Healthy Living in Hostels: What Every Student Should Know

Leonard Divine

From fetching water and using the public bath to dealing with roommates, one thing remains prominent—shared spaces. Hostel living is all about shared spaces, shared responsibilities and, whether we like it or not, shared germs too. Personal and environmental hygiene is non-negotiable, especially in a hostel environment where shared spaces are inevitable.

Whether you are a fresher adjusting to communal living or a staylite who has “seen it all,” one thing remains true: your health in the hostel largely depends on the habits you form. This article provides the ultimate guide to staying healthy in a hostel, covering everything from toilet hygiene to stress management.

Starting with the obvious, hostel toilets are battle zones. From poor maintenance to careless users who often leave the toilets smelly and messier than they met them, it is no surprise that infections like UTIs, skin rashes, and other unpleasant surprises are common. So, how can you really combat this menace? Always inspect before use—do not make the mistake of assuming it is clean. Carry a disinfectant or spray with you; a quick wipe or spritz can save you from a whole lot of germs and, subsequently, infections too. Wearing bathroom slippers or waterproof slides is a must to avoid direct contact with wet surfaces. Also, avoid sitting directly on toilet seats; instead, use tissue paper or a disposable seat cover if available.

For hostels that allow cooking, the kitchen often becomes another shared battleground. Dirty sinks, leftover food, and improperly stored ingredients are breeding grounds for bacteria, cockroaches, and even rats. Keeping things clean is not optional. Wash dishes immediately after use, clean up any spills, and avoid leaving food uncovered. Labeling your food items can help prevent unnecessary touching or tampering. Hygiene in the kitchen is not just about keeping things tidy—it is about protecting what enters your stomach.

Water is gold in many hostels, and managing your hygiene around shared water sources requires intentional effort. Always ensure your water buckets are covered to prevent contamination, and rinse them out frequently to avoid the buildup of grime or harmful bacteria.

Your room is supposed to be your sanctuary, but sharing it with one or more people can complicate things. Respect for each other’s personal space is key. Don’t use or touch another person’s items without permission, and keep your own bed and corner neat. Dust, hair, and grime can build up fast in small rooms, so regular cleaning is important. Ventilating your room, by opening the windows in the morning or late evening, helps let in fresh air and reduce stuffiness. Be considerate of others by avoiding the use of harsh perfumes or insecticides when someone else is sleeping or studying. And remember: personal items like towels, razors, clippers, toothbrushes, underwear, and socks are called personal for a reason. Sharing them opens the door to infections like ringworm, lice, and more.

Living in shared spaces means you’re constantly exposed to potential sources of infection, so your immune system must be strong. Eating balanced meals, even on a tight budget, is essential. You don’t have to go gourmet, but you can prioritize fruits, vegetables, and drinking clean water. Indomie, bread, and junk food every day won’t do your body any favors. And while we’re at it, don’t joke with your sleep. Hostels can be noisy, especially during exam season or late-night discussions, but try to get at least 6–8 hours of quality rest daily. Your body does a lot of repair work during sleep, don’t rob yourself of that essential recovery time.

If you start to notice strange symptoms—like rashes that won’t go away, unusual discharges, constant fatigue, or even emotional withdrawal—don’t brush them off. Visit the school clinic or a nearby hospital. Early diagnosis can save you from dealing with more complicated health issues later on.

And let’s not forget that staying healthy isn’t just physical. Hostel life can be quite stressful. From academic pressure to relationship drama and peer pressure, the mental toll can add up quickly. Talk to someone when you feel overwhelmed. Don’t bottle it up; that will only make things worse. Set aside quiet moments for yourself, it could be early morning journaling, a simple walk around the hostel compound, or just listening to calming music. Your mental space needs just as much care as your physical body.

In an environment like the hostel, having a supportive circle can make all the difference. Friends who uplift you, respect your boundaries, and encourage healthy habits can help buffer you against stress, loneliness, and anxiety. On the other hand, toxic relationships, marked by gossip, manipulation, or constant negativity—will only drain your emotional energy and affect your well-being. Choose to surround yourself with people who inspire growth, share your values, and genuinely care about your peace of mind.

Shared spaces come with shared risks, but that doesn’t mean your health has to be compromised. Your health is your wealth especially in the hostel. Take care of yourself and be considerate of those you live with. After all, a healthy student is a productive student!

Image credit: istock