Hostel Etiquette 101: The Unwritten Rules Every Traveller Should Know

The Golden Rules

Staying in a hostel is an amazing experience, but it comes with a social contract. Here are the unwritten rules that seasoned travellers live by.

In the Dorm Room

Be Quiet After 10 PM

This is the number one rule. If you are coming back late, use your phone flashlight instead of the main light. Pack your bag the night before if you have an early departure.

Keep Your Space Tidy

Your bed and the area around it is your zone. Keep it organized. Nobody wants to navigate through a mountain of clothes at 2 AM.

Use Headphones

Always. Whether it is music, podcasts, or video calls. This applies 24 hours a day, not just at night.

In Shared Spaces

Clean Up After Yourself

Wash your dishes immediately after use. Wipe down the counter. Leave the kitchen better than you found it.

Do Not Hog the Bathroom

Keep showers short, especially during peak morning hours. Take your toiletries with you when you leave.

Be Social (But Read the Room)

Common areas are for socializing! But if someone has headphones in or is reading, they probably want quiet time.

General Tips

1. Lock your valuables in the locker provided
2. Label your food in the communal fridge
3. Do not cook fish in the shared kitchen (trust us)
4. Share your chargers if someone needs them
5. Say hello to new arrivals

The Secret to Great Hostel Stays

Be the kind of guest you would want as a roommate. A little consideration goes a long way in making the hostel experience wonderful for everyone.

At Schoendorf Hostel, we have designed our spaces to make shared living comfortable with modern bunk beds and individual reading lights and power outlets.