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Christopher Stern
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Somewhere between the student loan coming in and the overdraft running out, a lot of young British Muslims start to wonder whether Umrah is something they could actually do now, rather than “one day”. The answer is often yes. It takes some planning and a bit of saving, but plenty of students make the trip, often with friends from their university Islamic Society.
Students have a few things on their side. They’re usually fit, flexible about where they sleep and happy to share a room. Those three things alone can bring the price down a long way. If you’re comparing Cheap umrah packages from UK travel firms advertise, this guide explains where the real savings are, when to go around your term dates, and what to sort out before you book.
Term dates are the biggest limit. Most universities give you about three weeks at Christmas, a month or so at Easter and a long summer break. Some also have a reading week in the autumn or spring.
Exams matter too. Don’t book a trip that cuts into revision or assessment periods.
Many students dream of it. The difficulty is timing. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to begin around early February, which falls in the middle of the second term for most universities. Some students fit in a short trip during a reading week. Others wait until Ramadan moves into a holiday period in future years, as it shifts about eleven days earlier each year.
It’s also the most expensive time to go. Ramadan Umrah Packages from UK are priced highest for the last ten nights, when hotels near the Grand Mosque are often sold out months in advance. If you do go in Ramadan, the first ten days are usually far cheaper and less crowded. Travel guides also report that Saudi Arabia plans to stop issuing Umrah visas in early March 2027 ahead of Hajj season, so check the official dates before you book.
Packages are usually priced per person based on four sharing a room. Going with three friends is the single easiest way to cut the cost. Two sharing, or a single room, costs considerably more.
Hotels right beside the Grand Mosque charge a big premium. A clean hotel ten or fifteen minutes’ walk away can cost far less, and for young, fit travellers the walk is no hardship. Check the walking time yourself on a map before booking.
Flights with one stop are usually cheaper than direct ones. Be flexible by a few days, and set price alerts for Jeddah and Madinah.
Eat where local workers eat. Shawarma, rice dishes and bakery food are cheap and filling. Zamzam water is free all around the Grand Mosque, so there’s no need to buy bottled water.
A trip often costs less than people expect once it’s broken down. Work out your total, divide it by the number of months until you travel, and set up a standing order into a separate savings pot. Part-time and holiday work can help. Many students also ask family to contribute towards the trip instead of birthday or Eid presents.
Try not to borrow for it. Interest is something Muslims are told to avoid, and starting the trip with a credit card balance takes some of the peace out of it. Many travel firms let you pay a deposit and the rest in instalments with no interest, which is a much better option.
Many university Islamic Societies organise group Umrah trips, often in the winter break. Going as a group has real benefits. You’ll usually get a better price, share rooms with friends, and have experienced members or a guide to help with the rituals. It’s also a lovely way to make lasting friendships.
If your ISoc runs a trip, check that it’s booked through a licensed UK travel firm with ATOL protection, and get the hotel names, flights and what’s included in writing.
International students studying in the UK should check visa rules for their own passport, as they may differ.
Summer and quieter months outside Ramadan and the Christmas peak week are usually cheapest.
Usually, yes. Group trips and four people sharing a room bring the price per person down.
Ramadan 2027 is expected to start in early February, during term. A short trip in a reading week is possible but costly.
Yes. You need an Umrah permit from the official Nusuk app, as well as a visa.
You don’t need to wait until you have a career and a mortgage to go for Umrah. With a bit of planning, some saving and a few good friends to share a room with, it can be one of the best things you do during your university years.
Students have a few things on their side. They’re usually fit, flexible about where they sleep and happy to share a room. Those three things alone can bring the price down a long way. If you’re comparing Cheap umrah packages from UK travel firms advertise, this guide explains where the real savings are, when to go around your term dates, and what to sort out before you book.
Quick answer: how can a student keep Umrah affordable?
- Travel outside the busiest periods, such as the Christmas peak week and the last ten nights of Ramadan.
- Share a room with three friends. Quad rooms cost much less per person.
- Pick a decent hotel a short walk from the Grand Mosque rather than one right next to it.
- Book early and pay by deposit and instalments.
- Eat simply and drink the free Zamzam water.
When can students actually go?
