Dubai: When September rolls around this year students will have more to think about than going back to school. Ramadan is right around the corner, and students fear that academia coupled with fasting will take its toll.
Following reports that the start of the academic year might be delayed until after the end of Ramadan, students had high hopes. But these hopes were soon brought to an end when nothing changed.
Huma Jawed, a business student at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, commutes between Ajman and Knowledge Village every weekday. She claims the long journey will only add to the fatigue caused by early waking hours and fasting.
"The trip takes about two to three hours to and from university," she said. "Sure, the college hours decrease, but that doesn't affect our hunger and thirst. Don't they feel any pity for us commuting to classes in the scorching heat and having to concentrate, all while fasting?"
Many universities, however, have taken Ramadan into consideration when scheduling the fall semester. For example, at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) all courses end by 4pm, as do courses at Zayed University and the Higher Colleges of Technology.
According to Lynda Ataya, AUS registrar, this gives students an opportunity to use the gap between the end of classes and iftar for their needs - whether it's to prepare for iftar or get some rest.
Lighter workload
"If students continued going to classes around four or five in the afternoon, they could be mentally strained and tired - and the faculty would be as well," she said. "Then they'd have to rush back home and prepare for iftar, taking traffic and other factors into consideration."
Nevertheless, many students still feel they prefer Ramadan to coincide with the beginning of the academic year because of the lighter workload.
"When Ramadan would fall later in the year, it would be right when mid-term would kick off and projects would be due," said Ryan Hassan, a business student at the AUS.
"At the beginning of the year, the coursework is always less and that will make things easier."
Despite their concerns, students are still enthusiastic about going back to school.
Faisal Al Saffar, who graduated with a higher diploma at Dubai Men's College, is keen on pursuing his bachelor's degree in international business.
"I enjoy working hard and feeling a sense of accomplishment," he said. "And I always feel excited whenever I'm about to begin something new."
For Jawed, who attended summer classes while also taking driving lessons, going back to university won't be difficult.
"I've been doing it most of the summer so there won't be a big change," she said. "But the best thing about going back is reuniting with all your friends. That's what I'm looking forward to the most."
First day of classes
Higher Colleges of Technology - August 31
Zayed University - August 31
American University in Dubai - September 1
American University of Sharjah - August 24
University of Wollongong in Dubai - September 7
UAE University - August 26
By Manal Ismail, Staff Reporter