Freshers Week FAQ

FOSIS Top Tips

Spiritual Boost

ISOC Best Practice

The Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) Guide to everything you need to know for the Best Freshers Week.

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CONTENTS

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Introduction

Freshers Week FAQ

FOSIS Top Tips: Event Ideas

FOSIS Top Tips: ISOC Advice

Working with your Team

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Travelling from across the world for more than fourteen hundred years, Muslims students have always been at the centres of learning, seeking kowledge for the benefit of humanity. Today, hundreds of thousands fil l Universities across the UK & Ireland. The experience of the Muslim Fresher has fundamentally changed since the establishment of the Islamic Society (ISOC); a vibrant community of friendship, spirituality and acitivism.

The Federation of Student Islamic Socities (FOSIS) which is the umbrella body of all ISOCs, has represnted the voice of Muslim Students since 1963, serving to unify and develop the leaders of our future.

We at FOSIS have put together this essential “Guide to Freshers Week” built upon over 50 years of experience, advice, challenges, these are the footprints of many students just like you. We pray this guide serves as a benefit to helping ISOCs proivde the best start for new Muslim Students arriving on Campus.

+ INTRODUCTION

“Such  an  exciting  time  to  meet  new  people,  discover  University  life  and  hopefully  start  studies  with  

everything  I  need  to  know!  ”  

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Many Freshers will all have the same few thoughts in their mind when starting University. Here is our list of Frequently Asked Question ISOCs should include in their Guides, Stalls and online information.

1. Is there a Prayer Room? (Map to Local Mosque with prayer times)

2. Where can I get Halal Food?

3. Who can help me find accommodation?

4. What is an ISOC and how can I join?

5. How do I survive University…?

Fresher’s Week FAQ

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“Uni life is much more than academia... its about growth in each aspect of your life (physical to spiritual). It’s the biggest journey of self discovery you will go on whether you actively choose to or not. So embrace all that free student time and discover something new every day! From food to friends to the meaning of life and everything in between you will find it at university”

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FOSIS TOP TIPS:

EVENT IDEAS

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iSoc Advice

Make sure you have leaflets or business

cards so members know how to contact you!

Make the right intention! We need to

remember to start Freshers week seeking the pleasure of Allah.

Freebies… lots of freebies! The

fresher’s packs will come in handy!

Use Technology, tablets, laptops can ensure poor handwriting doesn’t ruin

an email address, also saves you time later!

Make sure the stall looks good, a nice table cover, balloons & free

sweets! Make sure your team doesn’t

overcrowd the table.

PLAN! Make sure you have a schedule for every day, rota of volunteers and a Plan B if things go wrong.

Working with your team

"And hold fast to the Rope of Allah, and be not divided among

yourselves"

(Qur’an, Surah Al Baqarah 3:103)

Freshers' is the first event of the year with your team coming together. Plan in abundance but work as a team for you will achieve greater.

The success of the Freshers' week depends on how well you work as a team. The better

the teamwork and effort the greater the success by the will of Allah swt.

Don’t Forget….

Introduction to the Islamic Society (Aim and vision) Introduction to the committee members Reminder by a speaker Bringing in Ex-ISOC members to share their experiences of their time.

“The believers are like a structure, each supporting the other.” (Bukhari)

Deal well with people and they will deal well with you. Remember as a Muslim, you are an ambassador of Islam. We can never justice to the role of being a Muslim for it is one of the greatest bounties of Allah (SWT). Part of being grateful is having good character.

After praising Allah (SWT )for the success of the week make sure the committee sit down and review the week. There are always lessons to be learnt. As Muslims we are always learning insha’Allah.

We pray you found this short guide of benefit insha’Allah & from all of us at FOSIS pray you have a very successful Freshers Week and beyond, Ameen.

If you have any questions or what more advice contact: Vp.islamicscoieties@fosis.org.uk

Or Your FOSIS Regional Chairs:

Scotland.chair@fosis.org,uk Ireland.chair@fosis.org.uk Wales.chair@fosis.org.uk London.chair@fosis.org.uk South.chair@fosis.org.uk North.chair@fosis.org.uk Midlands.chair@fosis.org.uk