How can Ramadan affect students?

Fasting during daylight hours could make studying more difficult. You might also find that whilst fasting, your energy levels are lower, which can affect your mental clarity. Your fasting schedule may also impact things like exams and study hours.

Many universities have measures in place to help Muslim students during Ramadan, such as additional study resources or the option to reschedule certain tests or exams. Student Support & Wellbeing is usually a good first point of call if you‘re looking for help with how to study during Ramadan.

Ramadan tips for students

Here are some Ramadan study tips we‘ve put together for students.

Plan your study time

It‘s not just your eating habits that change during Ramadan – your sleep schedule will also be affected. This is expected as you plan your day around iftar and suhoor, the two main meals you eat each day after sunset and before dawn.

Suhoor opens the fast before sunrise, while iftar breaks the fast after sunset. This also means, during Ramadan, you may need a revised study schedule. You might want to include time for naps during the day to make up for lost sleep.

Drawing up a Ramadan study schedule in advance can help you keep up with your studies without overwhelming yourself. Your plan should be tailored to you and focus your studies during the times of day you feel most energised and mentally clear. Of course, this is different for everyone.

You may find you are at your best right after suhoor, or you may need more sleep before hitting the books. Be realistic about your energy levels and factor in time for sleep and other, non-food-based rewards.

Take frequent breaks

They say a change is as good as a rest, and this may well be true when studying during Ramadan. Make sure your study schedule includes frequent breaks to refresh and reward yourself.

You might also want to consider changing study locations – moving around can give you a new perspective. Plus, spending time in the library or study groups with friends means you‘re not stuck in your room all day.

How To Study During Ramadan