packing for hostel tips101

 

🏠 Hostel Life 101: Real Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) Far from Home

If you’re about to step into hostel life, let me tell you something straight from the heart:
It’s not going to be easy.
But it’s going to change you — in ways you never imagined.

I’m not writing this as an expert.
I’m just a regular girl from Kerala who moved to Chennai, away from family, comfort, and familiarity.
I’ve cried quietly on some nights.
I’ve laughed like crazy with my roommates.
And I’ve learned some hard and beautiful lessons.

Here are my real, unfiltered tips to help you survive — and maybe even enjoy — hostel life 💌

1. Don’t Expect a Warm Welcome — Create It Yourself

The first day won’t be like a movie.
No one’s going to hand you a welcome kit and hug you like a sister.
You’ll walk into a room full of strangers. Some might smile. Most won’t.

It’s okay.

Take your time. Unpack slowly. Decorate your space with photos or fairy lights.
Make your bed feel like your corner of the world.
You’ll settle in — not on Day 1, but you will.

2. Keep a Routine — Even When No One’s Watching

You’ll have no Amma waking you up or checking if you ate properly.
And that’s dangerous — because you might stop caring too.

“Don’t be unproductive. Do your daily routines correctly — even if there’s no one to supervise you like your Amma does.”

That’s one thing I learned the hard way.
Get up. Eat. Bathe. Show up for your classes.
Do it for yourself, not because anyone’s forcing you to.

3. Pack Smart — You Won’t Get a Walk-In Closet Here

Here’s the truth:
You won’t get much space.
My cupboard was tiny. I didn’t even get a personal study table.
So please don’t bring your whole house.

Pack these instead:

  • Bedsheet, pillow, small blanket

  • Flip flops + basic shoes

  • Extension board (a LIFESAVER)

  • Small medicine kit (with ORS, paracetamol, pad/tampon stash)

  • Basic utensils (plate, spoon, mug)

  • Lock + key (hostels aren’t fairytale lands)

  • Carry a kettle if your hostel allows it — for hot water, Maggie, green tea, or even just a warm cup of comfort during those gloomy days

Don’t try to overpack — bring the essentials that give you independence.

4. Don’t Judge Your Roommates Too Fast

One of my roommates was from Karnataka, one from Andaman, one from Tamil Nadu.
Different languages. Different mindsets.
At first, I thought they were rude.
Later, I realised... they were just shy. Or nervous. Just like me.

Now we laugh together, fight over fan speed, and share food like sisters.

Give people time. They’re figuring things out too.

5. Make a Comfort Kit (This Saves You Emotionally)

This is personal but important.
Have a small bag or box with things that feel like home.

Mine had:

  • A shawl Amma gave me

  • Instant coffee sachets

  • My childhood photo with my dog

  • Some snacks

  • A diary where I rant to myself

When you’re having a bad day, this kit helps you hold on.

6. You’ll Miss Home Food — A LOT

Hostel mess food is okay on some days. Horrible on others.
Some days I just didn’t eat.
Now I’ve learned to adjust:

  • Carry pickles or instant noodles

  • Buy fruits sometimes

  • Drink a lot of water

  • And NEVER skip breakfast (even if it’s just a banana)

7. You Will Cry. And You Will Be Okay.

Whether it’s on day 1 or day 13, it’ll hit you.
That ache in your chest when you miss your mom. That lump in your throat when you’re alone after college.

I cried.
I got dizzy from anxiety. I threw up once because of homesickness.
I even took leave on Day 2 of college just to stay at my cousin’s house.

So what?

You’ll heal. You’ll get stronger.
You’ll learn to carry your sadness without letting it sink you.

8. You’ll Grow Without Realizing

From laundry to friendship fights, from budgeting to self-discipline — hostel life teaches you everything school never did.

You’ll learn to:

  • Fix your mood without your mom

  • Say no without guilt

  • Stand up for yourself when things feel unfair

  • Cherish little acts of kindness

🪞Final Words: This Life Will Change You

Hostel life is not for the weak —
but you’re not weak.

You’re growing. Every single day.

So if you feel scared, lost, or overwhelmed — you’re not alone.
We’ve all been there.
And trust me, one day you’ll look back and feel proud of the person you became here.

Until then —
Wake up. Make your bed.
Take care of your mind. Eat your meals.
And give yourself time.

You got this. And I got you 💌

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