The Roaming Renegades Staying in a Hostel for the First Time: BEST Tips & Tricks!

Alright guys, so your first backpacking trip is looming and whilst you’re mega excited about buying your weights worth of elephant pants, drinking an inhuman amount of buckets on a Thai beach and oh yeah, actually seeing some cool shit. 

You’ve got one major hurdle to cross… Staying in a hostel for the first time. 

Or ya know, maybe you stayed in one when you went camping with school and it left you permanently scarred? Maybe you think you can bum around the whole of Southeast Asia without setting foot in one!? Or, and this is most likely, you’ve been told by your Nan that they’re “not very nice”! 

Well, sorry Nan but the times they are a changin’! 

After spending a solid 5 years on the road, let me tell you this, if there’s one thing I’m well versed in, it’s hostels! 

And you know what, I bloody love them! 

They’re fan-fucking-tastic! 

Forget the stereotypes because this is where it’s at and with my YEARS of experience, I’m gonna give you the low-down on staying in hostels for the first time, including the BEST tips, tricks and must-know info.

So, you wanna know all about staying in a hostel for the first time, let’s get to it then!

travelling solo. The staff in hostels (plus other guests) are so much more knowledgeable and willing to share local and budget tips. 

In the end, they usually end up feeling like a real home away from home.

Are Hostels Worth It?

HELL YEAH! 

Ok, check this out. 

I’ve stayed in a hostel in China where I had a memory foam mattress in a custom-built dorm bed with plug sockets, a light, a fan, a locker and a privacy curtain. The rest of the hostel had a massive kitchen and an outdoor pool with views of the nearby mountains. 

Do you know how much I paid each night? £2! 

So they’re not all that cheap but backpackers hostels offer amazing value for money, especially compared to hotels.

If you’re looking for a cheap way to travel around Europe, The US or anywhere really, they are perfect. 

“How much are hostels?” – A darn sight cheaper than hotels!

The Benefits of Staying In a Hostel

• Affordable prices for accommodation (Even private rooms) 
• Usually have a kitchen (Not so much in SEasia) 
• Easy to organise things like laundry, transport and tours at great prices. 
• Get unbeatable travel tips from local staff and fellow travellers 
• Meet some of the coolest people in the world.

Top 5 Hostel Picks for First-Timers

If you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, you wanna hit up the best spots!

10 Tips for Staying in Hostels for the First Time

So let’s get to it with my first time hostel tips so you can get back to booking your first stay!

1. Research, research, research! 

Thoroughly read the description and reviews before booking, especially if you are staying in a hostel for the first time. 

For example; make sure it’s not a party hostel if that’s not your style, check that the reviews are recent, and look for comments on things like the lockers, bed comfort, wifi and social scene. 

Try to get a general feel for the vibe through what people say about the place and check on a few different sites (Hostel World/ TripAdvisor/ Booking) 

As you get more experienced you’ll usually get a good feel for a place without it taking too long. But for your first time… make sure it’s a top-tier hostel for travellers!

2. Book via HostelWorld or Booking 

Make sure you book those super popular hostels as far in advance as you can cus they often get booked out during peak travel times. 

The best two places I’ve found for booking hostels are HostelWorld and Booking. 

Both have their advantages and disadvantages. 

If you get the Genius discount on Booking it can often be cheaper, it’s easier to see when your payment is due and more properties have free cancellation. 

Hostelworld can be great for deals and features some properties not available anywhere else. I have found it annoying when you pay the deposit but it doesn’t tell you exactly when the rest of the money will come out! 
If you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, either is a solid shout.

3. Speak To People and Get Involved!

The main reason (besides the price) you wanna stay in a hostel is to meet new people, whether that is chatting with fellow backpackers or even hanging out with the staff. 

Hostels are MADE to be social places and interacting with each other is both encouraged and expected. 

Backpacking for me is not just about the places I go, but the people I’ve met and become friends with. 

Jump on any free walking tours, go to events the hostel is putting on, hang out in the common areas and just chat with people in your dorm or at reception. Get involved in hostel life. 

