It is well-documented that Muslim students face a number of challenges before and during university. In recent figures, 33% of Muslim students say they have experienced abuse at university, with nearly 80% believing this was religiously motivated. Moreover, 30% of Muslim students said they felt alienated from other students - something that was perceived to be particularly true by individuals who wear a headscarf (hijab).

A comprehensive review conducted by the Department of Business Innovation and Skills discussed the specific needs of Muslim students that tended to relate to practical needs and pastoral care; a significant minority of Muslim students felt that university provision did not meet their specific religious or cultural needs, with those for whom faith was more important being more likely to take this view. Despite this, the number of Muslim healthcare students has been increasing year on year.

A number of Muslim students face a growing number of challenges on clinical placements. By the nature of health science schools, multiple factors play a role in the practice and attitudes of Muslim healthcare students, including peer influence, prejudicial discrimination, the lack of representation or safe spaces and medical student culture, which may not be in keeping with Islamic values and practice. This is often visibly noticeable within the social bubbles of medical school, as drinking events are prominent. As such, a growing number of students face identity crises and struggle to maintain the work-life balance in line with their deen.