Living alongside other faiths, and none

University may be the first time you share a kitchen, a corridor or a group project with people whose beliefs differ completely from yours. This lesson is about the practical, everyday side of living well together. The Purpose module's lesson on respecting others' beliefs covers the principles.

A campus of many beliefs

• Expect variety. Exeter's chaplaincy team alone includes Bahá'í, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Muslim, Jewish and Quaker members.
• Many students have no religion. They may have strong values that come from philosophy, family or personal conviction. Treat those with the same respect you hope for.
• You may also meet people of your own faith whose practice is stricter or more relaxed than yours. It is not your job to judge them, or theirs to judge you.
• Universities protect freedom of belief in both directions. Westminster says students should be able to express religious or non-religious beliefs without bullying, discrimination or harassment.

Shared kitchens, fridges and food

• Flatmates may cook or store food you do not eat. That is their right. Agree on your own shelf, labelled containers and, if needed, your own cookware.
• Raise it early and kindly in the first house meeting rather than after a problem (the Living With Others module has a house agreement template).
• Clean up promptly so nobody has to handle food they avoid.
• When cooking for mixed groups, label dishes clearly: 'halal chicken', 'vegetarian', 'contains nuts'.

Group work and timetables

• When setting group meetings, ask: 'Are there any times that don't work for anyone, for prayer, services or other commitments?' This invites everyone without singling anyone out.
• Sabbath, Friday prayers, Sunday services and festival days are common reasons people are unavailable. Plan around them as you would around a lecture.
• Share the work fairly so that someone observing a holy day is not penalised, and expect the same flexibility for yourself.

Invitations and visits

• If friends invite you to a festival meal or a place of worship, you can accept as a respectful guest, or decline kindly: 'Thank you for inviting me, I won't come to the service but I'd love to join the meal.'
• If you visit, ask your friend beforehand about dress, footwear, seating and whether photos are appropriate.
• If you are unsure whether attending is acceptable in your own faith, ask a faith leader you trust.
• Invite friends to your own celebrations too. Many friendships across faiths begin over food.

When things go wrong

• Small misunderstandings are normal. Assume good intent first and explain calmly.
• If someone mocks another person's faith or lack of faith, say something if it is safe: 'Not cool, let's leave that.'
• Hate speech, harassment or threats should be reported. Surrey's procedure covers antisemitism and Islamophobia among other forms of harassment.
• The 2011 Equality Challenge Unit research found gaps in food provision and handling time off for observance. If you see problems, raising them through the Students' Union helps everyone.