 Many hostels also arrange or even put on their own tours, this is another good way to get to know people. 

You often get the best tips by talking to other travellers and the hostel staff. If you’re gonna stay at a hostel for the first time, you should embrace the social side.

4. Hostel Etiquette, Changing In The Dorm Tips!

Alright, one of the big questions people ask me about staying in a dorm is getting changed! 

Sure, it can be a bit awks. But after a while you just get used to the sitch as a whole, sharing a room, getting changed… all of it. It might not feel like that when you’re contemplating staying in a hostel for the first time, but trust me!

Of course, no matter how comfortable you are in a dorm there are still some rules for hostels! 

For getting changed I am fine doing it quickly in my bunk if I have decent curtains or am in a pod. If not I will just take my things to the bathroom and get changed there. 

No one will bat an eyelid if you’re knocking about the hostel in your jammies, but don’t get changed in the middle of the dorm!

5. Tips For Staying in Hostels: Showering In Shared Bathrooms 

Another common question when it comes to hostel tips and tricks.  

Usually, you will have to get changed in the shower cubicle, and it can be a bit of a juggling act! I take my stuff into the cubicle in a plastic bag to keep everything dry as well as my hanging toiletries bag. 

Whilst some top-end hostels do have shampoo and shower gel dispensers in the showers, not all of them do. So always bring some and I’m careful not to leave them in the bathrooms… because they usually go walkabouts! 

Another tip is to wear flip-flops inside the shared bathrooms and showers!

Bear in mind that every hostel bathroom is different. Some are cubicles, and some have a whole bathroom. 

So the experience can differ quite a bit! When you’re staying in a hostel for the first time, try to get a good bathroom!

6. Take Advantage of Hostel Kitchens and Free Food! 

Hostel living is all about saving those $$, so if you find a hostel with free brekkie, grab it! 

Some hostels even have events where you can get in on a free or budget-friendly meal, so keep an eye out. 

I’ve stayed in some that put a “family dinner” on and they are also perfect for meeting people and trying local food for cheap. 

Hostel kitchens are another lifesaver in expensive regions like Europe, Australia, NZ and North America. 

Here you can save a ton of money by cooking your own meals and can even get in with other guests if they’re making a big meal.

7. Be Respectful, Have Appropriate Expectations and Pick Your Battles.

Hostels are mixing pots of different people all looking to have new experiences and see the world. They are pretty inclusive places where being open-minded and having a live-and-let-live attitude is going to make all the difference. 

Hey, as much as hostels can be amazing, you’ve got to have realistic expectations!

You’re not in a hotel, you’re sharing a space with other people. So it might be a little noisy and you might have to put up with people being a touch messy. 

The best thing to do is to just chill and go with it. Pick your battles. If someone is being a dick night after night, then tell the staff (confronting someone who you’re sharing a dorm with can be super awkward!) 

Don’t complain about things you should already be aware of. People getting drunk at a party hostel is a you problem, my friend! Read the reviews and descriptions carefully!

8. Pick The Right Kind Of Hostel

There are many different types of hostels out there, each offers something different. 

This is awesome because often you can find people that match your vibe if you know what type of hostel you wanna stay in. 

Some of the different hostel types are:

• Party Hostel – These can get pretty rowdy and chaotic! 
• Digital Nomad – Made for people working on the road, usually pretty chilled and not the most sociable. 
• Eco Hostel – Mega chill with a focus on sustainability 
• Home Style – Often in a converted house, family-run, amazing for local interaction and cosy vibes. 
• Adventure – Great for organising adventure trips and finding companions for your adventures. 
• Relaxation Hostels – Ideal for those wanting to take a break from the road. 
• Boutique Hostels – Usually have facilities like pools, gyms and amazing rooms. They can often be a lot nicer than budget hotels in a similar price range.

When booking a hostel be sure to check what type of hostel it is and look at what facilities and events each one has. 

For example; Party hostels might have a bar and organise pub crawls. Digital Nomad hostels might have a dedicated co-working space and homely hostels might put on evening meals and do local tours.

