Some of us spend just a few nights in each hostel… travelling from city to city, or country to country, whilst many of us choose to place ourselves in the one place for a few months to really experience the country. We look for work. We attempt to look for a house. And we spend all of our money on alcohol. In the end - the hostel becomes our home… and that’s the way we like it.
1. People: The Hardest Adjustment to grow, you need to adapt. Not everyone will behave the way you want, and that’s okay. Flexibility and understanding go a long way, not just in hostels but in life.
2.Food: The Worst Part
Hostel food is, hands down, the biggest challenge. I skipped meals, ate out, and even went to bed hungry on some days. Over time, this took a toll on my health I developed PCOS, and my period cycle became a mess.
My Advice:Always keep dry fruits, fruits, and healthy snacks in your room.
If possible, find affordable tiffin services or rotate between the least terrible food options outside.
Take care of your health first — your body needs you to be kind to it.
3. Loneliness: An Unexpected Battle
Hostel life can be lonely, especially when roommates keep changing every few months. No deep connections, no emotional sharing — just you and your phone, day in and day out.
4.Money: Where Does It All Go?!
Hostel life is expensive in ways you don’t expect. Whether it’s food, laundry, or just random expenses, I’ve spent money faster than I could keep track of.
Lesson Learned: Track your spending like a hawk.
Save for things you really want, so you don’t feel guilty when you splurge.
Hostel life isn’t just a place to live; it’s a crash course in life. From learning how to deal with difficult people to managing money and navigating loneliness, it forces you to grow up fast. It’s not all bad, though. The chaos has shaped me into someone stronger, someone who can handle challenges without breaking. It’s messy, yes, but it’s also temporary. And through all of it, I’ve learned that survival isn’t just about making it through it’s about finding moments of joy and growth along the way.
How did hostel life change your perspective on people/cultures?
MBH/PS