The lesson I learned from my Hostel life - Get ready for Tips
Article is all about what I learned from my hostel life and sharing my experiences for the students who will soon experience hostel life to get their higher studies in big cities.
I think Out of all the traveling experiences ‘away from home’ is one of the best goals in student life. It is an experience where you understand yourself, defy your fears, gain confidence and enjoy independence. It is essential that one should consider hostel life at least once in his/her life; After moving from a well pampered loving family, it would seem like a high dose of responsibility; No more bed Tea, no more pressed clothes in shelf and nobody to find the pair of your lonely sock. Living all by yourself for the first time would be hard, even scary. But in the end, you don’t find knowledge, adventure or freedom, more than anything, you see YOU.
Make new connections
Hostel life is a beautiful platform that brings similar minds from diverse demographic and cultural backgrounds under one roof. Learn to socialize and adapt yourselves to a new lifestyle. Make more friends with the natives irrespective of their age. Take guidance to know nearby localities’ required for daily needs. If you are an introvert, who has trouble with making a conversation, Smile and greet. It is good to make new connections and maintain a healthy relationship.
Unique culture, food, and language
In Hostel life one become a part of the local festivals and celebrations. Hear the stories behind them and the reason why they are celebrated. You will be amazed by the richness each culture holds. Try the local cuisines. Food is always the essence of every ethnicity. It truly represents the nature of the people living in that area. Also, be ready to learn the regional language and pump up some confidence to be bold enough to speak it out. People enjoy hearing someone try to speak their native language. Making mistakes is alright. Just dare to try it out. Never let fear hold you back.
New responsibilities
Exposure to cooking, washing your clothes and vessels are insightful moments when you praise your mother in your head with all your heart. You eventually learn to be a ‘Do it yourself’ person. You understand the value of money every time you burn a hole in your pocket and wait until next month for your parents to pay you again. Keeping your belongings safe is also an art that one learns in a hard way. Every hostility has had the experience of being locked out of your room at least once. In due course, you also become skilled at organizing and managing your things.
Breath of independence
With no one to monitor, hostel life gives you the feel of ultimate freedom. Enjoy independence but I use it well. Don’t forget that you have been given this independence because you are being trusted. Avoid misusing it. It calls for great self-control in doing what you think is right. Trust your instincts and never give heed to peer pressure.
Travel a lot
Beyond the academic walls, I used to visit new city waiting to be explored. Know my environment. Never hesitate to travel with new people and discover new places. Dare to pack up and look for adventure. Most campuses have clubs or groups that travel to the nearby site. Maintain a travelogue- it makes a beautiful memory for every place you visited. Make the best out of the time available and make every weekend count.
Manage time effectively
There sure was a time when your mom would wake you with a hot cup of Tea or would beat you out of bed when you are running late. Expect no such pampering in a hostel. If you plan to be on time better hear your alarm and wake up before your roommate occupies the shower. There is no fixed routine in hostel life. It is up to you to organize, plan and decide on how to go about your day. Most professors love to scroll through the index and say “I’m sure you can read this yourself.” Having a personal timetable would help reduce stress during exam season as well as given enough time to explore extracurricular.
Maintain your personal space
Though friends become family in a new land try to maintain a certain distance. It is true there isn’t much formality among yourselves. But it is best to avoid having an embarrassing moment in the future. Know that too much of anything is wrong and learn to be selfish at times. Never lend anything that you can’t afford to lose, even if it is one of your close friends. Talk openly with your friends and roommate about certain things that annoy you or interfere in your personal space. Be sure to reciprocate the same.
Learn to learn
Ultimately, you have traveled all the distance to expand your knowledge in a particular field. Do justice to it. Have the curiosity to know and question everything. Use the library and discuss subject matters with your fellow mates. Talk to the professors in case you have difficulties coping with the subject or language. They would be willing to help you overcome them. More than WHAT to learn, HOW to learn is the life skill that institutions teach you.