If you’re new to hostels, or you want to learn how to become a better hostelling roommate, read on for everything you need to know about staying in a hostel. Think of this as a 101 guide to staying in a hostel.

From hostel etiquette to what to expect at different stages of your stay. Whether you’re a hostel newbie or looking to learn some other views on how to behave in a hostel – this article is for you.

 

Complete guide to staying in a backpacker hostel

Hostels are the best form of accommodation while traveling. For plenty of reasons, you can save a lot of money by sharing a room with others. Those “others” can also be really interesting and fun people to get to know. If you’re traveling solo, it’s a great way to meet new travel buddies and potentially great friends.

There’s almost always helpful staff who make not only your stay in the hostel more enjoyable but also often know the destination you’re visiting quite well – picking their brains can lead to valuable tips and tricks for making the most of your time wherever you are in the world.

So, what do I need to know about staying in a hostel? How to be a better hostel roomie? What can I expect from staying in a hostel? Everything is waiting for you below!

If you’re still undecided about a hostel vs hotel – that link will help you decide if a hostel is right for you.

Ready to begin looking for the best backpacker hostel for you?

 

How to book the right hostel for you

The first step in loving hostels is to book the one that’s right for you. Staying in a hostel that is pumping dance music into the early morning when all you wanted to do is have a solid sleep? You might get the wrong taste for sleeping in a backpacker hostel.

If you’re jetlagged and need to have a peaceful sleep, staying at a party-style hostel would most likely make you hate hostels. The constant beats pulsing through paper-thin walls and then through your head. Not fun when all you want to do is sleep.

But if you want interaction and social gatherings, a relaxed and chill setting might not be the best hostel for you.

Picking the right hostel is crucial – you will be able to help narrow down the options of where to stay!

 

How to be a good roommate in a hostel

There’re plenty of annoying things people do in hostels. Sometimes though the culprit might be oblivious that they are doing something incredibly annoying or aggravating to others.

Here’s a list of things not to do in a hostel. It’ll help you become a good hostel roommate and make it easier to spark up conversations.

• Don’t turn the lights on early in the morning or late at night, use a flashlight or your phone.
• If you come back to the room early in the morning or late at night, whisper if necessary or not at all
• Don’t re-pack your bag in the middle of the night (if you can help it), pack ahead of time or leave it until a decent time.
• If you have to plan or pack during everyone else’s sleep, bring your bag to the common area or lobby
• If you have an alarm set, don’t leave it in the room on snooze for it to continue ringing.
• Don’t keep your phone sound on overnight.
• Don’t drape your wet towel over someone else’s bed, hang it somewhere out of the way.
• If you’re bottom Bunk, don’t cover the ladder rungs with clothing or items
• Try not to leave your things scattered all over for extended periods of time
• If there are limited power points in the room, be courteous and share. No one likes a hog.
• Don’t bring smelly foods into the dorm rooms
• Try to control your sexual urges in a dorm or in communal showers
• Don’t leave a mess for your roommates, this includes the hostel kitchen

The above list is all things I’ve personally experienced while staying in hostels. Some of these may seem pretty obvious to some, but not to everyone. If you feel someone is being a bad roommate, having a private and laid-back chat with them is probably the best way to come to a resolution.

Staying in hostels seems easy to be a good room mate, but many guests struggle to realize when they are being a little inconsiderate or even rude to others.

Do you have other things people should not do when staying in a hostel? Let everyone know in the comments below.

 

What things should I take with me to a hostel?

Taking the right items with you for a hostel stay is pretty crucial to have the best possible experience. You want to be able to combat as many of those pesky frustrations as possible.

Here’s a list of items I need to have when staying in a hostel:

• For noises when I’m trying to sleep, or just want my own space, music helps so much. Some travelers swear by earplugs, but they never dull the sound enough for me.
• All the toiletries you will need. Most of the time, hostels won’t supply any of the items listed here, some do, but it is rare. Make sure you pack soap, toothpaste/brush, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, any other hygiene products, etc.
• A microfiber towel. These quick-drying towels are so handy – it’s a gross thing to pack a wet towel into your bag! Plus, they fold up into a super small bundle so it won’t take up much room in your backpack.
• A lock for any lockers available to safely store your valuables. I like to take a couple of different sized locks as there may be more than one locker for each guest, and they will always be different sizes. Hostels usually don’t provide you with locks – some have them for purchase at hostel reception, but it’s more cost-effective to bring one from home.
• You will need your passport to check in to most hostels. You can read more about the hostel check-in process below.

 

How to deal with snoring in a hostel

If you’re anything like me, I can’t fall asleep if there’s a snorer in the room. I just can’t.

Many people use earplugs as a way to dull the noise but that isn’t enough for me. I use headphones with soft music to act as background noise. It’s what works for me.

If you spend long enough living out of hostel dorm rooms, you’ll figure out what works best for you. Developing tactics to deal with the odd snore-filled night takes time, and you’ll probably have plenty of opportunities to practice sleeping right through.

 

What to expect when checking in to a hostel

Checking in at a hostel is a common first step in arriving. If you arrive before check-in time is allowed, you will most likely be asked to store your bags and come back later on when check-in has begun.

Usually, check-in times for hostels start anywhere from 12-4pm. Others have 24 hours reception that allows checking in any time during the day or night. You can see the hostel’s check-in times when booking. It will be written somewhere in the description of the hostel.

