In this article, I will talk about all the basic stuff you will need while staying in a hostel. Moving into a hostel can be less than thrilling and being clueless as to what to pack can add to the misery, but don't worry I got your back. This list will guide you through.
Introduction
Hostel. Ugh! I hate that word. I dread that word. Alright, alright, some find living in a hostel enjoyable and even delightfully memorable. Not me though. Staying in a hostel can be a nightmare or a pleasure or it can be something in the middle.
Regardless of whether you like joining a hostel or not, whether your experience exceeds or fails your expectations eventually, you should be equipped with the following paraphernalia to survive the ordeal, erm, I mean, hostel.
The basics
Bath and Self-care essentials
Water bucket
Water jug
Soap box
Soap
Shampoo
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Carpets/ Door mats
Towels
Comb/ Hair brush
Mirror
Ear buds
Hair oil
House slippers
Nail clipper
Hand towels
Hand wash
Sanitary pads
Bed essentials
Bedsheets/ covers
Blanket
Pillow
Pillow covers
Sleep mask
First aid essentials
Sterile cotton
Sterile gauze of various sizes
Plasters of various sizes
Painkillers that you commonly use at the discretion of your doctor
Tweezers
Scissors-have one dedicated for first aid
Band aids
Alcohol-free cleansing wipes
Antiseptics
Thermometer
Skin rash cream
Burn cream
Anti-repellant cream/ spray
Anti-histamines
Distilled water
Anti-emetics
Other medicines prescribed by your doctor
Closet essentials
Hangers
Sweater
Laundry essentials
Laundry detergent
Clothes brush
Laundry bag
Clothesline
Clothes clips/ pegs
Cooking essentials
Induction stove
Pans and Pots
Ladles
Knife
Spoons and forks
Grater
Dish detergent
Dish scrub
Plates
Water glasses
Tiffin/ Lunch boxes
Security essentials
Lock pad and keys for your room, closet, and suitcases/ luggage bags
Keychain-It is better to have a number combination lock pad, so you don't have to worry about carrying keys every time you step out of your room. Let us be honest; we always forget the keys.
Stationary essentials
Stationery comes in handy; it always does. When should not be a question.
Pens
Pencils
Erasers
Sharpeners
Glue/ Glue stick
Stapler
Stapler pins
Scissors
Cellophane tape
A small notepad-to note down laundry details in case you have laundry services. You can also use some notes app on your phone.
Pandemic essentials
Facemask
Hand sanitizer
Disinfectant spray for surfaces
Miscellaneous
Multipurpose-use storage containers-small and big
Wallet
Handbag
Stationary holders
Fevikwik-Come on, now. Don't tell me you never used it in the most unexpected turn of events.
Small storage trays to keep you room keys/ frequently used hair accessories
Other stuff you might need
Deodorant
Mouth wash/ rinse
Dental floss
Tongue scrapper
Fabric softener
Tissues
Moisturizer
Sunscreen
Dehumidifier of some kind
Pedestal fan
Closet fresheners
Bathroom fresheners
Room fresheners
Shelf liner
Self-adhesive hooks/ tape to hang up the stuff that reminds you of sweet home
Depending on whether you are staying in a school or college hostel, you may not need some of these things. Some hostels provide some of these things like water buckets/ jugs and keys to closets and laundry services. Make sure to check in with your hostel administrator about whether electrical items such as induction stoves are allowed and what all will be provided by the hostel.
If you would like to cook yourself a delicious meal in your room, check out my easy one dish recipe.
I hope everyone has a good hostel life and I wish everyone the best. Let me know in the comments below if you would add anything else. Also, what is something you didn't realize you needed until that one moment?
I remember that during my PG, I was staying in a rented room and had a small kitchenette attached to it and I had more and less the same inventory as mentioned by the author in this article. The only difference was that I had a kerosene stove for cooking purposes.
The author has not left out any article to be packed so that I can add on to it. A very elaborated list of items has been given by the author.
I stayed in a hostel for about 2 years during my Post Graduation. But the hostel is the university hostel where food need not be cooked by the student and hostels are providing food also. So I never carried those items required for cooking to my hostel room. The university hostel was having a first aid center and all the items mentioned by the author were available in that center and there was no necessity for me to pack them while going to the hostel.
As mentioned by the author, hostel life is not very encouraging and food may not be as per our expectations and we have to compromise and manage.
The author did a fantastic job by listing the required packing list. Normally I do the packing in my own way. I imagine each situation starting from when I get up in the morning. What do I need when I get up in the morning? I list all of them down. For example, brush, toothpaste, towel at the time of taking bath, clothes to wear after bathing, belts, perfumes, shoes and socks. This was part one. If I have to visit some place after that, I think about the travel list for that city. This is my way to pack the things. This helps us not to forget any important items while traveling.
I remember that during my PG, I was staying in a rented room and had a small kitchenette attached to it and I had more and less the same inventory as mentioned by the author in this article. The only difference was that I had a kerosene stove for cooking purposes.