If you’re traveling solo, (or even if you aren’t!) Hostels are a great way to meet people from all over the world. But… they’re also shared spaces, and if you’re not careful, you might become that person. You know the one—the one people vent about over breakfast. Here’s your crash course in hostel etiquette to make sure you’re a great roommate.
1. Respect the Noise Levels
Hostel rooms are not the place for late night DNM’s or 1 a.m. FaceTime calls with your bestie. Quiet hours are a thing in most hostels (usually 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.), and even if they’re not, it’s just polite to keep the noise down when people are sleeping. Need to make a call or dig through your bag? Do it in the common area or in the morning.
2. Pack Smart for Late Nights and Early Mornings
If you’re coming back late or leaving early, pack your stuff beforehand. Nobody wants to wake up to the sound of you rummaging through a crinkly plastic bag for your toothbrush. Use packing cubes or lay out what you need the night before.
Also, do not turn on the light if others are sleeping in the room. Common courtesy goes a long way!
3. Be a Tidy Traveler
A messy bunk that spills into everyone else’s space is a big no-no, keep your stuff contained. Stash your shoes under your bed, hang your towel, and don’t leave your socks around the room.
4. Mind the Bathroom
Keep your showers short and sweet so others can get their turn, and clean up after yourself. Nobody wants to walk into a swampy bathroom with hair clogging the drain.
5. Respect Dorm Dynamics
Pay attention to how the room operates. If everyone’s chilling quietly on their bunks, maybe skip blasting your favourite music. Don’t treat the dorm like your personal room.
6. Food Etiquette is a Thing
If your hostel has a shared kitchen, label your food, and only eat what’s yours. Stealing someone’s labeled leftovers is a quick way to make enemies. Clean up after yourself, leaving dirty dishes in the sink is peak laziness.
7. Be Friendly (But Not Overbearing)
Hostels are social spaces, and part of the fun is meeting fellow travellers. Say hi, join group activities, and share travel tips. But also know when to read the room. If someone’s wearing headphones or nose-deep in a book, maybe don’t launch into your life story.
8. Be Mindful of Cultural Differences
Hostels are melting pots of different cultures, and what’s normal for you might not be for someone else. Be open-minded, respectful, and avoid making assumptions. A little kindness and curiosity go a long way.
9. Know When to Move On
If you’re not vibing with the hostel or the people, it’s okay to leave. Not every hostel is a winner, trust your gut and find a space where you feel comfortable.
Bonus Tip: Bring Earplugs and an Eye Mask
Even if everyone follows all the rules, hostels are still shared spaces, and not everyone has the same sleep schedule. Earplugs and an eye mask can be lifesavers for a good night’s sleep.
Hostels are what you make of them—budget accommodation and great for being social. At the end of the day, it comes down to being respectful of others.
Happy traveling!