Term dates are the biggest limit. Most universities give you about three weeks at Christmas, a month or so at Easter and a long summer break. Some also have a reading week in the autumn or spring.
- Christmas. Mild weather in Makkah, but the week between Christmas and New Year is the most expensive time outside Ramadan. Early or mid-December, once your teaching ends, is often better value.
- Easter. Usually a comfortable time to travel, before the summer heat. Keep an eye on Hajj season, when Umrah visits are paused.
- Summer. Often the cheapest, because Makkah can pass 40 degrees. Fine for fit young people who are willing to go out early and late, but tough at midday.
- Reading week. Short, but enough for a seven or eight-night trip if your course allows it.
Exams matter too. Don’t book a trip that cuts into revision or assessment periods.
Can students go for Umrah in Ramadan?
Many students dream of it. The difficulty is timing. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to begin around early February, which falls in the middle of the second term for most universities. Some students fit in a short trip during a reading week. Others wait until Ramadan moves into a holiday period in future years, as it shifts about eleven days earlier each year.
It’s also the most expensive time to go. Ramadan Umrah Packages from UK are priced highest for the last ten nights, when hotels near the Grand Mosque are often sold out months in advance. If you do go in Ramadan, the first ten days are usually far cheaper and less crowded. Travel guides also report that Saudi Arabia plans to stop issuing Umrah visas in early March 2027 ahead of Hajj season, so check the official dates before you book.
Where are the real savings?
Room sharing
Packages are usually priced per person based on four sharing a room. Going with three friends is the single easiest way to cut the cost. Two sharing, or a single room, costs considerably more.
Hotel distance
Hotels right beside the Grand Mosque charge a big premium. A clean hotel ten or fifteen minutes’ walk away can cost far less, and for young, fit travellers the walk is no hardship. Check the walking time yourself on a map before booking.
Flights
Flights with one stop are usually cheaper than direct ones. Be flexible by a few days, and set price alerts for Jeddah and Madinah.
Food
Eat where local workers eat. Shawarma, rice dishes and bakery food are cheap and filling. Zamzam water is free all around the Grand Mosque, so there’s no need to buy bottled water.
How can you save up while studying?
A trip often costs less than people expect once it’s broken down. Work out your total, divide it by the number of months until you travel, and set up a standing order into a separate savings pot. Part-time and holiday work can help. Many students also ask family to contribute towards the trip instead of birthday or Eid presents.
Try not to borrow for it. Interest is something Muslims are told to avoid, and starting the trip with a credit card balance takes some of the peace out of it. Many travel firms let you pay a deposit and the rest in instalments with no interest, which is a much better option.
Should you go with your ISoc?
Many university Islamic Societies organise group Umrah trips, often in the winter break. Going as a group has real benefits. You’ll usually get a better price, share rooms with friends, and have experienced members or a guide to help with the rituals. It’s also a lovely way to make lasting friendships.
If your ISoc runs a trip, check that it’s booked through a licensed UK travel firm with ATOL protection, and get the hotel names, flights and what’s included in writing.
What paperwork do you need?
- A passport with at least six months left from the day you arrive
- A visa for Saudi Arabia, applied for online or through your travel agent
- A meningococcal ACWY vaccination, at least ten days before arrival
- An Umrah permit booked on the official Nusuk app
- Travel insurance with medical cover, as your UK health card won’t work in Saudi Arabia
International students studying in the UK should check visa rules for their own passport, as they may differ.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest time for students to do Umrah?
Summer and quieter months outside Ramadan and the Christmas peak week are usually cheapest.
Is it cheaper to go in a group?
Usually, yes. Group trips and four people sharing a room bring the price per person down.
Can I do Umrah during Ramadan 2027 as a student?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to start in early February, during term. A short trip in a reading week is possible but costly.
Do I need an app for Umrah?
Yes. You need an Umrah permit from the official Nusuk app, as well as a visa.
Key takeaways
- Students can save a lot by sharing rooms and choosing hotels a short walk away.
- Plan trips around holidays and exams.
- Ramadan 2027 falls in term time, so plan carefully if you want to go then.
- ISoc group trips can be good value, but check the firm is ATOL protected.
You don’t need to wait until you have a career and a mortgage to go for Umrah. With a bit of planning, some saving and a few good friends to share a room with, it can be one of the best things you do during your university years.