This post contains affiliate links through which I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you—that’s just me funding my next hostelly adventure. Now, let’s get you through those dorm nights in one piece.

Why You’ll Love (and Sometimes Loathe) Dorm Life

Staying in a hostel dorm can feel a bit like auditioning for a reality show: you’re thrown together with strangers from around the world, you share a bathroom that may or may not have hot water, and everybody has an opinion about the bunk-bed hierarchy. But it’s also one of the cheapest ways to meet people, swap travel tips, and laugh until you realise 2 am isn’t bedtime in every time zone.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, I always book through Hostelworld. Their filters for female-only dorms, ensuite bathrooms, or top-rated kitchens are lifesavers. If you’d rather go private, try Booking.com for a room that won’t ruin your wallet.

Packing Essentials: Less Is More (But Don’t Forget These)

1. Good ear plugs and a comfy eye mask
Trust me, the snorer from Croatia and the 5 am alarm clock choir need some soundproofing.
2. A quality padlock
Hostels may provide lockers, but they won’t supply the lock. Splurge on a combination-style one—you’ll avoid losing keys.
3. Quick-dry towel and toiletries pouch
A microfibre towel that folds small and zips into its own bag is non-negotiable. Pop into Amazon AU for decent travel-size bottles and a hanging toiletries bag.
4. Power bank and multi-plug adapter
When outlets are scarce and your phone’s despairing, portable juice is everything. Pro tip: pick an adapter with multiple USB ports—you’ll make friends fast.
5. Refillable water bottle
Clean, collapsible and ideally with a filter. Hydration equals happiness (and avoids questionable hostel tap water).

Scouting the Right Dorm: Size, Gender and Vibes

Not all dorms are created equal. Here’s what to consider:

• Dorm size
Smaller rooms (4–6 people) usually mean less noise and fewer midnight hallway parades. Large dorms can feel like a festival but often at the cost of privacy.
• Gender policy
Some people swear by mixed dorms for meeting new mates; I prefer female-only (no one’s ogling in the shower). Use Hostelworld’s filters to sort it out.
• Ensuite bathroom
Yes, it’s a few extra bucks—but you’ll thank yourself on those groggy, “why is the sink dripping?” mornings.

Top vs Bottom Bunk: Choose Your Fate

There’s an eternal debate. Here are the pros and cons:

• Top bunk
+ Pros: Less foot traffic, you feel like the hostel’s queen of the skies.
+ Cons: Ladder climbs at 3 am, near-death experience every time you twist in your sleep.
• Bottom bunk
+ Pros: No ladder, instant access to your stuff under the bed.
+ Cons: People will walk over you to plug in, above-bed privacy is minimal.

Personally, I opt for bottom bunks when I’m tired, top bunks when I’m feeling sprightly (and have had enough coffee to bind my limbs).

Security and Smooth Sailing

Dorm rooms can be safe, but you need a little strategy:

• Lock it down
Use that trusty padlock on your locker. A tip: store valuables in a hidden pouch in your luggage as a backup.
• Travel insurance
For peace of mind, I always carry cover. I’ve been recommending World Nomads for adventurous spirits—they understand that “overenthusiastic hostel mattress jumping” can happen.
• Keep copies
Scan your passport, insurance info and any important documents to your email. If you lose your phone or wallet, you’ll thank yourself.

Respectful Dorm Etiquette

Dorm life runs smoothly if everybody follows a few simple rules:

1. Lights out (or at least dimmed) by 11 pm
2. Use headphones for music or Netflix binges
3. Quietly stash/unpack in the bunk area
4. Clean up your breakfast dishes promptly
5. Knock, don’t barge—especially on bathroom doors

When you follow these, you earn an instant nod of respect from other guests.

Staying Healthy on the Road

Hostel dorms can be germ magnets, so:

• Hand sanitiser is your friend.
• Wipe down bunk railings and shared surfaces with a travel-size disinfectant wipe.
• Stay on top of your sleep—even if you’re tempted to party until dawn, aim for at least six hours.
• Eat a balanced meal—hostel cafes may be cheap, but groceries and cooking in the communal kitchen will keep your immune system happy.

Making Friends (and Potentially Avoiding That One Weird Roommate)

Hostel lobbies are social hotspots. Here’s how to maximise your chances of meeting fellow travellers:

• Join communal dinners or pub crawls organised by the hostel.
• Post a sticky note on the notice board if you’re heading out: “Coffee at 10 am, kitchen table. All welcome.”
• Use local-tour booking sites like GetYourGuide to find walking tours, snorkelling trips or pub crawls—then invite your new mates.
• Keep your phone accessible in the common area; people often ping you with group invites.

But if you’re not feeling the vibe, politely excuse yourself and find a quiet corner.

Dealing with the Unavoidable: Snorers, Night Owls and Early Birds

When the snorer next door starts their nightly solo concert, have these on hand:

• Ear plugs (yes, again—never enough).
• White noise app or soothing sleep playlist.
• A flexible eye mask that blocks out reading-light fanatics.

If your bunk-mate blasts music at 6 am, politely chat to them or ask reception if there’s a lock-out policy (many hostels do).

Digital Essentials: Staying Connected

Wi-Fi in hostels can be hit-and-miss. To avoid cabin-fever moments:

• Grab a local eSim from Airalo for cheap data on your phone.
• Keep a backup hotspot or travel SIM just in case.
• Download offline maps and language apps—Google Maps offline or Lingopie for quick phrase-learning.

When to Upgrade: Knowing Your Limits

Dorms are fabulous, but sometimes you need a little me-time. Upgrade to a private room if:

• You’ve had three straight nights of Casper-like mattress springs squeaking.
• You’re nursing a nasty cold and need solitude.
• You’re working or sleeping on a tight schedule.

Hostelworld and Booking.com often have great last-minute deals on privates—even places with ensuite bathrooms (yes, really).

Quick Checklist Before You Check Out

• Gather all your bits and bobs—check under the bunk and in the locker.
• Wipe down your bunk area (small pay-it-forward moment).
• Leave a friendly note on the board if you enjoyed the place.
• Check your rating and reviews on Hostelworld—good reviews help everyone out.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s your first dorm experience or you’ve done the 16-bed special too many times to count, these tips should help you survive—and actually enjoy—dorm life. Hostels are more than just cheap beds; they’re your gateway to off-beat friends, midnight kitchen jams and stories you’ll laugh about for years.

Don’t forget to book through Hostelworld (it’s my go-to), grab insurance through World Nomads, and stock up on those ear plugs. Now go on—get at that dorm life and make some memories.

Safe travels (and sweet dreams)!
— Mikki, your hostel-hopping mate from Down Under