The Unspoken rules of Hostels
Introduction
Hostels are chaotic, social, and always buzzing. But if you’ve ever stayed in one, you know they run on a kind of unspoken code of conduct. It’s not printed on the wall (though it probably should be). So here it is—your unofficial guide to being a good hostel roommate.
If you’re just starting your solo travel journey and still feel unsure about staying in hostels, check out my reflection on The Honest Truth about Hostels.
1. Keep it down!
Hostels are loud by nature. There’s always something going on—new friends, late nights, drinking, laughing. But the dorm room should be a place to wind down.
No one expects you to be completely silent, but if someone else is in the room, or their curtain is drawn, be considerate. You never know if they just got off a 12-hour flight, are sick, or are nursing a hangover.
Between 11pm and 9am, make an effort to keep noise to a minimum. Earplugs can only do so much.
Hostels are loud by nature. There’s always something going on—new friends, late nights, drinking, laughing. But the dorm room should be a place to wind down.
No one expects you to be completely silent, but if someone else is in the room, or their curtain is drawn, be considerate. You never know if they just got off a 12-hour flight, are sick, or are nursing a hangover.
Between 11pm and 9am, make an effort to keep noise to a minimum. Earplugs can only do so much.
2. Keep it clean
You’re in a shared space. Yes, maybe you want to feel more at home, but try to keep that to your own area.
Don’t pile dirty clothes next to your bed, let your stuff spill into someone else’s space, or leave trash lying around. No one wants to see—or smell—your laundry or leftovers.
And while you’re at it, don’t block access to lockers, bags, or pathways. If your things are spread out everywhere, someone else might not even be able to get to their stuff. Be aware of your space.
3. Don’t bring food or drinks into the dorm
Sure, nothing sounds cozier than curling up in bed with a snack and a show. But food in the dorm is a bad idea.
What smells good to you might smell horrible to someone else—or worse, trigger an allergy. Plus, food attracts bugs. No one wants to wake up to ants in their bed. Stick to eating in the common areas.
3. Don’t bring food or drinks into the dorm
Sure, nothing sounds cozier than curling up in bed with a snack and a show. But food in the dorm is a bad idea.
What smells good to you might smell horrible to someone else—or worse, trigger an allergy. Plus, food attracts bugs. No one wants to wake up to ants in their bed. Stick to eating in the common areas.
4. Clean up after yourself
This goes for the dorm, the bathroom, and the kitchen. If you make a mess—clean it.
Bathrooms are community areas. If you leave hair, toothpaste, or any kind of bodily fluid, just take a second to wipe it up. You wouldn’t leave it if it were your own home—don’t do it here.
As for the kitchen: clean as you go. Don’t cook with the last pan and then disappear for an hour while someone else waits to use it. Wash what you use before you eat, and the kitchen keeps moving.
5. Pack the night before
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve woken up at 4am to someone turning on all the lights, tossing things around, and packing loudly before leaving early.
It’s inconsiderate and rude. Pack the night before. Leave out only the essentials, and if you need to repack, take your bag into the hallway or common room.
6. Don’t turn the lights on late at night
If the lights are off and it’s after 10pm, assume people are asleep. Use your phone flashlight. Everyone has one now—you have no excuse.
5. Pack the night before
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve woken up at 4am to someone turning on all the lights, tossing things around, and packing loudly before leaving early.
It’s inconsiderate and rude. Pack the night before. Leave out only the essentials, and if you need to repack, take your bag into the hallway or common room.
6. Don’t turn the lights on late at night
If the lights are off and it’s after 10pm, assume people are asleep. Use your phone flashlight. Everyone has one now—you have no excuse.
7. No strong smelling products
You’re in a confined space with a bunch of strangers. What smells nice to you might be suffocating to others.
Avoid spraying perfume, body spray, air fresheners, or using nail polish in the room. If the air is bad, crack a window or open the door. Don’t fumigate the space.
8. Respect other people's belongings
Even if someone isn’t super tidy, it’s not your place to touch their stuff. Don’t move their towel, don’t rifle through their things, and definitely don’t sit on their bed.
The only exception is if there stuff is on a public table or area in the room. Then it’s within your rights to move it aside so you can use the table or bench.
In general, a good rule of thumb is treat others’ things like you’d want yours treated.
9. Don’t have sex in the room
It happens—you meet someone, you hit it off, you want to hook up. Just don’t do it in the dorm.
It’s uncomfortable for everyone else and frankly, not that private for you either.
Want a solution? Use the bathroom. Not ideal, but better. Or better still, book a private room.
10. Use headphones
No one wants to hear your music, your movie, or your friend’s voice on speakerphone. Just use headphones. Always.
Whether it’s the latest episode of The Bachelorette or a late-night podcast—keep it to yourself.
9. Don’t have sex in the room
It happens—you meet someone, you hit it off, you want to hook up. Just don’t do it in the dorm.
It’s uncomfortable for everyone else and frankly, not that private for you either.
Want a solution? Use the bathroom. Not ideal, but better. Or better still, book a private room.
10. Use headphones
No one wants to hear your music, your movie, or your friend’s voice on speakerphone. Just use headphones. Always.
Whether it’s the latest episode of The Bachelorette or a late-night podcast—keep it to yourself.
11. Take phone calls outside
There are tons of communal areas in hostels—use them. Don’t take personal calls in the dorm.
Whether it’s a 2am call from your mom or a video chat with your best friend, take it outside the room. Even better—use headphones too.
12. Don't hog the bathroom
Some hostels have 10 showers. Others have 3. Be aware of how long you’re taking, especially during peak times.
Quick showers, and try not to monopolize the mirror or sink. If someone else is waiting, step aside.
13. Don't hog the washers & dryers
Laundry machines are always in demand. Don’t put your clothes in and then go out sightseeing.
Set a timer, come back when it’s done, and move your stuff right away. Otherwise, don’t be surprised if someone tosses your clothes out.
14. Don't monopolize charging outlets
Some hostels are generous and give you one per bed. Others? Not so much.
If you’re using multiple communal outlets to charge all your devices at once—don’t. Use a multi-port adapter, and unplug your stuff once it’s charged. Let someone else have a turn.
15. Say hello to your roommates
It’s such a simple thing, but when you walk into the room, just say “hi.”
14. Don’t monopolize charging outlets
Some hostels are generous and give you one per bed. Others? Not so much.
If you’re using multiple communal outlets to charge all your devices at once—don’t. Use a multi-port adapter, and unplug your stuff once it’s charged. Let someone else have a turn.
15. Say hello to your roommates
It’s such a simple thing, but when you walk into the room, just say “hi.”
You don’t have to become besties, but a little politeness can go a long way. If something comes up—like a noise issue or late-night packing—it’s easier to talk about it if you’ve already broken the ice.
Final Thoughts
Hostel life is all about shared space, mutual respect, and a little common sense. Treat people and the space with kindness and you’re likely to have some of the best experiences (and friendships) of your travels.