Xiaohongshu
Ramadan is a meaningful and reflective time for many students across our UCL East community. Alongside fasting from dawn to sunset, it can also be a month of prayer, connection, and personal reflection. Balancing this with lectures, coursework, work, and everyday university life can feel like a lot, especially if you’re living at One Pool Street, commuting in, or moving between East and Bloomsbury. You’re not alone in that, and support is around you.
Managing your energy and routine
Fasting can affect energy, focus, and routine, particularly in the first few days. Try to plan your workload around when you feel most alert, whether that’s after suhoor or in the evening after iftar. Breaking tasks into smaller chunks, using quieter study spaces, and prioritising what matters most can make things feel more manageable. It’s okay if your pace looks different during Ramadan.
What you eat and drink outside of fasting hours also plays a big role in how you feel. Aim for balanced meals at suhoor and iftar, drink plenty of water between fasting hours, and allow yourself time to rest when you need it. Even short breaks or naps between classes can help. If fasting is affecting your energy or schedule, letting tutors or project group members know can make planning deadlines and meetings easier.
Prayer and quiet spaces at UCL
Bloomsbury
You can find dedicated spaces in the Student Centre at Bloomsbury, and in various other UCL buildings around London. Check out the full list of faith and prayer spaces here.
UCL East
If you’re on campus and looking for somewhere quiet, Quiet Contemplation Rooms are available on the first floor of One Pool Street and in Core A on the first floor of Marshgate. These spaces are open to anyone who wants somewhere calm to pray, reflect, or take a moment away from busy campus environments.
Finding community during Ramadan
Observing Ramadan away from home can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you’re used to being surrounded by family, shared iftars, or a community where everyone is observing. Connecting with others who understand the experience can make a big difference. UCL has a number of student societies where you can meet people, attend events, and find community during Ramadan:
Looking after your wellbeing and getting support
Ramadan can be both physically and emotionally demanding alongside academic pressure, so take time to check in with yourself, get fresh air where you can, and stay connected with friends, family, and community spaces.
If you need support or advice during Ramadan, you can contact a Student Support and Wellbeing adviser. If you are living in UCL accommodation, your Student Resident Adviser is also there to help. Ramadan looks different for everyone. Whether this is your first time observing it at university or something you’ve done for years, you’re part of a UCL East community that wants you to feel supported, respected, and able to fully take part in university life throughout the month
Support for your studies
Here are some UCL polices you may find relevant to support your studies whilst observing Ramadan:
- Extenuating Circumstances - for any short term emergencies and unexpected events
- Study Adjustments - longer-term adjustments to your studies, for example due to daily prayer or fasting
If you need any independent advice about applying using these policies, you can contact the Students' Union Advice Service.