Hostels are an affordable way to accommodate your travel expenses, but we have realized a lot of our students come to Costa Rica with zero experience staying in them. Inexperienced hostel guests tend to be a little nervous and even apprehensive to partake, but have no fear! Follow our 6 tips to make the best of your hostel stay!
1 - Be nice to the staff.
Whether it’s the cleaning or front desk staff, you should take heed to keep your interactions with the hostel workers polite and respectful. Ask questions and be patient, but try not to demand anything or get too expressive when upset. These people are in control of your stay, and you want them on your side! When the hostel staff is friendly with you, it’s easier to get access to benefits like late check out or cheap or free facility rentals.
Activities During the TEFL Course
2 - Protect your belongings.
Most hostels have lockers that you can use or rent to lock up your valuable belongings, so make use of that service! We recommend keeping your passport, debit cards, extra cash, cell phone, camera and other valuables in the safe whenever you are not using them, even if you are in a private room that is locked. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
3 - Clean up after yourself.
Due to the nature of hostel living (many people sharing spaces, including the kitchen, bathrooms and showers), they can get pretty grimy quite quickly. Do your part to keep things as clean and organized as possible. If you use the kitchen, wash everything and wipe down the surfaces. If you order food and eat in the common area, throw away all of the trash and clean up the area. When using the bathroom, try to get water everywhere. Every little bit helps.
4 - Wear flip flops. All the time.
As already mentioned, hostels often get messy and dirty in a hurry. To avoid things like athlete’s foot, you should keep your flip flops on at all times: in the shower, in the sleeping rooms, in the common areas, everywhere.
5 - Don’t play your music in the room.
Although it seems like common sense to most of us, it apparently isn’t for everyone. Just because you love your music doesn’t mean anyone else wants to listen to it. Be considerate and wear headphones when listening to your music in the shared sleeping rooms. Most hostel guests would probably agree that you shouldn’t play your guitar in the dorm rooms either. Even if you are very talented and no one says anything, they probably don’t want to hear you play. Go outside to one of the common areas, and it’s still a good idea to ask if everyone is ok with you playing. This common courtesy rules applies for taking on the phone too! In the same vein, don’t be the early morning packer that crinkles plastic bags when everyone else is still sleeping. Annoying, insanely annoying.
Taylor's Take on the 4-week TEFL Course
6 - Get used to sleeping with noise and the lights on.
Some hostels don’t have “lights out” rules, and those who do usually set a late hour. Therefore, it’s important that you are able to sleep with plenty of noise or even the lights on. Consider bringing earplugs and a sleep mask. Both items are small (won’t take up much luggage space) and can be purchased at all price ranges! You won’t regret it.
Staying in a hostel is just one part of all of the incredible memories you will make while you are taking your TEFL course in Costa Rica! Contact us today to register!
