Hostel Life 101: How to Stay in Hostels ⭐

Hostel life is an amazing way to travel—whether you’re solo or with friends.

Once you get the hang of it, you’ll probably never want to stay in a pricey hotel again!

Not all hostels are the same! Some are party hotspots, others are peaceful retreats.

Here’s how to find the right one:

Check Reviews – Use Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Google Reviews for honest feedback.
Look at the Vibe – Read descriptions carefully (e.g., ‘social’ means lively, probably busy and lots of pub crawls or live music events, ‘quiet’ means chill, activities that are a bit quieter and peaceful)
Consider Location – Central locations are easier for sightseeing and then less is spent on transport!
Check Facilities – Free breakfast, lockers, Wi-Fi, and communal kitchens save money.
Female-Only Dorms – If you prefer extra security or comfort, many hostels offer these.

Hack: Always filter by ‘highest-rated’ within your budget range for the best picks!

Hostel life = shared space, and so here are some tips to make everyones experience a bit more enjoyable- as well as yours, if they follow these too!

Some golden rules:

Be Quiet in the late hours – If people are sleeping, keep noise to a minimum.
Respect Personal Space - You are all sharing a room, but it is great to keep your things in your area only.
Use Headphones – No one wants to hear your late-night Netflix binge.
Clean Up After Yourself – In the kitchen, bathroom, and common areas.
Don’t Be ‘That Person’ – No full volume alarms and things like that.

Most hostels are super safe, but a few smart moves make a difference:

Use the Lockers – Bring your own padlock for extra security.
Keep Valuables Close – A small pouch for passport, phone, and cash is handy to have, or a cross body bag.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings – Trust your gut when meeting new people.
Book Reputable Hostels – Higher-rated places tend to have better security.

4. Making Friends in Hostels 🌍

One of the best things about hostels? Instant travel buddies!

Here’s how to connect:

Hang Out in Common Areas – Lounges, kitchens, and hostel bars are great social spots.
Join Hostel Activities – Pub crawls, walking tours, or communal dinners help break the ice.
Be Open & Friendly – A simple ‘Where are you from?’ can spark a great conversation.
Cook & Share Food – Easy way to bond with others (especially in Europe).
Don’t Be Glued to Your Phone – You’ll miss out on real-life connections and people may not approach you as much!

A few must-haves will make your hostel stay smoother:

✔ Earplugs & Eye Mask – Absolute essentials for light sleepers.

✔ Flip-Flops – For communal showers, as you never know what it'll be like.

✔ Microfibre Towel – Dries fast and saves space.

✔ Padlock – For hostel lockers.

✔ Travel Adapter – Universal ones are best- or just be sure to find out which plug type you need.

✔ Packing Cubes – Keeps your things organised in shared dorms.

✔ Reusable Water Bottle – Saves money and most hostels have safe water refilling stations.

Book Directly with the Hostel – Sometimes cheaper than booking sites and can have deals.
Stay in Mixed Dorms for Cheaper Rates – If you’re comfortable with it, otherwise opt for the female only rooms! - Often, the dorms with a higher amount of beds, are also cheaper.
Use Hostel Discounts – Many offer deals on tours, transport, and food.
Be Friendly to Staff – They’ll often give you the best tips and perks.
Try Different Hostel Types – From eco-hostels to boutique stays, find your style.

Have you stayed in hostels you absolutely love and would recommend?

Share your experience in the comments! I am sure it would help a lot of travellers out :)

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