12 Comfortable Hostel Life Tips For Enhancing Your Experience
Hostel life can feel tough for those who have never lived away from their family. When you move to Mumbai for your studies, you will need a bit of time to adjust to this new life. But in the meantime, being miserable among new people is not the only option you have. We have compiled a list of 12 comfortable hostel life tips that every student can use to make their stay a bit more enjoyable and exciting. Starting with:
1. Personalise Your Space
One of the best ways to get rid of that home-sick feeling is to personalise the space allotted to you. Place your photos, books, and decorations near your bed to make it up to your liking. Make sure the place is well-organised and does not look cluttered. Your personal space should be reminiscent of your aesthetic and help you be comfortable as well as productive.
2. Be Friendly And Approachable
Having friends in a new city can help to make your time enjoyable and memorable. The other students living in the hostel have also moved to Mumbai to study, just like you. This shared experience makes it easier for you to bond with them. While living in close quarters, it is important to be friendly and approachable to everyone. Greet everyone with a polite smile and be open-minded to everyone.
3. Do Not Be Intrusive
While living in a student hostel in Mumbai, it is also important to keep your boundaries and never be unnecessarily intrusive. There is a thin line between being friendly and being nosy; knowing this is crucial to being on everyone’s good books. A general rule of thumb is to avoid asking uncomfortable, personal questions or saying something hurtful. Respect other people’s personal space and private life and you can expect others to do the same.
4. Only Share Thing You Are Comfortable Sharing
Once you are comfortable with your roommates and new friends, naturally, you will exchange your personal stories with them. While it is a normal practice among hostel students, you must have a clear idea about what you share. Only share information you are comfortable sharing. If not, then you must communicate these boundaries in a polite way.
5. Learn When To Say No
Speaking of boundaries, you must also know when to say no to something. You may be good at a particular thing, like studies or cooking and naturally, your friends might want your help with it. While helping out a fellow student is a good deed, it has its toll on you. You should know when you should say no to someone without being rude so it doesn’t become a habit.
6. Hang Out With Your Roommates
You will have to spend your entire next year living with your roommates; hence, you must gel up well with them. Hang out with your roommates at least once a week. Go to movies, attend college fests, or make plans to explore the city together. This experience will help you become more comfortable with each other and adjust to your new surroundings.
7. Prioritise Health
This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is critical for your comfortable college hostel experience. Living away from parents means you are responsible for your own health and wellness. Take care of yourself, maintain hygiene, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. Keeping a first-aid kit handy is also a good idea. Some of our hostels offer healthy cooked meals and regular doctor visits to students so that do not have to worry about it.
8. Have Emergency Money
It is very difficult to track your expenses when you are living on your own. Hence, it is wise to always keep some emergency money stored away so you are not left with an empty pocket at the end of the month. This money should only be used when you are out of options and need it for something important like medical expenses, travel, and college books.
9. Try To Get Home-Cooked Meals As Often As Possible
While living in a hostel, one thing that most students miss is their home-cooked meals. Hence, to solve this issue we have made policies to offer home-like meals to students at our hostels. These meals are not only nutritious but also cooked for taste. A balanced diet not only improves your health but also uplifts your mood. Plus, eating nutritious food that you like is the best tip for surviving hostel life.
10. You Are Responsible For Your Belongings
An unspoken rule of hostel living is that you are responsible for your own belongings. Keep your valuables like gadgets, cash, and important documents somewhere safe. The culture of borrowing is prominent among roommates; make sure to not lend any valuables that may not be returned to you in the same condition. You do not have to worry about your belongings being stolen as Student Housing’s hostels have several security measures like 24/7 CCTV surveillance.
11. Avoid Conflicts And Peer Pressure
Living in a hostel means you will meet people with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. You are bound to face conflict of ideas and interests; however, you must have patience and empathy to avoid unnecessary conflicts. It is important to not give in to peer pressure and say no to things like going out or playing games when you need to study.
12. Invest In Earbuds And Sleeping Mask
Hostels are unpredictable environments for those moving here for the first time. It can get noisy with other people snoring, scrolling social media, and speaking on the phone. So for getting an uninterrupted sleep and making hostel life easy, we recommend you invest in an earbud and sleeping mask.
Conclusion
Living in a hostel is a unique experience in itself. Students who stay with us for the first time are often nervous about this new experience. However, essential hostel life hacks like the ones mentioned above can help to make your experience better. Be friendly to everyone, hang out with your roommates, and maintain boundaries. Also, we recommend you prioritise your health, have some emergency money, and keep your belongings safe.
If you have any other questions or concerns about your time at Student Housing, feel free to get in touch with us. We are always here to help you!