Ooookayyyyyyyy..... so you’re leaving hearth, home and your mom to make your brave way in the world. To make it worse you are heading for that den of iniquity - THE HOSTEL!!!
But seriously, when we enter the hallowed halls of a hostel, we are usually away from home for the first time. We are also terribly homesick. So, to make yourself feel more at home, it’s advisable to take a few things with you, which made your house a home. It should make you feel better when you are feeling most homesick.
Now, if you’re lucky, your hostel is attached to a canteen that makes the most amazing food in the world. Or (let’s get to the real world here), you may need to eat somewhere else once in a while to remain human. Make sure you know the restaurants in the nearby radius which serve food to your liking, and which is within your meager budget.
Other things you need to know are (more important actually, but I LOVE food) the names and addresses of provision stores (to buy your daily necessaries) and a doctor or a hospital (in case you slip in the bathroom and break your head). Stock some essential medicines for those pesky colds, aches and general illnesses. It’s also important to keep some food in the hostel, for that impromptu midnight snack, when you are studying for that petrifying exam! Keep food that does not spoil easily.
Travel is one of the important aspects. You need to know the bus/train routes to your college, and to the hotspots you want to visit. If you have a vehicle, you are one lucky hombre! Make sure you also know those parts of town you don’t want to be caught in!
Your daily housekeeping needs are usually taken care of by the hostel staff (plumbing, electricity, etc). If it isn’t, know where you can contact these important people as well.
If you are a book or music lover (which most of us are), take some of your favourite books and CDs with you, to get you past the first few days when you don’t know anyone from Adam (or Eve, if you prefer). If you are an extrovert, you shouldn’t face this problem at all. If you aren’t, then try to mix with your hostel-mates, as this could be one of the most rewarding periods of your life.
Okay, I think I have covered most aspects of hostel life. If there is anything I’ve missed, feel free to add your bit.
And to the persons out there who are moving to a hostel soon, HAVE A BLAST!