In the Name of Allah (God), the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Muslim Students' Association
Wichita State University
 
 
Home
About MSA National
About WSU
About Islam
About Wichita
Islamic Society of Wichita
MSA Shura
News
Calendar of Events
MSA Members
Useful Links
Contact Us

Arrival Guide
for New Students
 
   

Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ)

  • Who to contact before arriving at Wichita?
    • Send an email to MSA@noornet.com and let us know the details of your journey and give us the date and time of your arrival. MSA members will be glad to pick you up at the airport.

  • What is the average living cost per month for a student?
    • $250 - $300 per month (If 3-4 students shares an apartment)

  • What are the differences between living in University Housing and off Campus?
    • Off Campus living is cheaper and better for Muslims.
    • The food package is included with the living cost at University housing and you do not have control over menu items. So, it is not possible for you to make Halal food available for yourself.

  • What kind of transportation is available for students.
    • Transportation is not needed if you are living close to campus. Many apartments are available in the neighborhood for reasonable prices too. For other needs like Grocery etc., you will need a car or one of MSA member should be able to help you until you find a proper way of transportation.

  • Is there a Masjid close to Campus?
    • Yes, Alhamdulillah, there is a Masjid (Masjid Al-Noor) very close to campus, where five times daily prayers are held. Here is more information about our Local Masjid:

  • What kind of weather does Wichita has?
    • Wichita has extreme Winter and Summer. In Summer time the temperature goes as high as 110 degrees Fahrenheit and in Winter time the temperature goes as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer Starts in late March and Winter starts in late October. Usually, it snows several times during the Winter season. For more information on Wichita weather, please see http://www.weather.com/weather/climatology/USKS0620

  • What kinds of items should we bring with us?
    1. A good woolen jacket.
    2. Gloves and woolen socks.
    3. A Blanket.
    4. Couple of Bed Sheets and Pillows.
    5. Big Cooking pot.
    6. Required Medicine.

     

  • What kind of items are HALAL that we can eat and what is  HARAM that we should avoid?

    The following ingredients should be avoided by all Muslims:

    1. Alcohol
    2. Animal Shortening
    3. Bacon
    4. Enzymes : Microbial Enzymes are okay
    5. Ethanol
    6. Ethyl alcohol
    7. Gelatin
    8. Gin
    9. Ham
    10. Lard
    11. Lipase : Only animal lipase should be avoided
    12. Pepsin
    13. Rennet : All forms should be avoided except for plant/microbial/synthetic.
    14. Rum
    15. Wine
    16. Tallow
    17. Vanilla Extract/Flavour
    18. Whey : Should be avoided unless the rennet used in its production is plant/microbial/synthetic.
    19. Mono- and Di-glycerides: Okay if from vegetable source
    20. Lecithin (Soy Lecithin is okay)

    By no means, this is a complete list. If some one knows any other Haram ingredient, please let us know. For more info, please see http://www.eat-halal.com

    If you need to know whether a particular ingredient is taken from animal or vegetable source then ask the manufacturer. Usually, every product has a contact number written on it for such purposes.

    Other relevant information we have is:

    McDonald's Fries are not okay for those who want to eat Zabiha food.

    Pizza Hut uses Lard (fat taken from pigs) in their Crust.

    Burger King's Shakes are not okay.

    See Burger Kings' ingredients at: http://www.burgerking.com/nutrition/ingredients.htm

    See McDonald's ingredients at: http://www.mcdonalds.com/countries/usa/food/ingredient_list/index.html