Sharing a dorm in a hostel can be a fun and budget-friendly way to travel, but it also means being mindful of others. A good hostel roommate follows simple etiquette to make sure everyone has a comfortable stay. Whether it’s your first time in a hostel or you’ve stayed in many, following simple rules can help you avoid problems and have a great trip. In this post, I’ll share easy tips on how to be a respectful and considerate hostel roommate. This way, you can make friends and not enemies on the road!
My Experience Staying at Hostels Around the World
I have stayed in many hostels over the years and have had the chance to visit some amazing places. One of the best parts of staying in a hostel is meeting people from all over the world. It’s not just a budget-friendly way to travel, but also a great way to connect with other travelers. I’ve shared stories, meals, and experiences with people from different backgrounds, which is one of the most rewarding parts of traveling.
However, staying in a hostel dorm also means sharing a room with others. Sometimes it’s just a few people, but other times it can be as many as 18 in a single room. While it can be fun and social, it also requires some patience and consideration for others.
Why Hostel Etiquette Matters
Most of the time, staying in a hostel dorm goes smoothly, but sometimes, people can be rude or inconsiderate. Whether it’s talking loudly late at night or leaving belongings scattered around, small actions can affect everyone’s stay.
I recently stayed at a hostel in San Jose, Costa Rica, called Ecostay, a nice family-owned place that was quiet and clean. The first night was peaceful, but on my second night, a group of six or seven young American ladies arrived late, just staying overnight before heading to another destination. Their flight was delayed, so they didn’t get in until after 1 a.m. Of course, I was already asleep, as was another traveler in the room.
The moment they arrived, they were talking loudly as if it were the middle of the day. They woke me up right away. It was frustrating, but I tried to go back to sleep. Then at 5 a.m., they did the same thing. They talked and made noise without any regard for the others in the room. So, I barely got any sleep that night and it was incredibly annoying.
This is exactly why hostel roommate etiquette is so important. Being respectful and mindful of others creates a better experience for everyone. Simple actions like keeping voices low and being aware of shared space make a big difference. A little courtesy goes a long way in making hostel life more enjoyable for everyone.
Hostel Roommate Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
Staying in a hostel dorm is a fun way to travel, but it also requires being mindful of others. Since everyone has different routines and habits, following basic hostel etiquette helps create a comfortable and enjoyable space for all. Here are some key do’s and don’ts for being a good hostel roommate.
✅ Keep Your Noise Level Down
People have different schedules, and many travelers need to wake up early for flights or tours. Keep your voice low, avoid loud conversations, and be mindful when opening and closing doors, especially at night and early in the morning.
✅ Use a Headlamp or Phone Light at Night
If you need to find something in your bag after the lights are off, use a small light instead of switching on the main room light. A phone flashlight or headlamp is a simple way to see without disturbing others.
✅ Pack Quietly If You’re Leaving Early
If you need to leave early in the morning, pack your bags the night before. Digging through luggage, zipping and unzipping bags, or rustling plastic bags can wake up your hostel roommates and make it difficult for them to get enough rest.
✅ Keep Your Space Clean and Organized
A hostel dorm is a shared space, not your personal bedroom. So, avoid leaving your clothes, toiletries, or other belongings scattered around. Try to keep your items contained in your designated space to avoid making it difficult for others to move around.
✅ Be Considerate in Shared Bathrooms
If the hostel has a shared bathroom, try not to take too long in the shower, especially during busy hours when other guests are waiting. After using the sink or shower, clean up any mess and leave it in good condition for the next person.
✅ Respect Personal Space and Boundaries
In a hostel dorm, space is limited, and everyone values their personal area. Avoid sitting on someone else’s bed or touching their belongings without permission. If you need to move something, ask first.
✅ Use Headphones for Music or Calls
Not everyone wants to hear music, movies, or phone conversations while resting in a hostel dorm. So, always use headphones when listening to anything or making a call. This small act of being a considerate hostel roommate helps create a peaceful atmosphere for everyone in the room.
✅ Be Friendly but Respect When Others Want Quiet Time
Hostels are social places, and meeting fellow travelers is part of the experience. However, not everyone is always in the mood to chat. Greet your hostel roommates and be friendly but also respect their need for quiet or alone time.
❌ Don’t Talk Loudly Late at Night or Early in the Morning
Being loud while others are trying to sleep is one of the biggest complaints in hostel dorms. If you arrive late at night or wake up early, speak softly and avoid unnecessary noise.
❌ Don’t Turn on Bright Lights While Others Are Sleeping
If you arrive late or leave early, avoid turning on the main lights. A small reading light or phone flashlight is enough to see what you need without waking up the entire room.
❌ Don’t Leave Your Belongings All Over the Room
Taking up too much space by spreading out your things is inconsiderate to your hostel roommates. So, keep your area tidy so there’s enough room for everyone.
❌ Don’t Snooze Your Alarm Over and Over
If you set an alarm, wake up when it goes off and turn it off immediately. Letting it ring multiple times or ignoring it can be frustrating for others who are trying to sleep.
❌ Don’t Eat Smelly Food in the Room
Some foods have strong smells that can linger for hours, making it uncomfortable for others. If you have food with a strong odor, eat it in the common area instead of the hostel dorm.
❌ Don’t Invite Outside Guests Into the Dorm
Hostels have shared spaces for socializing, and bringing someone who isn’t staying in the dorm can make others uncomfortable. Most hostels have rules against unregistered guests for security reasons, so always check before inviting someone in.
❌ Don’t Take Over the Charging Outlets
Many hostel dorms have limited power outlets. So, be mindful of others by unplugging your device once it’s fully charged so others can use the outlet too.
Being a Respectful Hostel Roommate
Being a good hostel roommate isn’t complicated. It’s about treating others how you’d like to be treated. A little courtesy and awareness go a long way in making the experience enjoyable for everyone. When people respect shared spaces, hostels become more than just a place to sleep. They can turn into welcoming communities where travelers connect and create great memories. Whether you’re staying for one night or a week, practicing good hostel etiquette makes all the difference and leaves a positive impression on those around you.
If you’re interested in more tips on shared living, check out my post on being a good roommate.
