The UK Student Pilgrim Research Prize is a HajjGuider pilot project for Muslim students, ISoc members, graduates, and community volunteers who want to improve practical Hajj and Umrah guidance for UK pilgrims.
The idea is simple: students submit a short practical research piece answering a real Hajj or Umrah planning question. Strong entries may be published on HajjGuider with credit to the student and, where appropriate, their ISoc or university society.
Prize details are being finalised before the pilot opens. The first stage is collecting interest from ISocs, student unions, and students who would like to take part or list the opportunity publicly.
Why this exists
Many UK pilgrims search for practical answers before they ever speak to a travel provider:
- Which UK airport is easiest for Umrah from our city?
- How should students plan Umrah around exams or Ramadan?
- What should families ask before paying a deposit?
- What does hotel distance actually mean for elderly pilgrims?
- What should Shia travellers check before booking?
HajjGuider wants to turn those real questions into useful public guides, while giving Muslim students a credible research and writing opportunity.
Example research prompts
- Umrah around university holidays: what should UK students consider?
- Best UK airports for Umrah from a student perspective
- Hajj 2027 budgeting for young professionals and families
- What first-time pilgrims should ask before paying a deposit
- Practical Umrah planning for elderly parents
- Shia-aware Umrah planning questions from UK travellers
- How mosque volunteers can support Hajj and Umrah questions safely
Who it may suit
- Muslim students and graduates
- ISoc committee members and volunteers
- Travel, theology, Middle East studies, journalism, or community research students
- People with personal Hajj or Umrah planning experience
- Students interested in practical Islamic travel, community work, or public guidance
What participants may receive
- Publication credit on HajjGuider if the entry is selected
- A public author or contributor mention where appropriate
- A credible practical research example for a portfolio
- Recognition for the student society or community group that helped promote the project
- Prize or award details once the pilot prize structure is confirmed
How ISocs and student unions can help
ISocs, student unions, and university departments can share this page with members or add it to a public opportunities page, newsletter archive, Linktree, society website, or student jobs board.
Suggested public link text:
- UK Student Pilgrim Research Prize
- Hajj and Umrah research prize for Muslim students
- HajjGuider student pilgrimage research opportunity
Register interest
Email ali@hajjguider.com with:
- your name
- your university or society, if relevant
- the Hajj or Umrah topic you would like to research
- whether you are an individual student, ISoc contact, or student union/contact page editor
Useful subject line:
Student Pilgrim Research Prize - interest from [Name or Organisation]
Related HajjGuider projects: