All year long, the same college students can be seen on foot in the streets, eagerly searching for affordable accommodations. But what many may not know is that with hostel life, they can get it all: low-priced lodging and a vibrant social atmosphere. By embracing the hostel way, many students can experience a side of living they never knew possible.
1. Experiencing the Hostel Buzz
There is no better way to explore a new city or country than staying in a hostel. From the moment you arrive, the atmosphere of a hostel is buzzing with energy as new travelers coming together inch their way around the foreign culture. Get ready for a unique, lively adventure!
- The communal areas of the hostel often buzz with interesting conversations, language exchanges and dynamic debates. Have a conversation with anyone and everyone you meet and you’re sure to gain eyes-wide-open perspective on the destination you’re visiting.
- Meanwhile, you’ll find lots of international friends to join you on day trips, cultural outings or night time activities. Explore the destination’s best kept secrets or simply hang out with like-minded folk, sipping drinks and soaking up the views.
- Or, if you don’t feel like leaving your comfort zone, there are plenty of opportunities to join the group at home. From yoga classes to pub crawls, art workshops to movie nights, every night in the hostel brings something unique.
- From the music blasting out of the common areas to the delicious smells of different countries’ culinary delights, you’ll find no better way to experience a culture and make new friends than in a hostel.
Take home a fun souvenir from your time in the hostel – a new language, a new recipe, or even a new passion. All that remains is for you to let go and experience the unique hostel buzz.
2. Living on a Budget in Style
Living on a budget doesn’t have to mean that you can’t enjoy life. While it’s important to live within your means, there are several strategies you can employ to stay fashionable and enjoy life without going overboard on expenses.
Find Affordable and Good Quality Clothing – There are plenty of budget-friendly clothing options out there, but you still want to be sure that the items you pick are of quality. Look for brands that offer affordable prices on stylish options, or check out thrift stores for great deals. You can often find amazing deals on good quality brands so don’t discount this option!
Seek Out Coupons and Discounts – Whether it’s from a physical store, online, or even a discount at a restaurant, coupons and discounts can help you stretch your budget. Nearly every place has some kind of deal or promotion, so don’t forget to ask about any available offers when you are shopping.
DIY Projects – If you’re feeling crafty and have the time, DIY projects are a great way to decorate your home without breaking the bank. You can use scrap materials to make new items or simply create something from your own imagination. With a little bit of creativity, you can easily turn everyday things into stylish pieces.
Consider Second-hand – Second-hand furniture, decor, and clothing can offer huge savings. Just be sure to inspect items carefully before you buy, look for any signs of wear and tear or damage, and check for any allergens or odors. With a little bit of effort, you can make a second-hand piece look like new.
Make it a Group Activity – Splitting costs with friends or family can help make costs more manageable. You can opt for clothes swapping, thrifting with others, planning potluck meals, and more. With the extra help and ideas, you can enjoy life in style without having to empty your wallet.
3. Making Connections in Hostel Life
Living in a hostel can be exciting and overwhelming all at once. You are surrounded by amazing people from all walks of life, but it’s not always easy to mingle and connect. Here are our top tips to making the most valuable connections in hostel life:
- Be a great roommate: The most important connection you can make in the hostel is with your roommate. Introduce yourself, make yourself at home and smile!
- Get out of your comfort zone: Don’t be afraid to break out of your daily routine and mix with the other hostelers. Join activities, head to the common room and lead the chat.
- Take initiative: People are more likely to open up and talk to you if you take the initiative. While you may not want to be the first one to say hello, you should at least keep an open, friendly attitude.
- Exchange contact information: Once you’ve made a connection, make sure to get each other’s contact information! You’ll never know when that person you met at the hostel will become your friend or even a business partner.
Making personal connections in the hostel is key to getting the most out of your stay. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and you will quickly gain many new friends – even if your stay in the hostel is temporary.
Find ways to take advantage of your time in the hostel, from going to the nearby markets, exploring the local nightlife and catching up with people from all over the world.
Making connections in the hostel is an incredible part of the overall experience, everyone has different stories and perspectives, so take the time to talk to as many different people as you can – it will be sure to make your stay even more memorable.
4. Accessing Unexpected Benefits of Hostel Life
Moving out to live in a hostel for the first time can be a daunting experience, but the rewards outweigh any fears associated with living in a new environment. You’re far more likely to gain a unique set of advantages that you may not even have been aware of when you first made the decision. Here are some of the unexpected benefits of hostel life:
- A Sense of Freedom: With so much freedom, you’ll find that you’re able to do things you wouldn’t be able to do living at home. Whether it’s having a late night out or simply having the ability to see and do more than you would under the watchful eye of a family.
- A New Perspective: With so many people from different backgrounds and cultures living together, you quickly become accustomed to different ideas and cultural practices. This will no doubt give you a new perspective on life, and help you to appreciate the world and your own place within it.
- Networking: The hostel is not just a place to sleep, but a place to meet interesting people and expand your potential. People you meet in the hostel can become lifelong friends, and possible business contacts too.
- Cheap Living: Hostels are often the cheapest option for new students or budget travelers, and they offer some of the best deals and discounts in the city. They are also great for helping to keep your budget in check and for ensuring that you don’t overspend.
- Experience: By living in a hostel, you’ll gain a better understanding of how to manage with limited resources, how to live in a shared space, and how to interact with others. These are invaluable life skills and are sure to be of use in the future.
All in all, hostel life can be a great experience if you embrace it. Through hostel life, you get the chance to make new friends and gain a lot of new experiences. Who knows, you may even be able to find your true calling in life just by doing this!
Affordable, social, and fun: hostel life has something to offer everyone. When you book your next stay, don’t forget to consider a hostel as your accommodation and say goodbye to boring trips! You’ll be glad you did.
