Staying in a hostel for the first time: what to expect

What a hostel is, and what it is not

A hostel is accommodation built around shared space. You can rent a bed in a dorm or a private room, and in both cases you share common areas such as a lounge, kitchen or terrace with other guests. Hostelling International describes these shared spaces as a deliberate way to meet people, and that social side is why many travellers choose hostels even when other options are available.

Hostels vary a great deal. Some are lively, with bars and nightly events; others are calm places for walkers or remote workers. Hostels generally welcome guests of all ages, though each property sets its own rules, and some ask families with young children to use private rooms. Reading the listing carefully is the best way to know what you are booking.

Many hostels also offer more than a bed: luggage storage, a tour desk, laundry, bike rental or breakfast. These extras vary from place to place, so if something matters to you, check before you arrive rather than assuming it will be there.

Arriving and checking in

Reception hours, check-in and check-out times differ between hostels, so confirm them before you travel. Check-in commonly opens in the afternoon, and check-out is usually mid-morning. If you will arrive late, let the hostel know in advance. If you arrive early, ask whether reception can store your bag until your bed is ready.

At check-in you will usually be asked for ID and given a key or key card, your bed and locker details, and a short briefing on the kitchen, exits and quiet hours. Some hostels charge local tourist taxes at the property, so check whether these are included in your booking.

It is worth taking five minutes after check-in to find your bed, test your locker, locate the bathrooms and look at the events board. Knowing where everything is before it gets dark makes the first night much easier, especially if you arrive tired after a long journey.

• Have your ID and booking details ready.
• Ask about quiet hours, kitchen times and how to get towels if needed.
• Find out where luggage storage is for your departure day.
• Note the Wi-Fi details and the emergency exits.

Lockers, padlocks and linen

Most dorms have lockers, but you usually bring your own padlock, and locker sizes vary. Keep your passport, cards and electronics locked away when you are out, and keep a small bag at the end of your bunk for things you will need overnight.

Bed linen is typically included in the price, and many hostels ask you not to use your own sleeping bag. Towels are less predictable: some hostels include them, some rent them and others expect you to bring your own. The hostel listing is the best guide to what is provided, and a quick-dry travel towel takes up little space if in doubt.

On your last morning, return your key or key card, empty your locker and take any labelled food out of the fridge. If you need to leave bags after check-out, most hostels can store them for a few hours, but ask the day before.

Dorm etiquette and quiet hours

The golden rule in a dorm is to assume someone is trying to sleep. Most hostels set quiet hours overnight, and even outside them, a little consideration goes a long way.

If you know you will be leaving very early, mention it to your dorm-mates the evening before. Most people appreciate the warning, and it makes an unavoidable alarm far less irritating. If someone else is keeping the room awake, speak to them politely first, then ask reception for help if it continues.

• Pack the night before an early start so you are not rustling bags in the dark.
• Use your bunk curtain, reading light or phone torch rather than the main light after dark.
• Take phone calls and video chats outside the sleeping area.
• Keep your belongings on or under your own bed, not spread across the floor.
• Set your alarm to vibrate or keep it quiet, and switch it off on the first ring.

Using the shared kitchen

The kitchen is often the busiest room in the hostel, and it is one of the most useful features for saving money on a longer trip. Shared kitchens usually provide pans, utensils and fridge space. Label your food with your name and departure date, wash and put away everything you use straight after cooking, and respect the kitchen's opening hours.

Many kitchens have a free shelf where guests leave unopened or leftover food when they move on. It is a good place to pick up oil, salt or spices, and to leave what you cannot carry when you check out.

At busy times, such as early evening, kitchens can get crowded. Cooking a little earlier or later, using one hob at a time and sharing a table are all good ways to keep things friendly.

Social events and meeting people

Many hostels run events such as walking tours, family-style dinners, games nights, quizzes or day trips, often posted on a board at reception. Joining one is the easiest way to meet people on your first night. You do not have to take part: plenty of guests come and go without joining anything.

Common rooms are the other natural meeting point. If you are not sure where people gather, ask the staff. Sharing a table, offering to split a taxi or asking where someone has come from are all ordinary ways to start a conversation in a hostel.

What to pack for a hostel stay

A few small items make shared rooms far more comfortable. None are expensive, and most fit in a daypack pocket. Packing light also helps in a hostel, because a smaller bag fits more easily in lockers and under bunks.

• A padlock that fits standard lockers
• Earplugs and a sleep mask
• A quick-dry towel, if towels are not provided
• Flip-flops and a shower bag for shared bathrooms
• A long charging cable and the right plug adaptor
• Headphones
• A reusable water bottle
• A marker or labels for your food in the shared kitchen

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