Staying in a Hostel: Tips and Tricks

Having spent quite a bit of time in hostels and hotels lately I thought I would but together a list of some of the most helpful tips I've discovered.  If there's something I should add, feel free to let me know.

• You're going to want earplugs and a sleep mask.  You may think you sleep through everything but there's always going to be someone that gets up earlier than you or goes to bed later than you.  There's always going to be that one person that gets up in the middle of the night or the bathroom across the hall with the really loud hand dryers.  You might end up with the bunk next to the east-facing window or the one directly under the overhead light.
• Even if you're travelling within your own country you're going to want one of those gadgets that split to allow you to plug more than one item into a socket at a time.  Power outlets are at a premium in most hostels.  If you're travelling internationally make sure you have at least one adapter, and a voltage converter if you need one.
• If you're depending on the availability of wifi, check with the hostel to see if there's wifi available in the rooms.  Hostels may list wifi as a provided amenity but this may only cover the common area or lounges.
• There may or may not be tvs and computers for use in the common areas of the hostel so make sure you bring your own entertainment to fill your down time.
• Pack lightly.  Many hostels have luggage storage in the room, but space is limited often to a locker beneath a bed.  If you're comfortable stashing luggage in the corner of your room this may be allowed, but a lot of places charge extra for storing larger or excess luggage.
• If you prefer to sleep in a certain environment plan ahead.  Pack extra clothes, a blanket, or a sheet if you're liable to be cold or like to sleep covered.  Pack a small fan if you're generally warm or like the white noise.
• Pack a lock.  Hostels may provide lockers in the room but they generally don't provide locks.
• Some hostels provide linens, towels, fans, bed side lamps, and hairdryers, others don't so make sure you double check before you book.
• Hostels unlike hotels don't provide toiletries make sure you pack your own or know where you can pick some up when you arrive.
• Pack flip flops or sandals.  You're going to want them for the shower and for bumming around the room.
• Particularly if you're travelling for an extended period of time you're going to want to have some shelf stable, easy to eat food on hand.  Not all hostels have kitchens and for those that do, "kitchen" is a subjective word.  If you're travelling for a shorter period of time or don't mind spending the time and money to eat out three times a day, you may be able to get away without stashing a quick meal or two in your bag, but it's still handy to have in case you decide on an impromptu picnic or the cafe you thought would be open is closed.  
• Another thing to keep in mind is the availability of breakfast in hostels, most serve either cereal or baked goods, some have further pay options to add other items to the menu, so make sure you know what you're getting into.
• Stake out local grocery stores and convenience stores either before you get there or when you first arrive.  You may not think you need them, but when you end up with a craving for kettle chips at midnight you'll be glad you know there's a store two buildings down the street.
• People in hostels are generally chatty.  The people you share a room with are liable to come and sit next to you at breakfast.  New people checking into a room are going to introduce themselves to you if you happen to be sitting in the room when they arrive.  Take a minute to talk with them, even if you're headed out.  You can learn a lot about other people and places, as well as the place you're visiting if you do.
• Be considerate.  This seems like an obvious thing, but part of successfully sharing a room with multiple people is paying it forward.  If you're the kind of person that likes to wear a lot of perfume or scented products put them on in a separate space or at least as far away from where everyone else is sleeping as possible.  Turn the volume on your phone down or put it on silent.  Bring a flashlight with you in case  you have to get up in the middle of the night or you're planning on coming or going while other people may be sleeping.
• Check with the staff about rules when you check in: can you eat in the rooms, is there a curfew or quiet  time, are there times when the bathrooms are closed for cleaning, what are the rules for food storage if there's kitchen space for you to use, find out when breakfast starts and ends.
• Be flexible with the timing of activities like showering or eating in the hostel restaurant if there is one.  Certain times of the day tend to be more crowded, you may have to wait a bit or it may take you longer to finish whatever it is you might want to do.  If you're planning on showering before you go out, shower a bit early, don't wait until the last minute.  Depending on the set up of the rooms, this could be more problematic in some places.
• Check reviews of hostels online or ask friends for recommendations.  Each hostel has its own personality and it’s worth it to take the time to find the one that best fits your needs.
• If you want particular accommodations, a particular bunk, a room on a particular floor, or one accessible by elevator make sure you mention this in your reservation.
• Some hostels have luggage storage for guests who arrive well before check in or have to check out before their transportation departs.  If this is something that interests you make sure to check and see if this is available.  Sometimes this service is free, other times it requires you to rent a locker which may require exact change.
• If you don't have a map of the city you're visiting most hostels will provide you with one or will have some sort of tourism related brochure that will have one.  Even if you have printed directions or are planning on depending on your phone for directions, you're still going to end up wanting a paper map as back up.  
• Take advantage of group events at the hostel or discount tickets they may be able to provide.  Some hostels provide guided tours or group events, others have movie nights, or pancakes for dinner on occasion.
• Travel with some amount of loose change.  It comes in handy for bus or cab fare, locker rentals and donations to museums and other places you may end up spending a rainy afternoon.