At first the sound of dorms may seem exciting: so many friends to meet and night-time adventures to be had. Then the reality sets in and it’s 3am and that guy in the bed opposite you is snoring like a train. You finally manage to fall asleep and then loud, very loud, alarms start going off. You check the time and it’s only 5am! Suddenly dorms are not so fun..
While there is no denying dorms can be awesome, I have met many friends and had some incredible adventures some of which are highlights of my trip from dorms, they can also be super annoying. So when you feel like chucking a tanty because you can’t sleep and someone smells bad or snoring like a train, try my tested tips to get you through.
- Thick headband. I cannot sleep with ear-plugs in they drive me crazy! An alternative is to have a really thick headband you can wear to bed. It will help quiet any noise and is a lot more comfy!
- Night masks. They may look stupid but when there are no curtains and the sun is up at 5am those extra few hours of sleep can make a difference to your day.
- Take a bottom bunk. So much easier.
- Make friends with your roomies. As soon as you walk in, say hello to people introduce yourself and strike up a conversation. Don’t be shy, everyone in hostels wants to make friends.
- Go near the window. If it’s too cold, or too hot or the room smells funny, being near the window gives you control over it.
- Put your alarm on half volume. No-one likes being woken up for nothing, if you need an alarm don’t put it as loud as it can be. You’ll wake up if it’s under your pillow.
- Be as neat as possible! Keep your stuff packed away in a corner and small things on your bed – not the floor. It will encourage others to do the same and free up some room for people to walk around.
- Find something good. Go searching, look around – you never know what you’ll find. Rooftops are always a good place to start, just because your room isn’t flash doesn’t mean the view won’t be. Make your own food and enjoy a rooftop picnic.
My worst hostel experience was in Bergen. The room was fine but two of the guests snored like crazy! One would breathe in as the other would breathe out and vice versa. I didn’t sleep a wink that night. It was like two trains rolling in simultaneously.
What are your tips to get you through crowded hostel dorms?
madeleinecurby 