Dorm Etiquette – How to Make Friends (Not Assholes)

My Midwestern roots make me very sensitive to politeness. This is a disease. I've been known to take my backpack out into the hallways while people are sleeping so I don't disturb anyone.

There are a lot of unwritten rules of hotel etiquette, and after a few weeks in a hotel, you start to notice some of the annoying/rude things people do. I think most “violations” can be chalked up to a lack of experience in dorm life, but there are some basic rules that every dorm person should be aware of.

The unwritten rules of dorm life

Here are Smart Backpacker’s unwritten rules for being a good hostel-goer.

wash your own dishes

Hotels with kitchens are great, but many people just leave dirty dishes in the sink. That's not cool. Even if you only use the cup, wash it. It only takes 2 minutes so no excuses.

Pick up your trash as soon as possible

When I have to check out early, I always get everything ready and take a shower the night before. I make sure everything is packed and I have clothes ready for the next day. The next morning I got dressed, hid my pajamas, and five minutes later I was out of the room. I tried to stay quiet. This concept is lost on many people. There's nothing more annoying than someone spending 30 minutes loudly packing all their belongings at 5am.

The next morning I got dressed, hid my pajamas, and five minutes later I was out of the room. I tried to stay quiet. This concept is lost on many people. There's nothing more annoying than someone spending 30 minutes loudly packing all their belongings at 5am.

Please turn off the lights when you are late

Every hotel has that asshole who breaks into the room at 3am and turns on the lights. Most rooms aren't completely dark, so just take 30 seconds to let your eyes adjust to the light before you find your bed. Or use a keychain flashlight or cell phone light.

No parties are allowed in the dormitory

The dormitory is not for drinking, it is for sleeping. Almost every hotel has a room for parties. Put it out there.

Everything is fine after 8 a.m.

Article 37 of the Geneva Convention states – If it is after 8am you must not get angry with people packing their bags/getting ready for the day. In our humble opinion, people are free to do whatever they want after 8am, so don't be mad about being hungover. When you stay in a hotel, there is no such thing as sleeping in.

Plastic bags suck

For some reason, around 1 to 8 a.m., plastic bags are about 100 times louder. Every wrinkle goes straight to your brain. Unfortunately, many people put all their trash in various plastic bags. Please keep plastic bags during the day.

snoring

If you snore, sleep on your side. Tell your roommates that if you start snoring, they can just hit you with a pillow. If you snore loudly, get your own room.

Don't monopolize the heater

A radiator is a great place to dry towels/wet clothes, but try not to occupy it all day. Instead, don't just throw people's towels on the floor when you want to use the heater, fold them neatly and put them somewhere.

Minimize whispering at night

Late night whispers are no better than normal speech. This is not the time for a deep philosophical discussion.

Alarm clock

Most people use their cell phones as alarm clocks. This is not a problem. But please don't hide your phone deep in your bag, because it's very annoying to spend 5 minutes scrolling through your phone when the alarm goes off. Make sure to keep your phone within easy reach. Related note: No napping.

Loud drunkard

It's okay to get drunk, but don't talk loudly about drunken things at the bar.

Don't take over the bathroom

In, out. Enough said.

Don't eat other people's food

Just because something is in the refrigerator doesn't mean anyone can eat it. Stealing other people's wine is taboo.

dirty clothes

I really have nothing against people drying laundry in their rooms – but limit it to your bed. I really don’t want to deal with your dirty socks hanging in the bathroom and sink.

Don't limit yourself to your own group

Traveling with friends is great, but make an effort to talk to other people. Make solo travelers feel welcome. In my experience, it's frustrating to walk into a dorm room and find a group of friends who completely ignore your existence.

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How to become a hostel hero

Okay, enough of the negatives. Let’s talk about ways to make friends while staying in a hotel.

Talk to solo travelers

If you are traveling in a group, you should make every effort to talk to solo travelers. As someone who often travels alone, I always like when groups make an effort to invite me in because talking to a group of old friends can be intimidating.

Make an effort to introduce yourself

One of the best ways to meet new people is to simply introduce yourself. I know this sounds simple, but I know I am guilty of doing this.

Put down the phone

Put down your phone and connect with other travelers.

Buy (cheap) beer

Everyone will like you if you give them free beer. That’s why I buy a case of cheap beer and hand it out at dinner time. This is the best 10 euros you can spend.

Organize group meals

If your hotel has a kitchen and you can cook, then you should try to organize a meal. Let everyone pitch in a little money and cook a big meal. Even something as simple as pasta is a great choice.

Bring a power strip

Hotels never seem to have enough electrical outlets – especially since everyone travels with a lot of electronics. pack one travel power strip You will become a hero. this Power strip with USB port Very cool.