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Multi-faith room: a space for reflection, prayer and peace

At Birkbeck, we recognise the importance of fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for everyone. As part of our commitment to diversity, we offer a multi-faith room located in B06, which is open to all Birkbeck students and staff - regardless of faith or belief system. Whether you're looking for a space for prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection, this room is designed to support your spiritual and personal well-being.

updates to enhance your experience

To ensure that the multi-faith room continues to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment, we've recently made several important improvements. These updates are designed to make the space more practical, peaceful, and inviting for all users:

  • Comfortable neutral carpet: A new, soft, neutral-toned carpet has been installed throughout the room to enhance comfort, particularly for those who may kneel or pray on the floor.
  • Redecorated walls and door: The room's interior walls and front door have been freshly redecorated to brighten up the space, creating a more calming and uplifting atmosphere.
  • Energy-efficient LED lighting: Dim fluorescent lights have been replaced with new energy-efficient LED lighting, providing a brighter, more pleasant environment while also reducing energy consumption.
  • Silent door adjustment: To maintain the peaceful atmosphere, adjustments have been made to the door so it no longer slams shut, helping to minimize disturbances for those in a state of contemplation or meditation.
  • Improved ventilation and air conditioning: The mechanical ventilation system has been cleaned out and upgraded to increase airflow and reduce stuffiness. Additionally, the air conditioning unit has been replaced with a new, more efficient model, ensuring a comfortable environment throughout the year.
  • New seating and storage: Built-in shelving and padded bench stools with integrated footwear storage have been added, offering users convenient seating options and space to store their shoes and personal items.

Who Can Use the Multi-Faith room?

The multi-faith room is accessible to both students and staff. It welcomes individuals from all religious backgrounds, as well as those who do not follow any specific faith but seek a peaceful space for contemplation. This shared space is a reflection of Birkbeck's dedication to inclusivity and mutual respect, where everyone can engage in their spiritual or personal practices in a harmonious setting.

Accessing the Room

Students and staff can access the multi-faith room using their Birkbeck ID card. Should you encounter any issues with accessing the room, please visit the Security Office located in Room B28, where staff will be happy to assist you.

Guidance and expectations for using the room

To ensure that the multi-faith room remains a welcoming and respectful environment for all, we ask users to follow these simple guidelines:

  • Respect for others: The room is a shared space, and all users are expected to show respect for others who may be using the room at the same time. This includes respecting their beliefs, practices, and need for quiet.
  • No display of icons or posters: To maintain a neutral and inclusive environment, no religious icons, posters, or materials can be displayed permanently in the room. All users should remove any items they bring after use.
  • Keep the space clean and tidy: Please leave the room in the same condition in which you found it. This ensures that everyone can enjoy a clean and welcoming space.
  • Remove personal items after use: Any objects used for prayer, meditation, or contemplation must be taken with you when you leave.
  • Equality and dignity: Users must adhere to Birkbeck's policies on equality and dignity, ensuring that the room is inclusive, safe and welcoming for everyone. This applies to interactions within the room and across the campus.
  • Washing facilities: The University will review the need for washing facilities once the room has been in regular use. We aim to accommodate users' needs as effectively as possible.

Why the Multi-Faith Room Matters for Students

As students, managing the balance between academic pressures and personal well-being is crucial. The multi-faith room offers a dedicated space where you can step away from the hustle of university life and take a moment for yourself. Whether you seek peace through prayer, meditation, or quiet reflection, this room provides a safe and supportive environment to recharge mentally and emotionally.

William Sarenden, Chairman of the Students Union, comments on what the multi-faith room means for Birkbeck's community:

'I am proud of the work behind the scenes that I have completed along with the estates team has lead to this newly refurbished multi-faith room, as part of our commitment to an inclusive and supportive campus. We encourage all students to take advantage of this facility while showing the respect and understanding that makes Birkbeck's diverse community so unique. If you have any questions or suggestions about the multi-faith room, please don't hesitate to reach out to the relevant university staff.
By working together, we can ensure that this room continues to serve the diverse needs of our students and staff, helping to foster a respectful and connected community.'

A Dynamic and Evolving Space

Please note: The multi-faith room is provided and managed by Birkbeck University and the Students Union, and the location of this facility may change in the future as we continue to review and improve services for our students and staff. Any updates will be communicated well in advance to minimise disruption.