This month’s Kent Star is Aashvi, who has organised community events, including the celebrated Iftar Dinner. Her leadership extends to numerous roles, such as chairing the Racially and Ethnically Marginalised People (REMP) Network and serving as President of the Geography Society. Aashvi’s commitment to inclusivity, sustainability and environmental justice is evident in all her endeavours. Hear from Campus Champion Aashvi:

“Hi, my name is Aashvi. My pronouns are she/her and I’m studying Environment and Sustainability at the University of Kent.”

Tell us about the Iftar Dinner you’ve organised this evening? 

“I am a ResLife Ambassador and organise events for people that stay at the University of Kent accommodation. And last year, as part of Kent Students’ Union, the International Student Voices research project, I helped, along with my partner at the time Hur Aly, host the first university-wide Iftar Dinner at Rutherford. And through my role this year, I along with my partner Nehi Eigbefoh, wanted to bring that back again, because it’s so nice to have a community, where people can break their fast and also invite other people to come, join in and learn more about Ramadan, Eid and Iftar.”

Please tell us about your other roles at the University? And can you choose a favourite? 

“Where do I even start? I’m the chair of the Racially and Ethnically Marginalised People (REMP) Network and the President of Geography Society. The Social Secretary of the Sustainability Working Group, Student Ambassador, a ResLife Ambassador, and a Student Trustee at the Kent Students’ Union Board of Trustees.

“Last year, I was a Student Rep for the School of Anthropology and Conservation. I was part of the BioBlitz Organising Committee, as part of the Marketing Officer. So I have lots of roles, but it’s really hard to choose a favourite because I love what I do in all of them. But my passion really lies in sustainability and environmental justice.

“It’s definitely a lot to say, but it’s impossible to choose a favourite. Because I have a passion for each and every one of the roles. And they’re also unique in different ways. I love environmental justice and sustainability, and I hope to also make my degree a part of my everyday life through decolonisation and equity.”

Aashvi at the Iftar dinner she helped organise

What advice would you give to other students? 

“University is a time to explore and get out of your comfort zone. It’s easier said than done, but really lean into doing and exploring new things. Finding what makes you, YOU, and I guess having fun through all of it – and definitely utilise the student discounts!”

What are your plans for next year? 

“Honestly. No idea. As a type A person, I usually have everything scheduled, but I am embracing the unknown. I don’t know where I’m going to be. But hopefully either at a placement year or university. I definitely want to attend more concerts and travel a lot because the UK is great for that, but we’ll see where it goes.”

Do you know an inspirational student or student group? Let us know.

Learn more about the Kent Stars campaign.

To all our Muslim students, we wish you Ramadan Mubarak!

What is Ramadan?

“The month of Ramadan is the month in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people, and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” [Qur’an, 2:185]

Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam. It is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation during which Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an and when Muslim students and staff may be abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours. They may also have an altered sleep pattern and may be taking more time to pray.

When is Ramadan?

This year, Ramadan takes place approximately between the 1 and 31 March 2025

Muslims follow the lunar calendar, so the exact start and end dates depend on the sighting of the moon, so these dates can vary slightly.

If you are a Muslim student, it is possible that observing Ramadan may impact some aspects of your studies. For example, we understand that during Ramadan:

• You may need to briefly leave part of a teaching session to pray
• You may find it harder to concentrate in the afternoons

Accessing Student Support and Guidance

We would like to support you so that you can continue studying during this time. If you are struggling with any academic sessions, particularly if these are lab based, physical or in the afternoon, please do discuss with the relevant academic staff in the first instance.

If, in extreme circumstances, you are unable to attend a teaching session due to Ramadan, you are able to record this as a reason for absence in the free text field, however please note that this will still affect your attendance record.

If you are observing Ramadan, and you have any concerns about how it may impact your studies or want to know what academic support may be available to you, then please get in touch with the Student Engagement Team. For emotional and wellbeing support, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing. For faith support or enquiries, please contact the Chaplaincy.

Ways to support your Muslim peers during Ramadan

Send well-wishes

Here are some common greetings you can use to share your well-wishes with your Muslim peers during Ramadan:

• ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ – ‘Blessed Ramadan’
• ‘Ramadan Kareem’ – ‘Noble Ramadan’
• ‘Kul ‘am wa enta bi-khair’ – ‘I wish you well on this occasion every year’

Consider hosting an Iftar

Consider inviting your Muslim peers to Iftar (break fast) or dinner at your place. Or, you could even bring them over a dish so that they don’t have to cook.

ResLife have also organised an Iftar dinner in Canterbury on Friday 7 March.

Don’t feel guilty about eating or drinking in front of them.

While you may think you’re being considerate by not eating in front of a peer observing Ramadan, this could actually create unnecessary awkwardness.

Fasting is not solely about abstaining from food and drink, but is more so about reflection, prayer, and connection with God. Observing Muslims know this and so make an intention each day to adhere to the fast despite urges to do otherwise.

If you notice a peer isn’t fasting, try not to publicly ask why.

Not all Muslims will fast for a number of reasons – sickness, needing to take medication, pregnancy, women being on their period etc. Care should be taken not to offend people who are not fasting, by publicly asking for reasons as to why.

Similarly, some Muslims who may not be observant during the rest of the year, may observe Ramadan. Try to reserve judgement and not make any assumptions.

Do not trivialise their fast

Be mindful not to link their fast to a fad diet or reduce it to simply being a great way to lose weight.

To your Muslim peer, this is a deep and highly important religious practice, and they sacrifice their time, appetite and energy because they are committed to their faith.

Join the Ramadan spirit of giving to charity

The essence of Ramadan involves recognising the blessings one has and showing gratitude by supporting those who are in need. While this is a prescription for Muslims, Ramadan could also be an excellent time for non-Muslims to offer their support.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

You might be embarrassed by the lack of knowledge, but most Muslims welcome questions from colleagues and friends.

Fasting is an individual experience. Asking a specific fasting person if they need or want anything from you is the best way in ensuring you are actually being supportive and inclusive.

** Update: Tuesday 25 February, 10:40 – the system maintenance has been completed and KentVision is available again. **

The KentVision system will be unavailable from 08:00 on Monday 24 February until 17:00 on Wednesday 26 February due to essential maintenance.

You can still view your timetable on the My Kent Student app and website during this time, just not on KentVision. Please make a note of your timetable, including timings and locations, ahead of this KentVision outage.

During this time, if you need to request an extension or late submission of work for any deadlines, please email extension/late submission requests to your School Engagement Support team so that they can log that a request has been made, and then update the Kent Vision records once KentVision is available. Please note that to consider your request, you will need to list the modules, assignments and deadline dates impacted, explain why you need to request extension or late submission, and attach any evidence or documentation that you may have to confirm the circumstances impacting your submissions.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused while this essential work is carried out.

Should you have any concerns or queries please contact helpdesk@kent.ac.uk