The holy month of Ramadan is a few weeks away, a time when Muslims don’t eat or drink while the sun is up to practise gratitude, discipline and worship. It can be difficult for students to balance this alongside their studies, but it’s manageable with the right preparation and mindset. Below is my advice on how to succeed academically during Ramadan. 

1) Eat well when breaking and before starting your fast

Muslims break their fast at sunset with a meal known as iftar. It’s important that you still eat a balanced diet and get your nutrients in – it’s easy to over indulge in the oil-dense foods that are commonly eaten in this meal. While you can still enjoy these types of food, overeating leads to lethargic behaviour and less energy for your studies. You should aim to have a high-protein and filling breakfast for the sunrise meal (suhoor) to give you fuel for the day. Many often don’t wake up for this meal and it’s down to your specific needs. However, I noticed a huge difference in my energy levels throughout the day so I’d recommend students try to wake up for this if they’re struggling. You should also prioritise water after a whole day of not drinking, aiming for two to three litres within your eating period to maximise academic performance. 

2) A personal schedule

The question of when to study during Ramadan is a highly personal one, depending on your sleeping habits, preferences and commitments, for example. Some choose to revise from sunrise, energised by a recent meal and like to get everything done in the morning. Others prefer to do all-nighters, balancing studying and praying in this time and sleeping after suhoor. Although there’s no right way, I’d be cautious of the latter as it’ll take time for your body to adjust to this dramatic change and then return to normal after Ramadan. Unlike last year, in 2024 Ramadan is split between the university semester and the Easter holidays. Therefore, you may still have early classes and this sleep schedule may not be appropriate. The key is to organise your studies in advance, assessing your daily tasks and personal energy levels. Then, plan around that. This can be through a physical calendar for the month or, as I prefer, writing a to-do list in the notes app of my phone. I then update and check tasks off as necessary. 

3) Resting 

It’s vital not to burden yourself during Ramadan. While exercise is good for your physical and mental wellbeing, take care not to over-exert yourself as you’ll then be too drained for your studies. It’s recommended to stick to low-intensity activities like walking or yoga. Alternatively, you can do your workouts when energised at night. The same principle applies to any extracurriculars or work obligations. You don’t need to abandon these altogether during Ramadan but it may be beneficial to momentarily reduce these if you can (i.e., fewer shifts at work). This will help to conserve energy and also give you more time for your studies. On top of this, aim to get eight hours of quality sleep for optimal brain function and overall wellbeing. Many students also take naps during Ramadan to help with hunger and make up for lost sleep. You may also find this a useful way to structure your studies by working around your naps. 

4) Reach out 

As Ramadan falls during the revision period, it can be a difficult time for students. Nevertheless, even just letting your tutors or peers know that you’re fasting can be highly valuable as they’ll have a better understanding of what you’re going through (and your possible ‘hangry’ behaviour!). Talk to family members, friends and other members of the Muslim community to learn from them and their lived experiences. Not only will this give you practical advice, but it should also reassure you that you’re not alone in any hardship. If you’re really struggling with your studies in Ramadan, you should voice your concerns to your personal tutor or university pastoral team. They’re likely to be willing to listen, provide any help and give you personalised tips. They also might allow special considerations (eg, extending deadlines). However, they can’t help if you don’t ask. Remember that you can also break your fast if necessary and your health is compromised.

I hope some of this was helpful to any Muslim students, and that you’re able to implement these academic tips. Wishing you a blessed Ramadan.