Tawakkul Over Tuition: How I Got Through Uni Without a Student Loan

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته

I’m writing this for anyone who’s unsure about going to uni because of money.

Maybe you’ve looked at the cost of tuition. Maybe you’ve been told the only way is a student loan. Maybe deep down you feel uncomfortable with the idea of taking riba (interest) but you also don’t see another way. If that’s you — I hear you. I’ve lived that tension. And I want you to know that it is possible.

Not easy. Not always comfortable. But possible — through tawakkul (trust in Allah), hustle, and taking the means.

The Start of the Journey

When I was applying to university, I wasn’t sure how I’d make it work. I explored every option I could. I applied for a software apprenticeship. I did physical work, tried my hand in construction, anything that could bring in halal income. I wasn’t rushing into uni blindly — especially knowing I wouldn’t take a student loan.

Eventually, I was accepted into medical school, Alhamdulillah. That was a blessing. But from day one, the question wasn’t “Can I handle the course?” It was “Can I survive this financially without falling into debt that displeases Allah?”

And the answer, as it turned out, was yes — but it came with sacrifice.

Sacrifices and Struggles

There were times I would miss uni just to go to work. It wasn’t ideal — I didn’t want to be behind. But when the money is tight, you start making hard choices. That meant I had to find people to share notes with me — often from the year above. I got used to messaging people late at night asking for lecture slides, trying to catch up on what I missed.

I stayed at home throughout my degree — not because it was the easy option, but because it was the only way I could afford to study. It meant I didn’t get the full “student experience.” I didn’t have time for most societies. I couldn’t always hang out or socialise freely. My time and energy were being poured into just keeping afloat.

But Alhamdulillah, my family did what they could to support me. I didn’t have to pay rent for the majority of my medical degree, which made a massive difference. Still, I had to make my own ends meet for food, travel, books, clothes — the basics.

Working My Way Through

I took on every kind of job that came my way.

I started working at Sitel — a customer service company. From there I joined NHS Test and Trace during the pandemic. Then I trained and worked as a vaccinator. I even did an SIA course (security qualification), which opened up other shifts and roles.

One job that really stuck with me was working for a transport company that helps disabled and blind passengers. It wasn’t just a job; it was an experience that humbled me and taught me the value of service. It reminded me why I wanted to become a doctor in the first place.

During the summers, while many others were travelling or relaxing, I’d be working full-time. The aim was simple: earn enough over the holidays to cover myself during term time.

It wasn’t glamorous, but it gave me something no loan could: freedom from interest and reliance on Allah.

Living with Intent

I had to be strategic with my lifestyle too.
Costco became my go-to for food shopping — bulk buying with friends or family to save money. I’d eat at home or cook simple meals for myself. I didn’t chase expensive clothes or tech. I focused on staying afloat.

One thing that helped massively was being part of a Somali ayuuto — a traditional savings group. Every month, each person contributes a fixed amount. One person receives the whole pot in rotation. When it was my turn, that money went straight into essentials: books, travel, food.

That’s the beauty of our communities — we have systems built on trust and mutual support. And that’s what uni students need more of: community and collaboration.

Allah Opens Doors

But if I’m honest, the real backbone of this journey wasn’t the jobs or the family support — it was Allah.

There were moments I didn’t know how I’d pay for something. Times I felt overwhelmed or behind. But every single time I put my trust in Allah, something would shift. A shift would open up. Someone would offer help. A hardship would ease.

That’s the reality of tawakkul. When you take the means — and refuse to compromise your faith — Allah facilitates in ways you couldn’t imagine.

It’s not always immediate. It’s not always comfortable. But it’s real.

Advice for Students on the Fence

So if you’re reading this, unsure whether you can do uni without taking a loan — I’m here to say: You can.

Here’s what I’d advise:

• Start with intention. Make it for the sake of Allah, and make the choice to avoid riba purely to please Him.

•Explore all options. Apprenticeships, part-time jobs, bursaries, scholarships — leave no stone unturned.

•Ask for help. Don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to those a year or two above you. Ask for notes. Ask for advice. Ask where the best halal jobs are.

•Live humbly. There’s honour in simplicity, especially when it’s for the sake of staying debt-free and pleasing Allah.

•Trust deeply in Allah. Say with conviction: “I will not take a loan based on interest, because I fear Allah.” And watch how Allah opens the path.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And whoever fears Allah – He will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from where he does not expect.”

(Surah At-Talaq, 65:2-3)

That ayah isn’t just theory — I lived it. And I still live it. If you take a stand for Allah, Allah will take care of you.

Closing Thoughts

The road isn’t easy. But then again, the best journeys never are. This path shaped me. It taught me resilience. It brought me closer to Allah. And now, I’m coming out the other side — qualified, debt-free, and proud that I did it without compromising my deen.

So to the brother or sister reading this, unsure about whether it’s possible: It is. You’re not alone. And even if the world tells you that the only way is through interest-bearing loans — remember that Allah owns the treasures of the heavens and the earth.

Put your trust in Him — and take the means.

Work hard — and hold your head high.

Avoid riba — and watch the barakah flow.

BarakAllahu feekum. May Allah grant you all ease in your journey and rizq without hardship.

1. What is the biggest lesson you took from your 5 years at Uni

Make the most use of your free time, honestly now behining work u have come to appreciate the advice of them who used to tell me to make the most of every moment you have because work isn’t glamorous, it isn’t something you can just say no to. It takes your time and your life.  

2. Did you ever feel like you were 'missing out' due to some of the sacrifices you made during your studies

 Of course medicine, is too brutal. But preparing early and getting your portfolio ready meeting with mentors and knowing what you’re going for with the correct intentions is what makes it worth it. Had my intentions not being what they are now, perhaps I wouldn’t have continued.

3. What are your plans post graduation

Work and complete the mandatory 2 years training, and initially see if which of the specialities Allah aids me
To get in works for me.

 4. How was it like juggling med studies with other extra curricular stuff going on in your life and how did you manage to do so

It is definitely difficult, but life is difficult and Allah mentions that life is a test find for ease in knowing that your actions are being seen by your creator and no action you do is ever forgotten about. You have a lord that never forgets. May he forgive us All.

 5. What advice would you give to the 18 Year old Xamza

Memorise Quran, lock into striking and master it,  and network with your Muslim brothers that are to your senior, spend that free time with your parents and make the most of your free time. You won’t have much of it