Part of: Older students and advanced study

Gifts for alim class students going abroad

By the Madrasah Bag team

Older students on an alimiyyah course often travel more than anyone expects: to a Darul Uloom overseas for a year or two, to complete the dawrah, to visit teachers for an ijazah, or on Umrah to mark finishing. The best gifts for them solve a real travel problem. For graduation gifts in general, see our guide to alim graduation gifts.

A case that survives the weight of kitabs

Books are the problem: a student's kitabs and notes can use up the whole allowance before clothes are packed. A good suitcase with strong wheels and a low empty weight, like the cases from Travelpro, leaves more room for what matters. For the books they carry every day, a handmade leather madrasah bag holds a full mushaf, an A4 notebook and kitabs, and is made to last the whole course. See what to pack for alim class for a full packing list.

Sending books and boxes ahead

If a student is studying overseas, the cheapest way to move a lot of books is often to send them by parcel or cargo ahead of time rather than paying baggage excess. Compare couriers for the weight and destination on a site such as Interparcel, and check customs rules for printed books and anything else in the box. It also works in reverse, for sending books home at the end of the course.

Staying connected

A travel eSIM from Breeze means a student can use data and maps from the moment they land, call home and use a study app without roaming charges. Check that the destination is covered, and that the phone is unlocked, before buying.

Umrah as a graduation gift

For many families, a trip to Umrah after graduating is the gift that means most. Plan it through licensed, official routes and get the full price in writing. Our Halal Holidays guides cover planning Umrah through official channels, the basics for first-time travellers and a health checklist for UK pilgrims. If you are comparing flights, Oojo is one place to compare deals from the UK. Many students also give an attar as a keepsake: Al Jazeera Perfumes is one place to look, remembering that perfume is not applied once in ihram.

Gift ideas for travelling alim students

Prices are typical UK ranges, not specific products.

Helping the family with the airport

When a student leaves for months, the whole family often comes to the airport. Pre-booking airport parking usually costs less than paying on the day, and a pre-booked pick-up from a service like Welcome Pickups can help on arrival, provided you check they serve that airport.

Questions people also ask