Author: Travel Guruji

Hostels which are also called dormitories (dorms) are generally where students take up accommodation whilst they are in college or university. These hostels or dorms have certain etiquette and disciplines which everyone would need to follow to ensure that it is kept in good condition always.

It is only when some do not maintain these requirements that issues arise and friction start to take root. It’s an effort on everyone’s part to ensure these traditions are maintained and only then there would be peace and harmony all around. 

There are some dorms in the United States where travelers who happen to stay the night over could take a bed and sleep over. These are common in University premises for students to live together and also ensure that they have the opportunity to study undisturbed.

There are some salient issues that have been overlooked by many who take refuge in these dorms and cause trouble for others. It is this indiscipline that has to be curtailed for the good of the majority if not there wouldn’t be dorms for everyone in the future.

The other problem is that most of the students who use the dorms are going about their ways by not having issues. If this important aspect cannot be achieved that the whole purpose is lost and students would leave their respective institutions without the qualifications.  

There could be from two or many beds which would depend on the size of the dorm and could be either single placed on the floor or bunks. These are affordable accommodation hence the younger generation who are on the threshold of their lives would use them and are also quite popular among them. It is necessary to respect others who are in the dorm and if you could do that then there could not have a problem.

Dorms have been in use for some years now but it has become a place where problems have cropped up from recently. This may be a problem with the society that we live and with so much violence there is bound for some of them filtering down to the young too.

If there are repeat offenders then a round of therapy from a medical point of the issue could tackle the problem. There are issues as most of the younger generation could be lazy and also callous in their attitude as to how they should use their area of responsibility and conduct themselves.

The younger generation would need to take more responsibility and act if not there could issues outside when they grow up. There could be issues of how they would behave with decorum and ensure that some discipline is instilled in them and by not being a nuisance to others.

It may be a difficult thing to keep peace with everyone but it has to be done at any cost especially to maintain a harmonious atmosphere. It is not that they don’t know what is expected of them but there are some who have an anti-establishment mentality and it is they who are the in-disciplined and create problems.

They are very aggressive and if you try to bring about some sort of indiscretion matters could get out of hand and issues aggravated. There could be mixed genders too in some dorms which would be limited to separate rooms but still the problems created by a few could upset the equilibrium in the dorm creating unnecessary friction.

We look at what the do’s and don’ts, that are relevant to living in dorms and also to conduct a very much disciplined and conducive environment for everyone who would be in the dorm.

Drunken behavior is a very common issue which is the root cause of all the problems and the noisy atmosphere would not be suitable to take a much need rest.

Keeping the room unclean is another issue. Some people do not clean the room in a hostel. They think that someone will do the task for them. And soon they will find out that the room is smelly or dirty. That creates a problem for some people. 

Even with many inherent problems, the dorm concept is still popular due to its affordability and also the convenience.

The toilets are generally outside from the dorm rooms and every effort should be made to ensure that they are kept clean.

The toilets should also be carefully maintained and any damage rectified immediately.

If you are in a dorm for one night, then leave as early as possible if not there would be a rush, when it dawns, especially for the use of the toilets.

#. DO”S

• Keep the area limited to you always clean

• Have a monthly meeting of all members within the dorm

• Appoint a committee to ensure that the dorm is run smoothly

• Keep your voice down at all times

• Refrain from consuming alcohol within the dorm

• Keep the common kitchen clean

• Ensure all waste /garbage is responsibly disposed

• Switch off electricity when not needed   

 #. DO NOT

• Refrain from consuming alcohol in the dorm.

• Place garbage in the appropriate bin

• Do not strew garbage all over because

• Don’t waste water and electricity.

• Don’t smoke inside the dorm

• Refrain from bringing plastic bags

• Do not have parties n the dorm because

• Do not litter and ensure it is placed in the appropriate bin

• Do not break any utensils or damage property

Conclusion

Dorms are great places to build friendships and camaraderie and there are many relations that have lasted the test of time.

Dorms are very convenient to everyone but they need to be used in the appropriate manner and kept clean at all times.

These Dorms are ideal for students to work undisturbed and with others too, along with them  whom they could work the future looks bright.

So take up a place in a Hostel or Dorm and build the first steps of a pleasant career because this may be the place that all you young men would start learning the intricacies of life.

Read Myths about staying in hostels

Read Common Backpacker Illnesses And Diseases

The term hostels remind us of the good old days in college when students used to stay together. And many of us never thought that we would get that experience again.

For youngsters who haven’t traveled much, the first thought that may come about staying in a hostel is “Will it be safe to stay with strangers ?”.  As an experienced traveler, I would say that staying in a hostel is one of wisest thing one can DO.

Here are some common perceptions about staying in a hostel.

They are not safe

This is one of the common perceptions of staying in a hostel. People will tell you do not stay with strangers in an unknown location. This is just a perception. The reality is quite different.

I have stayed in hostels in Cambodia and many other countries and I find it totally safe. People in hostels are fun loving and good. Today’s hostels are equipped with good staff and security cameras and that makes it even safer.

There may be theft

This is another perception people have. The reality is quite different. Most hostels have lockers for keeping the stuff safely. Moreover, the hostels have security cameras in all major areas. This prevents easy theft.

Hostels are only for young people

This is not true always. Even seniors stay in hotels. Firstly, it is super cheap and secondly, people get a chance to meet various people. But for budget travelers with a few adjustment hostels can really save a lot of money. 

Hostels are not clean

Although dirtiness is not ruled out, most hostels in tourist locations are well maintained. The best advice I can give is to read reviews before booking a hostel. Reviews can say a lot about the cleanliness of the property.  When I stayed in Lub D Siam Hostel,  that property had the policy of cleaning the rooms on a daily basis.

Sharing a mixed room can be awkward

Sharing a mixed room might seem awkward in a very conservative country. But in many open and semi-conservative countries, there are mixed dorms. Most co-ed dorms do have separate bathrooms and toilets. And that makes it easy for everyone to stay comfortably.

People can’t sleep well

The main point in staying in shared accommodation is to save money while you travel. No doubt there will be a little disturbance from fellow roommates. With a bit of adjustment, people can sleep well. If you want to sleep more an earplug can be used or you ask your fellow mates to lower the tone of their voice.  

Today’s hostels have air con, a designated lobby area with sofas, TV’s and, Wi-Fi’s much to the delight of its residents.  If you are searching for a GREAT  hostel in Bangkok, you can try this property. Lub D Bangkok Siam Hostel

Read Hostel Etiquette