The basic rule of staying in a hostel is just to be respectful and treat others how you want to be treated... sounds basic right?
... well, apparently not! Some people seem to leave their basic manners at home when they hop on a flight.
I thought I would put together a list of unspoken hostel rules in case you're new to hostel life or simply want to know what I do in Hostels...
1. CLEAN YOUR DISHES
It literally takes about 5 seconds to wash a cup, so why not clean it as soon as you're done with it? Not only will this keep your living space tidy, but it'll also be appreciated by fellow travellers!
Whilst we're on the topic of using the kitchen if you put any containers in the fridge be sure to put a label with your name on it. Not only will this make sure others don't eat it, but it will also help when the staff clean up the fridge!
2. PACK YOUR STUFF EARLY
When staying in a hostel it's likely that at some point you will have an early flight or bus to catch, particularly as these tend to be the cheapest options! Try and pack as much of your stuff the night before so all you have to do in the morning is put your PJs and toothbrush in!
Also, try to avoid using plastic bags! I know this sounds a bit of a specific point, but there's literally no way to open to fold plastic bags without a whole lot of rustling! Minimise disruption by using fabric bags, and help save the environment whilst you're at it!
3. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU'RE A LATE OR EARLY PERSON
Even though you may go to bed at 2 am on a normal day, someone else may naturally wake up at 6 am. The best way to get around this is to simply use the dorm room to socialise in the day and then sleep. Light's should be off from 10 pm until about 8 am, then it's the best of both worlds! (p.s. your hangover is not a valid reason to demand the lights be kept off all day!)
Similarly, unless the dorm room is small and is comprised of entirely your travelling group, it's not the place for partying or pre-drinking games! Hostels have plenty of space where they encourage socialising and partying, just avoid the dorm room! This is also a great way of keeping your living spaces clean too.
4. DON'T KEEP ALARMS RINGING
Now we all sometimes struggle to get up in the morning and are guilty of snoozing the alarm a few too many times. However, your hostel dorm is not the place to snooze your alarm six or seven times! If you must snooze your alarm keep it relatively quiet and place it under your pillow so the vibration rather than the noise wakes you up! The excitement of exploring a new place should be enough to make you jump out of bed anyways...
Other forms of unnecessary noise can be a problem too, simply use your headphones most of the time!
5. SNORING
I know snoring is something you can't really control. However, if you or your travel buddies are partial to snoring relatively loudly maybe opt for a private room or a smaller dorm room size! Try your best to minimise the disruption for others.
6. BRING A NIGHT MASK, EARPLUGS AND A PADLOCK!
These are my lifesavers when staying in a hostel! Whilst the majority of travellers abide by the unspoken hostel rules, some do not. The night mask and earplugs can help you avoid those pesky travellers who decide to turn the lights on and have a drunken chat when they get back from the club at 4:30 am (and from those who snore!)! The padlock will save your life. Whilst the majority of people in Hostels are trustworthy, like yourself, you can never be too safe. Padlock your stuff away in the lockers provided whenever you can to avoid any of your belongings going walkies.
7. BE A HOSTEL HERO!!
In many backpacking hotspots, you can buy beer for as a cheap as 24 pence a bottle! Why not buy a crate or two (only costing you a couple of pounds) to share with your fellow travellers in a hostel! This is a great way to make friends!
Maybe also try and organise a group meal or drinking session outside of the hostel to really solidify those friendships! After all, some of the people you meet travelling could be your friends for life!
Whilst most of these tips are simple, they are something to consider next time you're in a hostel!
A QUICK WORD ON BOOKING HOSTELS...
I always use Hostelworld (affiliate link) and Booking.com as I find they're the most reliable and informative sites, featuring real reviews! Hostelworld is also great as it'll give you a breakdown of the nationalities currently staying in their hostel!
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- Alicia
About The Author
Founder of Alicia's Travel Guide
@alicia.chapple
Alicia's Travel Guide on Socials
p.s. all images are mine unless stated otherwise, click on them to open the hostel link.
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