Living in a youth hostel or off-campus housing is pretty common for university students. In these student housing options, amenities are aligned with your needs as a student. So if you’ve been living in a student living facility, it could be nothing new.
But for the first timers, it could be a novel experience even at the best hostel in India. It is going to be the first step towards independent living — without your family members around to help you out in everyday emergencies.
The least you need to do is to plan and pack all that you may need to live comfortably in the hostel world.
However, if you’re going to live at a premium student housing facility, you should also ensure not to carry what may already be available there.
Here are the top 5 things in your hostel packing list for you:
Some Sleep Essentials
People in the hostel will be from different regions, cultures, and religions. Their lifestyle, time to sleep, and time to wake up could be different too.
So if you sleep early at night, keep an eye mask, to ward off light and noise cancellation ear plugs, to sleep well in time. It could be noise-cancellation headphones if you are in habit of listening to music before going to sleep.
A night lamp/kindle could be an additive if you like to read till late at night. Carry mosquito repellent too with you, as mosquitoes could be a nuisance both for health and sound sleep.
Necessary Medicines
Do you take medicines for any health condition? If yes, make sure you carry enough of them to last for a few days until you find a pharmacy near your hostel accommodation. Even otherwise, it’s a good idea to pack some general healthcare products such as balms, mouthwash, and a few capsules of paracetamol to tame sudden fever. You may think of more such things but don’t take prescription medication without consulting a doctor.
Torch/Head Flashlight
Although you might not need it in a premium hostel accommodation where electricity backup is a given, keeping a torch handy in a new place is still a good idea. Emergencies don’t always use familiar ways to strike and it’s better to be prepared than get caught off-guard.
With mobile phones having a torch, you should choose a torch that you can also use during overnight outings and treks. Between a torch and headlight, you can take your pick depending on how you visualize your needs.
A Combination Lock
You must secure your valuables at the hostel. This is one thing you can’t skip even when you’re living in the best hostel in India. The combination lock comes without the hassle to carry the key with you and can help secure your belongings. So make sure to pack one, to lock in your valuables and personal belongings.
Miscellaneous
Here are a few other things that you must carry with you, to excel in the newly found independence:
Power Bank: The importance of a power bank becomes apparent only when the battery is dying and there is a power cut. So, do not forget to pack a power bank with you too.
Organizers: They would help you keep your clothes, stationary, etc., organized and sorted in a small space too. Hangers, cloth pegs and clothes string too could be a few useful additives.
Laptop, Tablets, and Essential Documents: Tech gadgets have become indispensable in human life today. Especially for a student it’s a must. So, don’t forget the kit that fits your needs.
These are the few essentials we have listed. Another takeaway could be being a good roommate to others. So it becomes a cakewalk for you and others too. Good luck!