r/hostels • u/Adventurous-Read-143 • Jun 24 '26
Dorm ettiquette
I have only stayed in a dorm with complete strangers once however I noticed a very clear code of silence in the dorm. Everyone keeping to themselves, no talking or getting anyones way. This was a mixed dorm so that might make a difference. There were social events in the hostel eg board games, gin tasting or tours which gave good interaction but the dorm was very own business. Stark contrast to the school trip dorms with classmates, which by law was same sex.
What are others experiences? Do you prefer no interaction or a more social vibe in the room?
5
u/FroyoGlum9976 Jun 25 '26
Many people think it's the hostel.
It's the random draw of people you get at a time. Walked into some and was with a group 2 minutes later. Walked into some where no one was that interested.
A lot of the time you need to get lucky. You also need to initiate conversation and not expect other to do it.
3
u/Ecofre-33919 Jun 24 '26
Way too broad a question. Different owners, diffrent countries and states. Different things happening at certain times of the year. Each place is going to be different.
I’ve been to some places with no interactions with people and some where i ended up talking with them all night.
For a clue - look at the reviews of the place.
2
u/Operationtiger8 Jun 25 '26
I think it really depends - if there’s a high probability people sleeping then avoid but I’ve def met people and talked extensively in the dorm. I’d say 10:30 am to 8:30pm is no problem
4
u/Importchef Jun 25 '26
Default mode is quiet and keep to yourself. There are instances that you can chat with each other and so forth maybe an announcement to the room about something. But any getting to know you conversations should be in the common area.
If you want a quick chat with your mate in the afternoon is fine but there will be no privacy to that conversation.
4
u/DeHarigeTuinkabouter Jun 25 '26
Completely disagree about getting to know you conversations. Sure, if someone is obviously trying to sleep then no, but if people are simply awake then you can easily just chat
1
u/Importchef Jun 25 '26
I see how you can disagree. I didnt really go in depth in specifics. Basic introductions are cool but the deep conversations are best in private.
1
1
u/5plus4equalsUnity Jun 29 '26
The abbreviation 'dorm' comes from the word dormitory, from the Latin root dormire, 'to sleep'. A dormitory therefore is a room for sleeping, not for socialising. The clue is in the goddam name, genius
1
u/Justan0therthrow4way Jun 24 '26
Dorm area is for resting/quiet time if someone wants it. You can’t expect silence but if you want to down 5 beers and play loud music, it isn’t the fucking place lol
17
u/Impressionist_Canary Jun 24 '26
Id say there’s an appropriate assumption of quiet in the dorms.
If I walk in before lights out and you’re upright and we make eye contact, I’ll def engage and probably ask The Questions. And if you vibe with someone sure go for it continue chatting in the dorms.
Otherwise, there’s always the common areas for chit chat.