• First thing is first, you’ll be asked for your identification. This is usually a passport. It is pretty common for the hostel policy to photocopy your passport for their records of who is at the property.
• You will then be asked to pay any remaining fee for staying at the hostel. If you book through many hostel sites, such as Booking.com and Hostelworld.com, you may have paid 10% of the whole cost of staying there as a deposit.
• Some hostels, especially through Europe, will require a deposit for the room key.
• The next step of the hostel check-in process will be a rundown of all important rules specific to the hostel. This will include things like curfews, check out times and what you’re expected to do for check out. They should also go through where the showers, kitchen and common room all are.
• Once in your room, if you’re not allocated a bed by hostel staff, you can choose from all free beds. For tips on how to select the best hostel bed for you, read on below.
• Sometimes, your bed will be made for you. I’d say it’s more common to have to make your own bed though. Usually just a sheet, blanket and a pillowcase. I highly suggest doing this right away. It helps speed up the settling in process, and making your bed is the worst thing after you’ve had a few drinks!

Checking in to a hostel usually doesn’t take long at all, providing there are no problems during the process. Once you’re checked in, it’s time to settle. in, or get out and explore this new travel destination!

 

What to expect during a hostel check out

Checking out of a hostel is usually much quicker than checking in. There’s usually no form to sign or anything.

Make sure you double, triple check you have all your belongings. Leaving things at a hostel isn’t fun.

You may be asked to strip your bed sheets and pillowcase off and throw it all in a designated area. Make sure to hand back any keys or keycard given to you at check-in. Even if that’s in an after-hours return box.

Many hostels will offer luggage storage after you check out, so you can still explore the city you’re in after checkout without your heavy bags.

That’s pretty much it. It’s simple.

 

How to pick the right bed in a hostel dorm

Many hostel goers overlook picking the right bed in a hostel dorm. Sometimes it’s impossible to see all the flaws of a room, but a quick check of all available beds can save a crappy night’s sleep.

When you first enter a hostel room, sometimes you are allocated a bed and if that’s the case, usually moving bed isn’t liked too much. If you’re not allocated a specific bed, and there are multiple free bed to choose from, that’s where having a good idea of how to pick the best bed comes in.

Bunk beds are notoriously squeaky and are hard to ignore when there’s one creaking away through an otherwise silent hostel room. Even worse if the creaking bed is right next to your ear.

Bottom bunk is usually preferred by most travelers. They are easier to get out of early in the morning as you don’t have to sleepily climb down a ladder. Also, if an inconsiderate roommate turns on the light at 2am, you might be looking straight into the light if you’re on the top bunk.

Being near the door is rarely a good thing. No matter how quiet other guests are when they close the door, it’s a lot louder at 2am.

Picking a window bed is great if you like the sun shining through the window in the morning, or if you’re after a sleep in, a darker corner might be more your style.

Air conditioners and heaters are sometimes placed in interesting positions throughout a hostel room. Picking a bed out of the direct airflow could help regulate your body temperature throughout the night.

With that being said, if you’re in a hot climate without AC, pick a bed with good fan placement, or near the window with airflow. But also be mindful that if the window is open, is it too noisy for you, etc.

Picking a hostel bed that ticks all the boxes sometimes isn’t possible. Maybe there’s only one bed left, or too many problems listed above overlap. But knowing what to look for is a handy thing.

 

What is breakfast at a hostel like?

Usually, a hostel breakfast will be fairly basic.  It’s usually nothing too fancy, but if breakfast is included in the price of your hostel, you already paid for It, so why not take advantage of it.

Toast and coffee are pretty standard, but most have other items available. Juice, bananas and some kind of pastry are also quite common.

Sometimes there’s even filling meals like omelets. Specific destinations will have a common theme, like Vietnam’s “banana pancake trail”, where all the hostels seem to serve banana pancakes.

Hostel breakfast can also be a little unusual. Complimentary hostel breakfast in Japan wasn’t too common, but always interesting. Raw egg and rice were definitely different.

Most breakfasts will be a help yourself, buffet style. Sometimes there is a breakfast menu as well. Check when booking the hostel if breakfast is included or not.

While a hostel breakfast isn’t a must, not only does it help keep costs a little lower, if you have an early start, spending time looking for breakfast can be stressful.

 

Got more questions about staying at a hostel?

There are plenty of questions to be asked about staying in a hostel, especially if you’re new to it all. If you have hostelling questions, check out my article on Hostel Frequently Asked Questions about Hostels.

 

Why you should try out hostels

Hostels not only save you money, but are a great way to connect with travelers and swap stories and tips and tricks on traveling. You can get some great insight on places to visit, and more importantly, what not to visit, because these people are a day or two ahead of you and have explored the city or town.

Sure, hostels can be challenging at times. But the pros of staying in a hostel always outweigh the cons. They are just too much fun in my mind to pay more for a hotel. So give hostels a go, and if you have a bad hostel experience, keep in mind that they do happen and it might just be a one-off.

I hope your next hostel experience is everything and more you’re looking for!

 

Did you enjoy this post on how to survive a hostel stay? Did I miss anything? Got any questions? Let me know in the comments down below!

 

From here, there are a few things you can do:

• Share this post to social media using the buttons on your screen – it helps others find the information they need.
• Signing up to Horizon Unknowns Newsletter is a great way to get more tips and tricks about travel. I’ll also give you a FREE 8-page travel checklist!

 

Read more about travel here:

• Why every traveler needs travel insurance
• How to deal with and enjoy a culture shock
• Here’s plenty of travel tips I’ve learned over the last 6 years

 

Thanks for reading!

Happy and safe travels,

Ben – Horizon Unknown