Muslim Students
Alcohol
"I knew that other students would drink alcohol. I was surprised that for most of those in my accommodation it was their main and almost daily leisure activity."
"There was a bar in our accommodation and that was the only social space that we could all meet in."
"Other students found it very hard to understand why I objected to alcohol on the kitchen table."
"Of course not all non-Muslims are drunk all the time. But you tend to notice the students who have been drinking and making noise, not those who are leading quieter lives."
Sharing Food Preparation Areas
"I'd never lived anywhere where bacon was cooked regularly before!"
Some of the other students were really helpful and co-operated with my need to prevent cross-contamination of halal and forbidden foods - using sealed containers, different cooking utensils, using foil on the grill pan etc. Others were not prepared to adapt their normal lifestyle or way of doing things."
"In halls, halal food can be provided if you order it pre-arrival. It's a bit embarrassing sometimes having to ask for it every time. But gradually the staff get to know your face and are ready with your dish as you get there."
"There are plenty of halal butchers and take-aways in the area."
Prayer
"In accommodation, your room is really the only suitable place for prayers. Other students are likely to wear shoes in other parts of the accommodation. (There are prayer rooms available near most teaching areas.)"
"It can be helpful to talk to staff who clean your room and explain that outdoor shoes on your floor will make it unclean for prayer etc. They are unlikely to know unless you have a chat with them."
Ablutions
"There are unlikely to be low level sinks in Uni accommodation, making foot washing a challenge. If you have ensuite accommodation this should not present any difficulties but you might have to explain to other students the need to use hand wash basins for washing feet."
" Washing facilities are not available inside toilet cubicles."
Other Issues
Gender - many corridors/flats are single sex but even then other students will invite home friends of either gender, sometimes to spend the night.
Direction of Mecca - University maps make it easy to work this out
Muslim Associate Chaplain