What NOT to Do in a Hostel (Trust Us)

The Unwritten Rules of Bunk Life, From People Who’ve Seen It All

Hostels are magical.

They’re where you meet your next road trip buddy, get life advice from someone who barely speaks your language, and discover that you can make pasta with only one pan and no judgment.

But like any shared space, hostel life works best when everyone plays by a few unofficial rules - the kind you won’t find printed on the wall, but every seasoned backpacker knows by heart.

So if you’re new to hosteling (or just need a gentle reminder), here’s your guide to what NOT to do in a hostel - unless you want side-eyes from your bunkmates and some serious kitchen karma.

🙅‍♂️ 1. Don’t Turn on the Dorm Light at 2 A.M.

It’s dark for a reason. People are sleeping.

If you’re rolling in late, use your phone flashlight or prep your stuff before you go out. Bonus points if you can unzip your pack without waking the dead.

🔦 Pro move: Headlamp on red mode = stealth level unlocked.

🍳 2. Don’t Hog the Kitchen (or Leave It a Mess)

Yes, you’re a culinary genius. No, we don’t need your three-hour risotto blocking all four burners during dinner rush.

Clean as you go. Label your stuff. And if you use the last of the olive oil? Say something or leave a thank-you banana.

🙏 Golden rule: If your mom wouldn’t tolerate it, neither will your bunkmates.

📱 3. Don’t Play TikToks on Speaker

Nobody came to the Rockies to hear your scroll.

Wear headphones in shared spaces. And please - no loud FaceTimes in the bunk room. You can tell your cousin about the hot springs later.

🧺 4. Don’t Let Your Laundry Take Over the Room

Drying socks on your bunk ladder? Fine.

Creating a full-blown clothesline across the dorm? Not fine. Keep it contained, keep it respectful, and don’t act like the room is your personal closet.

🧦 Pro tip: Most hostels have laundry facilities. Use ’em.

😴 5. Don’t Be That Snorer Without Backup Plan

We get it - snoring isn’t a choice.

But if you know you rattle windows at night, bring nose strips, sleep aids, or offer to sleep in the common room if it gets bad. Your bunkmates will thank you (and maybe even help you find the nearest ENT).

😴 Compromise is community.

🍻 6. Don’t Treat Every Night Like Spring Break

Yes, hostels can be social.

Yes, a beer around the firepit is encouraged.

But don’t roll in drunk, scream in the hallways, or try to drag everyone to a bar crawl. Respect the space - and the people who came to sleep, not rage.

🕯️ Read the room. And know when to call it a night.

🧳 7. Don’t Leave Your Sh*t Everywhere

Your backpack? Cool.

All four of your bags, shoes, chargers, towel, and protein powder across every square foot of the dorm? Not cool.

Claim your bunk, stash your gear, and keep it tidy. You’re not the main character - we all paid for the same 3 feet of space.

💬 8. Don’t Overshare (or Undershare)

Hostels are social, yes - but consent matters.

Don’t trauma-dump on strangers who just wanted toast. Don’t force convos in the kitchen. But also? Don’t ghost everyone and act like you’re staying in a silo.

Be warm. Be curious. Be aware.

🧭 Final Rule: Don’t Forget We’re All Just Passing Through

Hostels work because we choose to trust strangers.

So be the kind of traveler who makes it easier for the next one - not harder.

Kindness is currency. Quiet is a gift.

And every bunk you sleep in has a story before you and after you.