
Look after your health and wellbeing
Because fasting can impact energy and hydration levels, as well as muscle recovery, Southampton Sport have put together some low intensity programmes to help keep you active during Ramadan in a safe way. You can view the free Ramadan training plan using the UoS Sport app, and with fitness staff available at the Jubilee and Mayflower gyms, there will be plenty of help and advice to ensure you prioritise your health and wellbeing.
Get support
- There is a Muslim prayer room on Highfield campus, which the Islamic Society helps to maintain. There are also prayer rooms at the Sir James Matthews Building and the University Hospital. Quiet rooms can be used for prayer at the National Oceanography Centre, the Boldrewood Innovation Campus, and Winchester School of Art.
- All students are welcome to the Faith and Reflection Centre. Whether you need a quiet space to take a break or want to talk to the chaplains and faith advisors who can offer a listening ear, the Faith and Reflection Centre is a place for hospitality, safety and care.
- If you are ever worried, need to chat to someone, or are looking for support, The Student Hub are here for you 24/7 to ensure you get the help you need. You can contact them via online chat, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 02380 599 599. You can also visit them in person across our campuses – find out more on the University website.