I know how exiting and nerve-wracking the first day in a hostel can be. This article will guide you through what to expect, how to prepare, and tips to make the most of your experience.
I’m glad to hear you’re interested in having a fun experience in hostels.
Right now, you’re probably already looking for a hostel. If that’s the case, you can check out the list of cities where I’ve shared my personal recommendations, or explore options suggested by our community - click here for more info.
But even if you’ve already booked your bed, you’re probably asking yourself: “What will it be like?” and “Where do I even start?”
That’s completely normal — don’t worry.
I’ll try to share my personal experience so it’s easier for you to understand what to do and how to behave.
Relax, make some tea, and take a couple of minutes to read this.
Please follow these 3 basic rules at all times:
The first thing you should do when you arrive at a hostel is say hello. Sounds simple, I know — but it’s the first bridge that creates minimal social contact. You’re no longer just strangers, you’re now “roommates who acknowledged each other.” Then, if you have the option to choose your bed, take a minute or two to walk around the room, look around, and pick the best available option. It’s important to immediately think in both directions:
These are actually some of the most basic strategic questions.
After choosing your spot, put your stuff down, sit on your bed, and casually observe your roommates.
I know at first it might feel like it doesn’t make sense, but actually - from how a person looks at you, how they lie in bed, their posture, movements, and even how their stuff are spread around - you can understand their basic vibe.
Not “friend or enemy,” but more like:
This will be useful later. And at this stage, you’ll probably already catch your eye on someone 🙂
After that, do your small things:
Basically, make the space yours - you’ll be spending time here.
It allows you to do a safe mini-experiment.
Change your clothes in front of your roommates, not in the bathroom or under the blanket - just casually standing near your bed.
The idea is to notice:
It’s a simple and safe way to read the room.
So now you’ve done your “recon”:
You have something to work with.
Now it’s time to relax: lie down, watch YouTube (please use headphones), and if the temperature allows: you can stay in shorts or level up a bit and stay in underwear, covered with a blanket. If someone is already interested, they’ll definitely notice and appreciate the view 😉
As evening comes, my advice is to spend more time in just underwear: lying in bed, walking around the room, going to brush your teeth (if the bathroom is inside the room).
Even something simple like that sets the tone for the evening.
If it’s already late and most people are in bed - maybe even lights are off - it’s time for more noticeable signals.
Turn on your bedside light (most hostels have one), and take off your underwear.
Do it slowly, in a way that maybe nothing is fully visible, but it’s clearly understandable what’s happening.
For the first times, you can do it under the blanket. This acts as a signal to others who might also want to sleep naked but weren’t sure if it’s okay around you.
From my experience, about 1 out of 3 guys who saw me do this would do the same right after.
Observation
If a guy takes off his underwear after you, my advice is to pay closer attention to him. It could be a subtle “Hey, how ya doing?” kind of signal. You’ll likely figure it out later.
From what I’ve observed, the “horny hours” are:
I call them windows of opportunity.
Before turning off the lights, do a small move: Let a small part of your butt (facing your roommates) slightly peek out from under the blanket. Do it naturally, like it just got too warm and you needed to “let some air in.”
At this stage, you’re probably scrolling Instagram - and I strongly recommend observing with your peripheral vision who is looking and how. A look doesn’t always mean something negative, but it also doesn’t always mean someone wants you. It’s more about noticing reactions. It’s a bit of a cat-and-mouse game.
So now you’re lying there:
After some time — turn off the lights and your phone screen. We move further.
By now, you’ll probably be very turned on — all good, I get it. Since the room is dark but not completely, you can start small. Give yourself subtle touches:
Light, slow, not obvious.
When the lights from others are fully off, it’s time to prepare to “shake the tent.”
Start simple:
You can alternate:
If your anxiety is high, hold your phone in the other hand with minimum brightness and scroll — it helps.
At some point, when you’re ready, start adding movement slowly.
Be like a chameleon: one eye on your phone - the other observing the room
If the phone light makes it hard for your eyes to adjust, turn it off — after a couple of minutes you’ll see much better in the dark. Just wait.
Over time, you might notice:
Keep going at your own pace, maybe slowly increasing the movement.
If you feel confident and there are no negative signals, you can fully remove the blanket and again start small:
touching your chestm your neck, and gradually more.
That’s it
Your first training day is complete.
P.S. I truly hope you love yourself the way you are - and accept others the same way.
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