Resources for Muslim Students

Living on Grounds

The University of Virginia is aware that some Muslim students may face unique challenges related to housing during their first year. These may include situations that could compromise their ability to adhere to religious norms, such as:

  • The presence of members of a different gender in the room with the student’s roommate;
  • Adherence to co-ed social expectations (for example, the need for some women to cover in front of men);
  • The presence of certain foods in students’ room;
  • Experiencing social isolation if a group of roommates / hall mates go to a social function that involves alcohol.

Incoming Muslim students may contact the Muslim Students Association (MSA) to seek assistance with requesting a Muslim roommate.  Students may also email MSA to seek assistance with the roommate matching process or to ask any questions about Muslim student life, in general.  Incoming students are also encouraged to join the MSA GroupMe to get early advice from returning students, start making connections with other new students, and stay abreast of activities throughout the year.

Interfaith Student Center (IFSC)

The mission of the Interfaith Student Center is to create a welcoming, comfortable, and safe space where students of diverse backgrounds and beliefs can practice their own faith and mindfulness and learn about those of others. The Interfaith Student Center aims to foster interfaith dialogue, education, and relationships while recognizing the many vibrant religious communities on Grounds. 

Dietary Needs

Halal Meals: UVA Dining offers Halal options. All non-processed chicken in the dining halls (bone-in, breasts, thigh, wings) is Halal. Processed chicken like nuggets and patties are not Halal. For more information, please contact [email protected].  UVA Dining also provides several food trucks, including Halal Kitchen, daily across Grounds.  In Fall 2023, UVA Dining opened a new Halal friendly restaurant called Za'atar at the Castle. The hours of operation for Za'atar are Monday through Friday from 11a-8p

Support During Ramadan

Academic Accommodations: Pursuant to University policy and protocol, reasonable religious accommodation requests must be granted. For more information, please visit the following link:  Frequently Asked Questions - Accommodations for Religious Observance.

Ramadan: Multicultural Student Services partners with EOCR, Provost's Office, Dining, and  Muslim student organizations to support students during Ramadan by ensuring timely communication to faculty about academic accommodations and working with dining to provide adequate meal service/options.. For more information, please contact [email protected] or contact [email protected] for specific dining questions.

Iftar at the Mosque: Please see the section below on community resources. The local Mosque offers a hot meal every evening during Ramadan at sunset. Contact the Muslim Student Association (MSA) if you would like to carpool or walk with others.

Counseling & Personal Support

Muslim Student Organizations

The Islamic Society of Central Virginia

  • The ISCV offers the Masjid (mosque) as a local prayer space and community center for Muslims in the Charlottesville area. On Friday evenings, there are often community events and refreshments along with a short religious teaching. There is quite a large community of UVA professors, graduate students, residents and undergraduate students who attend their programs. charlottesvillemasjid.com
  • This space is located at 708 Pine St., close to UVA and is approximately a 10-15 minute walk from Central Grounds.  It is close enough for students who want to travel to the Masjid for their daily prayers.
  • During Ramadan, members take turns preparing hot meals for the community. Often 50-60 people attend and they also offer boxes so that you can bring food home for your morning meal the next day.

Getting Involved:

  • The University Programs Council has a number of different programs throughout the year that are open to all students and serves as a great alternative especially for students who are looking for social outlets that do not involve alcohol. Please visit the UPC website for more information: https://upc.virginia.edu/
  • The Student Council at U.Va. organizes a number of events for the entire student body throughout the year.
  • The Lorna Sundberg International Center at UVa also offers a variety of programs for students at the university ranging from speaker series to cooking classes and a number of other social activities. For more information on the center and their programs, please visit their website: https://internationalcenter.virginia.edu.
  • Visit the Student Activities Fair where you can find over 350 contracted independent organizations (CIO’s) that are present on Grounds. The Student Activities Fair takes place the Monday before classes start on the South Lawn and Amphitheater. https://www.uvastudco.com/