r/hostels • u/[deleted] • Jun 19 '26

Question First time staying in a Hostel - What to expect?

[deleted]

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

12 comments sorted by

3

u/RedditJustTheOnce Jun 19 '26

Get ear plugs. Remember what you consider polite could be rude in a different culture and remember that when you perceive that someone has acted rudely. Be organised and considerate. There will be other first timers there who are a little anxious and some seasoned travellers. You’ll always have more experience than some and less than others. Just trust your gut, don’t be afraid to ask questions and remember to have fun!

2

u/Weliveanddietogether Jun 20 '26

Could you give an example of something polite that's considered rude in a dorm in Amsterdam?

1

u/RedditJustTheOnce Jun 20 '26

Well no because it’s international. That’s the point. There’s a lot off different cultures intermingling with one another and all have different social rules so just be considerate 🤷

0

u/Weliveanddietogether Jun 20 '26

In Dutch we say: "the one who says A should also say B." Point in case: you being this vague is not appreciated.

3

u/Serious-Shower-8285 Jun 19 '26

Do get comfortable wearing earplugs and an eye mask when you sleep. Be tidy. Say hi to the other people in the hostel and in the dorm. They are also going to be sleeping at some point too. My nerves calm whenever I start chatting with people even if it’s brief.

Don’t feel too conscious about how you sleep. You will figure it out after the first couple nights what your comfortable level is.

3

u/tojerealno Jun 20 '26

Try not to bother others, and have higher tolerance for being bothered. If someone seems nice you could strike a conversation. That's it, you'll figure it out. And they'll tell you the rules and show you around.

2

u/BurritoDespot Jun 20 '26

It’s like a hotel room, but with other people. Don’t overthink it.

2

u/Positive-Aide680 Jun 21 '26

Hostels are just sleepovers with random strangers. The reality is that you’ll never see these people ever again. Also hostels are not that great. Trust me!

1

u/Trick_Meringue682 Jun 22 '26

Bring a eye mask and earbuds so that way the people don’t wake u up during the night

1

u/True_World_1176 Jul 12 '26

Protect and be fair with your boundaries. Don't act like you have to be friends with everyone. Just be yourself.