Hostel dorm etiquette: 10 rules every traveller should know

It's cozy, it's communal, and... it's not always private. But that's also what makes it so easy to connect—which is why it pays to follow standard hostel dorm room etiquette and not accidentally violate the unspoken code of being the worst roommate ever. Most people get it. Some… learn it the hard way. Whether you're a first-time backpacker or someone who's been on the road long enough to have strong opinions about locker locks, here's your crash course in how to not make enemies while paying budget-traveller prices.

1. No one asked to smell that

Let's start simple: Don't leave dirty clothing items out to dry in common spaces. No one needs to walk into the dorm after a long day of travel to smell your swampy socks or dank hiking shirt. Hostels almost always have clothes lines or laundry rooms, and if not, laundromats are common businesses in most towns that attract travellers. Use those. And if you're not doing laundry while on the move, keep dirty gear in a pillow case or linen bag and pack it away. These belong in your personal zone, not the shared one.

2. Respect the AM and PM quiet hours (seriously)

This one is a classic, and if you're new to the backpacking scene, this may be the first time you're hearing it: avoid rustling bags or being noisy early in the morning. And for the love of all travellers, silence that alarm clock that never ends. Repacking your bag super early in the morning before check-out isn't the move. Zipping zippers is a no. Hitting snooze five times is *definitely* not cool. If you're heading out for a sunrise shuttle, prep your bag the night before. And the same goes for nightlife people: if you know you'll be stumbling back late, have your toothbrush and PJs ready so you're not waking anyone as you locate these essentials.

3. Keep the late-night chaos… not in the dorm

The late-night deep chats are for pubs and club bathrooms only. If others are sleeping, keep talking outside the room. That's true whether you're settling in after an all-day bus ride or returning after the hostel pub crawl. Head to a common space or patio outside instead. Many hostels have bars, lounges, or kitchens specifically so people can wind down there. When you enter the dorm late at night, assume someone is asleep even if you don't see them. 

4. Leave no trace

Before you wander out for the day, make like a hiker and leave no trace. Don't leave behind a bag that looks like it was hit by a tornado—or a half-empty takeout container sitting open. (Ick!) During your stay, think of others' needs for a clean and organized space. When you leave, be mindful of housekeeping: some hostels ask you to take your linens off, others don't. There's usually signage or front desk guidance to avoid confusion.

5. Clothing optional? Absolutely not

Sigh. This might seem obvious, but there's always one offender. So here's a reminder that dorm rooms are not clothing optional. Pants are the social contract. 

6. Where you put your bag says a lot about you

Be mindful of where you place your bags, especially if you're not exactly a light traveller. Yes, you'll usually have lockers, but if your bag needs to live on the floor for whatever reason, don't block walkways, someone else's bed, or take up half the room. Actually, spatial awareness will go far in many areas of travel, so being more self-aware now will pay off later. 

7. Shared airspace: keep it fresh

Backpackers are known for being low-maintenance travellers. And we love a dusty backpack. But dorm life is close-quarters, and the air is… communal. A bit of cleanliness and reasonably clean clothes go a long way for everyone sharing the room. Oh, and one more thing: maybe don't overdo the Axe body spray in the dorm room. (Or just do society a favour and throw that one out for good.) If the scent is strong enough that it even has a chemical aftertaste for your dorm mates, you've gone way too far.

8. Lights off? Leave them off

One of the fastest ways to earn the entire room's wrath is by turning on the lights when people are sleeping. (And at 2 am, you can forget about Canadian politeness.) This is especially important if the dorm room bunks don’t have curtains. Pack a headlamp (which will come in handy in many circumstances) or use your phone flashlight. 

9. Share the outlets (and the shower)

Hogging the wall outlets used to be a bigger issue before everyone had their own portable chargers, but it still happens. Even if beds have their own plug, be considerate when you're using the communal ones. Same principle for bathrooms: if the dorm has only one shower, maybe don’t take a 30-minute everything shower while the group of hikers who just returned to the hostel waits in cold gear. 

10. A friendly hello can go a long way

If you're feeling social and chatty and want to say hello to your dorm mates, go for it! A lot of people will be eager to know the basics: where you're from, what's on the itinerary, and where you're going. That small talk can be a great way to find a new meaningful connection or a new friend to split taxi fares and drink specials with. Who knows, maybe you'll even get a dinner invite once you're settled into your space. At the same time, if you're feeling drained or introverted, you don't owe anyone an interaction or exchange. You do you.