9. Select Your Bed Wisely

Not all dorm beds are equal! 

As a newbie you might end up being left with the worst bed in the room if you’re not savvy about it… and that’s not gonna give you a good impression when you’re staying in a hostel for the first time! 

Some hostel tips for selecting a bed are:

• Most people prefer the bottom bunk for obvious reasons – but I love the adventure of a top bunk! 
• If lockers are in the corner of a room, stay away as they will be a busy area of the dorm! 
• Windows and doors are also best avoided. Too much noise and light. 
• Think about how close you wanna be to the AC. Find the sweet spot in the room!
• Find the bunk that’s furthest away from the other beds and avoid those that have been awkwardly placed together.

10. Location, Location, Location. 

The cheapest hostel might be in a pretty shitty part of town where you might feel unsafe or just miles away from anything. 

In the end, the location of your hostel might make or break your trip and you could even end up spending more on transport than what you saved. 

That’s not to say you need to always be in the city centre, it might be that the backpacker hub is in a certain neighbourhood, but that’s where you wanna be!

Other Essentials for First-Time Hostel Stays

Whilst you can easily just rock up to a hostel with your standard backpacking gear for Southeast Asia or elsewhere, my top tips for hostel stays include packing a few key items. These will make life a bit easier when you’re staying at hostels for the first time.

5 Hostel Packing Essentials

A Good Backpack With Packing Cubes

A good backpack is essential for any backpacking trip, but if you’re staying in a hostel you’re going to want one that is both compact and easy to access the contents. 

The Osprey Farpoint opens up in a clamshell style (like a suitcase) and is ideal for rummaging around without having to pull everything out. 

Add in packing cubes and you can keep your stuff neat and tidy! 

When I’m staying in a dorm I live out of my backpack and make sure to have it organised. If you’re living in hostels for the first time you will want to keep everything neat and easy to lock up.

Eye Mask & Ear Plugs

If you’re wondering how to sleep in a hostel? The perfect solution is to grab an eye mask and some decent earplugs. 

These will really make a difference when living in a hostel for the first time.

Combination Locks / Pacsafe Safe

All hostels offer lockers these days, but not all offer lock rentals. 

I much prefer to travel with a pretty beefy combination lock anyway. 

Another way to keep your stuff safe is to get a travel safe. I regularly travel with the Pacsafe travel safe and use it most often in private rooms. 

If you wanna feel secure when you live in hostels for the first time, bring them both for peace of mind.

Hanging Toiletries Bag

The perfect solution to keeping all your bathroom gear organised and accessible is the hanging toiletries bag. 

They are great for pulling out of your backpack and taking straight into the hostel bathrooms which I often find lack adequate counter space.

Multi USB Adapter

Most hostels will have a plug right by your dorm bed, which is a godsend! But just like anywhere else, you’ll need an adapter. 

You’ll also need to be a little more strategic about charging your gear and you’ll want to do it when you’re in your bed, get an adapter with multiple USB sockets. 

Another good idea is to get a good portable power bank just on the off chance that you don’t have a personal plug or it isn’t working.

Hostel Etiquette: The Unwritten and Not-So-Unwritten Rules

You’re almost ready for your first stay in a hostel, but there are a few things you need to know before you do. Here are some unwritten rules and hostel etiquette. 

How to live in a hostel for the first time: Don’t be the dickhead in the dorm!

• Don’t bang the big light on – If you’re coming back when everyone is in bed, it’s no big deal just use your phone light. 
• Don’t rustle around late at night – If you need to do some packing/ unpacking or general rummaging then leave it until morning or take your bag out into the common areas. Plastic bags are particularly annoying! 
• Keep your phone on silent and use headphones – This surely needs no explaining!
• Keep your area clean – Don’t be that guy whose bag looks like it exploded all over the room. Keep your shit on your bed and don’t hang your gear on someone elses! 
• Don’t bonk in the bunk! – If you wanna hook up, then get a private room folks! 
• Socialise outside the dorm after dark – By all means stay up until midnight hanging with your new mates, but take it outside once it gets late. 
• Take your calls outside – Yeah, we can all hear you whispering to your boyfriend and it’s super cringe! 
• Don’t sleep naked – No one wants to see that! If you’re wondering what to wear to sleep in hostels, I usually wear an old T-shirt and comfy shorts. 
• Don’t do your laundry in the sinks! – Firstly, no one wants your undies hanging to dry in the dorm and secondly, most hostels (in Asia at least) can get your shit washed and dried for a few quid in a matter of hours! 
• Clean your dishes – You don’t have maids, or your mum to clean up after you!

