18 Unspoken Rules You Really Need To Know Before Staying In Hostels

I promise it's not as daunting (or as crusty) as it seems!

If you're travelling and trying to stick to a budget, there's nothing better than a good hostel.

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Sure, no one wants to share a room with strangers. But when you're paying a fraction of the cost than you would in a hotel, it's an easy choice to make.

But if you're new to the world of hostels, it can be a little daunting – there are certain unspoken rules that everyone mysteriously seems to know. So in one handy place, here's everything to be across before starting your hostel journey.

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1. Keep in mind that some hostels will charge you for a towel.

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It's usually only a couple of dollars, but if you travel with your own microfibre or quick-dry towel, you can save a lot of money over time. However, they are worth renting if you want an early morning shower before checking out, and don't want to pack a wet towel in your bag. 

2. Private rooms are a good way to get used to hostel life.

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Most hostels have private rooms as well as dorms. It's often just a small room with a bed and (usually) a shared bathroom, but it's a great way to acquaint yourself with the vibe of hostel living without diving in head-first. 

3. Female-only dorms are super common!

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For solo female travellers who are a little anxious about shared dorm rooms, many hostels offer female-only dorms for the same price. 

4. Look for hostels that offer activities.

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Hostel activities — movie nights, group dinners, pub crawls, walking tours — are the best way to meet fellow travellers in a low-stakes way. Heaps of hostels offer these activities for free or for a small fee. Even if you pay more for the hostel, I promise you it's worth it. 

5. Don't have sex when there are other people in the room.

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Again, I wish this didn't have to be said — but it happens. If you really, really, have to get your freak on, find yourself an empty room that can be locked and make it quick.

6. Check the hostel's location before you book.

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It's all well and good to get a 5 euro hostel bed in Berlin. But what if that hostel is a 55-minute bus ride outside the city in a seedy neighbourhood and you end up spending 10 euros on transport every day? Not worth it. 

7. You don't really get to choose top or bottom bunk.

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Everyone has their preferences when it comes to top or bottom bunks, but most of the time, you won't be able to choose. Either you'll be assigned a bed at check-in, or you'll have to choose from whatever empty beds are left when you arrive. 

8. Some hostel beds are ~fancier~ than others.

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In cheaper hostels, you can just expect a simple bunk bed. Others will have little reading lights and power outlets next to every bed. Some will come with privacy curtains that can be drawn around your bed. In Tokyo I stayed in a hostel where each bed was a little pod in the wall! Every hostel is different, so just check out the pics before you book so you know what you're getting. 

9. Choose a dorm size that you're comfortable with.

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Most hostels offer dorm rooms of varying sizes, usually from four beds up to 12 or 16. The bigger the room, the cheaper the bed. Yes, if there are 15 other people in your room, you're more likely to be woken up or disturbed. BUT all it takes is one snorer or one drunkard — which you can get in a four-bed room too. 

10. Don't snooze your alarm for hours.

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You'd think this one wouldn't have to be said...but unfortunately not. If you're going to set an alarm for the morning, TURN IT OFF AND GET UP. Even if you're a chronic snoozer, a hostel is not the place to do that. Have some respect for your roommates and turn it off asap. 

11. Avoid turning on the overhead lights when people are asleep in the morning.

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Again, if you're getting up early, use your phone torch or the lamp beside your bed for light. Don't make enemies by turning on the overhead light. If it's 3pm, it's a different story. 

12. And pack all your stuff up the night before an early departure.

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No one wants to listen to you pack up your bag at 6am. If you're jetting off early for a morning flight, make sure all your stuff is prepped and ready to go the night before. It's fine to make a little noise while you get dressed and find your toothbrush or whatever, but you can't be fully packing your bag in the wee hours of the morning. 

13. Speaking of which, leave something on your bed when you go out for the day.

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Even if it's just a folded-up jumper or a water bottle, it'll signal to newcomers that this bed is already taken and they can't claim it. 

14. Bring a padlock.

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Every hostel will have lockers where you can keep valuables. Many of them are big enough for your whole bag, though some are just for small things like electronics and your passport. You will have to bring your own padlock though. I recommend a combination one, so that you don't have to worry about losing the key. 

15. Book in advance if you're travelling around an ~event~.

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Full moon party in Thailand? New Year's in Scotland? Summer in Europe? You'll definitely want to book your hostel bed in advance. Of course, travelling is best when you don't have concrete plans. But if you can lock it in even two weeks beforehand, you can avoid a lot of stress.

16. Bring earplugs and an eye mask.

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The reality of hostel living is that it's going to sometimes be bright and/or loud when you're trying to sleep. You do get used to it over time, but a mask and earplugs definitely help. 

17. Always read the reviews before booking a hostel.

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Say you find the perfect hostel in Budapest. It's right near the city centre, the dorms are clean and there's free breakfast. Perfect! But once you read the reviews, you'll see that it's a massive party hostel, on top of a club, and it's loud 'til 5am. That's a perfect place for some, but a living hell for others. Sure, this is an extreme example. But it always pays to read the comments!

18. And finally, bring your own pillowcase.

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This isn't a must: hostel sheets and pillowcases are, for the most part, very clean. But packing your own pillowcase doesn't take up too much room in your bag, and it's a nice touch of home to keep you comfy.