From my first experience in 2013 to supporting international students through exam timetabling and long summer fasts.
Today, 18 February 2026, marks the beginning of Ramadan. Rather than explaining the tradition itself, I want to share my own experiences, lessons, and practical tips, something I always aim to do in my blogs, especially as this period begins today.
The first time I truly understood Ramadan was in the summer of 2013.
It was my first corporate role in the United Kingdom, working at the University of Brighton International College (UBIC). Until that point, Ramadan had never been part of my world. In Zakynthos, where I came from, it wasn’t something people spoke about. You might read about different religions in books, but it was not part of everyday conversation and I certainly had never experienced it IN PRACTICE.
So when I encountered it for the first time in a professional environment, I remember being genuinely shocked.
Not out of judgment, but out of disbelief.
I remember thinking, “Okay, no food… but surely you can at least drink water? Maybe a coffee?”
Now, that particular year (summer of 2013) Ramadan fell in peak summer, and as you might already know in peak summers the sun sets after 9pm in the United Kingdom.
That was my introduction. And it changed my perspective entirely.
So let me explain this a bit better so that you can establish why Ramadan is slightly hard to observe in the United Kingdom. In many parts of the world, particularly in some Arab countries, fasting hours can be shorter, sometimes ending around 5pm depending on the season really. But in the United Kingdom, when Ramadan falls in the height of summer, the days are extremely long.
I saw students studying, attending classes, sitting exams, and managing daily responsibilities without food or water all day long.
The discipline required was extraordinary.
It was the first time I truly saw what commitment to personal values looks like in practice.
And more importantly, it was the first time I understood how institutions must adapt if they genuinely want people to succeed.
Years later, when I became a manager at Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), that early experience shaped how I approached my work, particularly when managing academic services and exam timetabling.
Scheduling exams is complex at the best of times. But during Ramadan, it required a deeper level of awareness.
We would try, where possible, not to schedule the first exam extremely early in the morning, to avoid early classes for groups where many students were observing Ramadan, and to think carefully about student energy, concentration, and wellbeing.
It was not always easy. There were institutional constraints, regulations, and practical limitations of course but the intention mattered. Because when people feel understood, they perform differently.
Supporting students during Ramadan taught me something fundamental that I carry into my coaching work today: performance and wellbeing are connected.
One of the things that stayed with me most was the variation in experience from year to year.
Some Ramadans are more manageable. When fasting ends earlier in the evening, the physical strain is different. But when it falls during the UK summer, with daylight stretching late into the night, the challenge becomes far greater.
And yet, I rarely or almost never saw complaints. What I saw was focus. Routine. Discipline. Clarity of purpose.
At the end of Ramadan, we organised a large communal feast for students and staff.
It remains one of my favourite professional memories.
There was an enormous amount of food and a lot of people actually eating it. The atmosphere was warm, joyful, and deeply human. People came together beyond roles and responsibilities. There was laughter, connection, and genuine appreciation.
My advice for those observing Ramadan:
From years of working alongside students observing Ramadan, my practical advice is:
1. Manage your energy and not just your time: Plan your most demanding tasks when your focus is strongest.
For example, if you feel more alert in the morning, schedule studying, meetings, or complex work earlier in the day and leave lighter tasks for later.
2. Maintain structure in your routine: Keep a consistent daily routine.
For example, try to keep regular times for work, study, rest, and meals rather than changing your schedule completely.
3. Prioritise proper rest: Sleep is essential, but it is important to rest in a balanced way rather than staying awake all night and sleeping all day.
For example: Aim for good-quality night sleep and short rest periods, so your energy remains stable throughout the day.
4. Be intentional when breaking the fast: Nutrition and hydration play a significant role in how you feel the next day.
For example: Choose balanced meals, drink enough water, and avoid overcompensating with heavy foods that may leave you feeling more tired.
5. Communicate your needs clearly: You do not need people to feel sorry for you, but it helps to let others know you are fasting.
For example, you might explain to colleagues or teachers that you are observing Ramadan so they understand your schedule or energy levels.
Above all, listen to your body!
My advice for professionals starting their careers in the UK:
Working in diverse environments means you will very likely interact with colleagues, students, or clients who observe Ramadan. Understanding what this period involves is not just cultural awareness, but an important part of building respectful workplaces, supporting performance, and developing strong professional relationships in an increasingly global society.
So, to summarise, my first encounter with Ramadan in 2013 began with confusion. It became respect. And over time, it became a lasting lesson in discipline, and human resilience.
Working with international students showed me that awareness is not simply about knowledge but it is about understanding people’s lived experiences and creating environments where they can truly thrive.
That lesson continues to shape both my professional work and my perspective on personal growth today. **Cheers to that**
With very best wishes,
Electra Carter | 18.02.2026
