A common “room dilemma” where the tussle of sharing vs. privacy matters, a LOT!
Whoever said that finding a hostel accommodation is super easy (thanks to online ads, circulating pamphlets, word of mouth) had never gone through the hostel “room dilemmas”. You know, the dorm rooms, shared and kingly single ones, etc. Yes, these are some of the “room preferences” you get to choose from once your hunt for finding the hostel stay begins.
The CONFUSION of choosing between a shared room where the privacy factor literally goes out of the window or saying yes to the single room where peace prevails is pretty COMMON. Now, you may have some basic idea of the shared room is, having to stay with roommates and for a single room, well, you get the picture, right? But, this is not the only difference between these two. Yes, there are many and pretty ignorant for you to simply ignore!
Allow us to upgrade you over the common difference between a shared room and that of single/solo ones:
The room aka space
The shared room as the name suggests is the place shared by two or three people. Here, you will be sharing the space with roommates whom you will get along as time passes. You will have a separate bed system reserved only for you and other amenities like bathroom, cupboards, desk, etc will be shared.
A single room is a space that will be available for you and you only. It’s a private space where the bed, desk, cupboards and other amenities will be ONLY YOURS to use. No sharing business here.
Privacy
When staying in a shared room, privacy is not encouraged or rather shouldn’t be expected either.. As you will be sharing a room with a few others, you can’t claim 100% privacy here. You will always have the presence of your roommates whether you are eating, sleeping or having a private talk with your loved ones.
The single room is indeed special. And privacy, you bet, 100% guaranteed. As the room will be occupied only by you; you can eat, sleep, and talk the way you prefer. No one to butt in or disturb your daily routine here.
Hygiene
The shared room teaches and shows you everything, especially human behavior, and etiquette. Be prepared to share the bathroom, common eating table, etc with others. Now, you may or may not be cleanliness freak but for hygiene sake, you gotta keep the bed, bathroom, floor, etc clean. Maintaining the weekly cleaning ritual helps a lot here. Otherwise, there are chances to have common differences over personal hygiene aka cleanliness.
As the master of the single room, it is up to you to keep the space tidy and hygienic. If you follow a cleaning routine, the space will appear presentable and very stay-worthy. There is nothing like returning to a clean, welcoming room especially after a long, tiring day. Agreed, it’s a painstaking task, but worth it.
Safety
You need time and familiarity to know others when staying in a shared space. Like you, the roommates may have qualms over the safety of their valuables (jewelry, money), personal belongings (mobile, laptop, and documents), etc. Trust is a sensitive topic when staying in a shared room. Unless and until you are confident enough to keep your stuff displayed to the public (here, to your roommate’s view), keep it locked and safe.
In a single room, the safety of valuables is in your hands. Of course, it won’t be showcased anywhere and you won’t have any spectators when doing some important work i.e. keeping jewelry/electronic goodies, counting money, etc. But, it’s always advisable to keep it locked and safe in the cupboard/locker provided.
The noise
Since you will be sharing space with others, don’t expect complete silence and sanctity. There will be loud conversations, music, laughter and much more happening in this space. You may ask/convince the roommates to keep it low (during exams or other important work schedules) but do not expect a pin drop silence here.
The silence, the privacy and quiet ME TIME, the single room gives you all of these. Since you are the only one staying here, you can study, work or follow a fitness routine without anybody’s disturbance. A quiet solace, guaranteed.
Tussle of thoughts
Many minds, many thoughts. As each roommate will be different in a way he or she thinks or been brought up, in a shared room of the hostel, you get to experience the diversity of thoughts and perspectives towards life. While some are extrovert and don’t shy away from speaking spade to spade (at a time of proving a point), others could be introverts who are cocooned and like to keep it only to themselves (indulging in a heated argument is not their game), the shared room is diverse and thought-filled.
Try to be friendly, cordial and surviving the shared space will be tolerable and enjoyable as time passes.
In a private room, you are the silent preacher and ruler of the same. There won’t be thought-clashing discussions and arguments here. The only time you get to mingle with others is during mess-time or common break-out areas where discussions are common over a hot cup of tea!
Now that you know the common difference between the shared and single hostel room, it’s time for the quick reference points for you to decide between these two:
· Hostel life is known to create some ever-lasting moments. Shared space offers you bonding, sharing and a sense of belonging. The single room remains aloof and self-centered.
· During emergencies (health, financial and even emotional) you can count on your roommates with whom you share the hostel space. In a single room, you got to manage all on your own.
· If being social and friendly is your second nature then it’s better to go for a shared room. You won’t feel bored or homesick as you will always have the company of roommates. And if you are privacy-centered, then go ahead and sign the single room contract.
· Above all, hostel life teaches you how to come out of your comfort zone and face life as it comes. Single or shared, in the end, it’s your approach that matters the most!
Go ahead, share the room. Or, grab the keys to that single room!