We are aware that Ramadan will be taking place in the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 at around the same time as some of our big residential events in March/April. This page outlines what to expect for students observing Ramadan and attending our events, including arrangements for accommodation, prayer and meals.
Whilst the below should clear up most if not all concerns, please do email us (access@christs.cam.ac.uk) with any queries. If you are selected to attend one of our events and have indicated you will be fasting (we have a form about various requirements we send you), then we will be writing to you to ensure you are happy with the arrangements and clarify any final details for you.
Accommodation & Facilities
Students will be accommodated in ensuite rooms (you will have your own shower, sink and toilet). All rooms are single rooms, so you do not share with anyone else.
Any students who have told us that they are observing Ramadan will be placed in rooms close or next to other students who are also observing, and will share kitchen facilities with these students (so that you are able to eat together). In advance of the event, we will ask you if you wish for your contact details to be shared with other students who will be observing, so that you can discuss what you might like to do or bring before attending.
You will have 24-hour access to the prayer room at Christ's College to use as you wish.
We'll also provide you with an example of the Ramadan welfare pack produced by the Cambridge University Islamic Society for undergraduate students. You can find out more about iSoc here!
Meals
Students will be provided with dates for breaking fast.
Students will have access to kitchen facilities on their corridor/area of the corridor. This includes: hobs, a fridge and a microwave (kitchen facilities do not have ovens or freezers). Whilst the college will be able to provide cutlery and crockery (plates, dishes), you will need to bring your own pots, pans and cooking utensils if you wish to cook at this time. This is because these are not provided by the college - students here bring their own so there aren't communal ones.
You may bring whatever ingredients you need for what you would like to make. Alternatively/in addition to this, you may consider bringing some pre-prepared meals you can store in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or pan!
We anticipate that for those attending Women in Maths, you will be able to get food in the upper hall canteen/at the formal dinner (which is after 7pm), as food will be available until around 18:45-19:00 (i.e. it is open after sunset).
For those who will be attending Christ's-King's, for the one night stay you may choose to collect food from hall (canteen) to reheat later, or to bring your own if you wish - the clocks change the weekend prior, so sunset is later.
Attending Prayer at the Cambridge Central Mosque
Attendees who wish to attend some prayers at the Cambridge Central Mosque are welcome to do so. We will contact you in advance of your stay to discuss travel arrangements (it's not far, but a bit too far to walk whilst you're staying with us!) and times so that this is balanced with other elements of the programme.
You can find out more about the mosque here. Fun fact: it's Europe's first eco-friendly mosque!