So, if you’re still wondering how to survive staying in a hostel, you’ve at least learnt how not to get yourself killed by your roommates!

Are Hostels Safe?

Yes! They are and I have never felt anything other than safe. 

The key thing is to read reviews and make sure it’s a hostel that fits your vibe and your comfort levels. 

In terms of keeping your stuff safe, most hostels have lockers but be sure to bring your own combination lock. Some even have lockers big enough for your big bag too! 

I’ve never known anyone to have a locker broken into, but of course, it can happen. But, I have know people have their stuff taken from hotel rooms, so there is that!

Overall the same tips go for travelling in general, use your common sense and follow what your gut tells you. 
If it doesn’t feel right, then don’t be afraid to leave. There are plenty of other hostels out there and you won’t miss the few £$ you wasted in the end.

What Are Hostels Like?

Aha, right so you’re thinking, this is all well and good, but Nic, what’s it actually like to stay at a hostel? 

Ok, so here it is. 

I am a bit of an introvert at heart, but having ADHD once you get me started I don’t shut up! So, I can get a bit self-conscious at first and staying in a hostel for the first time was a big deal, I’m not gonna lie. 

But you know what, it was sick as! 

Sure, I’ve had some annoying experiences in hostels with people being loud or switching lights on. And yeah, I have been awkward (and still am at times) here and there. 

But I’ve met some of the best people on my travels because I stayed in hostels and also some of the funniest anecdotes from my trips come from hostel shenanigans! 

Overall, if you get a good group of people in a sick hostel, it kinda feels like a big sleepover and honestly, I don’t have any real hostel horror stories!

Are There Options For Private Rooms or Female Only Dorms?

Yeah for sure! 

Most hostels offer private rooms. They can be a bit less sociable, but they’re a good compromise and usually cheaper than a budget hotel. 

Plenty of hostels also have female-only dorms. This is especially common in more conservative countries where you might even find single-sex dorms are the only option (this is pretty rare). 

Be sure to use the filters option on Hostelworld for privates or single-sex dorms. 

If it doesn’t specific it will be a mixed dorm meaning you’re sharing with everyone!

What’s It Like Staying In A Hostel As A Couple?

Staying in a hostel as a couple isn’t all that much different to anyone else in the hostel! 

Like those travelling with a friend, it means you won’t be alone, but I’ve found you do have to make more of an effort to socialise. 

Of course, when it comes to erm, cough *relations*, make sure to do yourselves and everyone else a favour and book a private room for a night or two!

Other than that, if I’m honest, I like having my own bed and space and when you’re travelling together 24/7 – sometimes it’s good to have! 

The biggest bonus is that when you’re travelling with another person it can sometimes be just as cheap to get a private as it would to get two dorm beds. 

Though, I really don’t mind sleeping in a dorm!

FAQs About Staying and Living in Hostels

Here I’ve compiled a list of a few of the most frequently asked questions on the interweb, in case you were still wondering how to stay in a hostel!

Are You Ready for Your First Time Staying in a Hostel?

Ok, so there you have it. Honestly, I love staying in hostels and it’s been a true revelation whilst travelling that they are some of the best accommodation options out there. 

Truly, if money wasn’t an issue and I could stay anywhere, I’d still pick hostels. Ok, I’d get a private in a boutique place, but I just love the atmosphere. To be honest, it never really feels like a proper backpacking trip unless you’re in a hostel either! 

What do you think? Are you ready to give it a go and stay in a hostel for the first time now? 

Let me know how you go on if you do.