Everyone who’s been to college or university, at some point, has enjoyed the freedom of living on their own in hostels or dormitories. Moving out of your parent’s house and living on your own is always a daunting task at the outset. You have to let go of the luxuries of your house and survive on your own. This, at first, can seem like an impossible task and one that you might feel not up to. But once you get used to it, it always turns out to be the most memorable and fun time of your life. The friends you make or especially if you get a good roommate, are there for the rest of your life, and the time spent will always be cherished. Hostel life for beginners can be made a bit easy if they were to know what to do and what to have once there.
Bedding & Toiletries
When you move into a hostel, these two things should be the first ones on your essential items list. One writer from PapersHelm, shares his experience that you should have your own bedding and stuff; this includes your own sheets, blankets, pillows, and pillowcases. The hostel will give you these things, but if you have your own, this might give make you feel at home and help you settle in your new life. If you don’t cozy up quickly to your new environment, it might get a bit tough to concentrate on your academics.
When packing for the hostel, don’t forget to make a bag of your personal toiletries. This should include your shampoo, conditioner, soaps, toothbrush, and toothpaste. It’s good to have these items with you. First, it’s hygienic, and secondly, you don’t have to ask anyone for them because most students might not be open to the idea of sharing theirs.
Travel Bag and Portable Wardrobe
It’s not a big surprise, but hostilities love to travel since no one bounds them. So it’s good to have a small travel bag ready at all times. This should include your clothing, socks, undergarments, and some toiletries. It should also have travel chargers and a portable battery bank, so your phone or other electronics don’t run out of juice when you really need them.
According to the writers’ view who is a former QA analyst at PapersHelm, Try and buy one of those portable wardrobes or cupboards. This should hold all your casual and formal clothes and offers room for your shoes as well. Most hostels might not have cupboards or very small ones in the room, so this will keep your essential clothes in one place. Apart from that, it might give you and your clothes; some very much needed personal space. They can also hold your dirty clothes until they get washed and give an organized look to your room.
Personal Laptop and Electronics
When moving into a hostel, you should have your own laptop with you. Laptops are your best friends when you start living in a hostel. Apart from them being a source of entertainment and a good time pass, they will help you with your assignments and other papers. You don’t have to borrow it from your friend or roommate when you need it to submit that assignment, which will inevitably save you time and grades.
Essential electronics include an electric kettle and a stove. You will need them for sure and that too at very odd times. Late-night trying to write a paper or just studying for the finals, you will feel the urge to have a cup of coffee or tea, or your stomach will want some light snacks. Besides these two items, you should also carry headphones and an extra pair of chargers for your laptop and other handheld devices.
Study Table and Stationery
Study tables might not feel like an important item, but they definitely enhance your productivity when it comes to academics. If you have a dedicated area for studying or writing academic papers, it will put you in the right state of mind and keep you organized. It will keep all your books and papers in a single place, and you don’t have to look all over the room when looking for a specific book.
Having your personal stationery items will not distract your mind when you are deep in your study as you don’t have to borrow it over and over again. This could include pens, ball pens, erasers, highlighters, draft pads, and paper reams. Having your own personal area and stationery can put your mind at ease and help you be more productive.
Board Games and Snacks
You will not be studying or traveling all the time; mostly, you will be indoors and trying to pass some quality time. Take some board games with you when you first start living in hostels. They can include anything from chess to monopoly or simply a deck of playing cards. This is important not only for passing the time but making some new friends as well. It is one of the healthiest activities to get social acceptance and pass some quality time.
This is important to keep a personal stash of edibles that don’t need cooking or any other effort. Most students like to have snacks while studying or working on an assignment. Apart from this, students feel hungry at late nights when most of the eateries are closed or not reachable. So keeping a personal stash of edibles at all times might save you from those nasty hunger pangs.
Conclusion
Hostel life is one of the most important and memorable time in a student’s life. New friendships and relations that last a lifetime are formed. If you make some good friends, you might also travel the world with them during your vacations. But like most of the young people leaving their comfort zone is always a difficult thing but one that is a necessary one. If you are moving into a hostel, keep an open mind, and think of it as one of the most pleasant experiences and excellent memories that you will ever have in your life.
How’d you find these tips shared by writers from PapersHelm? Share in the comment section.
