Because, that’s where you are pitching the tent, of course, temporarily!
A rented apartment, PG accommodation or a good old hostel stay, the “stay tussle” leaves one often baffled. After considering the money, food and connecting with people factors, the survey suggests that it is the “hostel stay” which is a preferred choice for students, professionals and even for travelers! Guess the solid bunk beds stay is here to stay forever!
If you are someone who has zeroed on a hostel stay (albeit temporarily), hold onto your backpacks. Before making that hostel room your “short-term den”, here are some “pivotal things” you must consider making sure your hostel stay is hassle-free:
Get to know the place WELL BEFORE
Finding everything about your “chosen hostel” is as important as getting to know everything about a new city, state or even about your role in a new job. So, it makes perfect sense to know about the authenticity, availability, and facilities provided by the hostel chosen by you. Gather information from the ones who were the past habitats or are currently staying in the hostel. If the hostel has an online presence, read reviews. Drop the questions (if any i.e. Wi-Fi availability) in the “need help” sections of the hostel website.
Choose the room
Yes, you get to pick the room. While some likes to stay in the ground floor room while others like to stay in towering height, pick a room (the floor, single/twin sharing) that feels comfy at a “first” glance. If not satisfied, you can always place the request (the one pre-selected in your head) for a room whenever it is available in the future (if currently occupied or unavailable due to management reasons). If possible, choose a room with ample sunlight and ventilation. Coz, no one likes or deserves to stay in the gloomy, lifeless room! So, choose wisely.
Follow the HOSTEL RULES
Remember, it’s not your home where you can come, eat or sleep whenever you wish to. Hostels have prerequisite rules and regulations and if you wish to have “pleasant tenure”, simply FOLLOW THE RULES. The basic rules being 1. Mess timings 2. Water availability 3.Laundry Hours 4.Gates closing timings, etc are primal and common in every hostel accommodation. Make sure you abide with them for a smooth and amiable routine for you and the hostel staff, both.
Guard the ETIQUETTES
Gone are the days when new students used to be soft targets (by the fellow roommates) for being naive about hostel etiquettes i.e. hygiene, decorum, social skills, etc. Thanks to online, verbal awareness, one knows what is expected from him/her during the stay. Basic etiquettes like not turning the lights on during the night (you don’t want to disturb someone’s sleep right?) or talking loudly on the phone(while roommate is studying, sleeping) should be followed, YES, at all cost. Bid goodbye to smelly food, dirty laundry (stinky socks), etc and everyone lives in harmony!
The choice of BED
Many hostel rooms have bunk bed facility (of course, for stuffing many humans in a single room). Here is a clever hack. If given a choice, pick a BOTTOM BUNK. Why? Because it’s easier to get and out of them. You will save “climb the ladders” acrobat here. Plus, you can tuck your things (shoes, shopping bags/boxes/extra luggage) under the bed frame.
Toiletries and more
It’s not a hotel but a hostel so your vanity bag/kit should be ready beforehand. Towels, shampoo, soaps, personal hygiene products (razor, female hygiene goods), etc should be pre-stacked by you. Never indulge in using the roommate’s belongings without prior permission. Later, when you get to know them better, the basic courtesy could be encouraged.
The dress decorum
Since you will be sharing the space with a few others, make sure to live in comfy and appropriate clothes. Choose the clothing which is feasible for you as a wearer and will be appropriate to the viewer i.e. your roommates. Avoid skimpy, thought-clashing clothes. If need be, wear them outside of the hostel vicinity.
Watch the VALUABLES
Remember, you are the “watch-keeper” of your belongings. Mobiles, laptops and other valuables (wallets) shouldn’t be left alone and unattended. Once you get to know the roommates better (good enough to trust them). You can keep the daily essentials (mobile, laptop, etc) at a reach on desk, bed, etc. Otherwise, it’s better to keep the stuff locked and secure.
Don’t be picky about food
No matter how much you will miss the home food, you have to make amends to the mess food. Most hostel mess service is feasible enough (taste-wise, variety wise) for students, professionals to get acquainted with over time. You can always give “added suggestions” (too spicy, too bland) if any to the canteen staff.
Socialize with everyone
Agreed, it takes to get familiarize with new people and places, but you need to shed the “shy skin”. Get to know the fellow roommates, neighbors by talking and socializing. Share a friendly banter with everyone over dinner or tea. Learn more about each other and you never know, you might end up making friends for a lifetime!
Hostel stays are fun and feasible once you start living in decorum, feasibility, and harmony. After all, it’s the place you go back to after a long day! Happy hostelling!!!