Living in a hostel for the first time felt like stepping into a reality TV show— drama, unexpected challenges, and the occasional plot twist. 😂
Coming straight from high school, I thought I was prepared. After all, I was used to sharing space. But hostel life? That was a whole different ball game. At least in high school, we had strict rules— no phones, lights-out time, and structured schedules. Here? Anything goes. Some people would be on loud phone calls at 2 a.m., sounding like they were starring in a full-blown telenovela. 📞🎭
And personal space? What’s that? 😭 Sharing a room meant learning to adapt—or suffer. I had to find ways to make my tiny corner feel like home, even in a room packed with other people.
🎭 The Struggles Were REAL
🔊 Noise? Unavoidable. Whether it was someone playing music at full volume 🎶🔊 or an impromptu group discussion happening right next to your bed— silence was a luxury.
🚪 Privacy? Non-existent. Sometimes, all you wanted was a little alone time, but with roommates around 24/7? Good luck with that.
🧼 Cleanliness? Now, this depends on your roommates. Some people kept things neat, while others? Eii, it was as if they were preparing for “Ghana’s Dirtiest Room Awards.” 😭😂 Plates stacked like Jenga, clothes everywhere, and that mysterious pile in the corner that nobody dared to touch.
🔹 How I Survived
When things got too chaotic, I had two solutions:
📚 Escape to the library —the ultimate quiet sanctuary.
💬 Set boundaries early —sometimes, all it takes is a polite “Hey, could you lower your voice a bit?” 😅
🎉 But It Wasn’t All Bad…
The best part of hostel life? Community. 🫂
When you’re sick, overwhelmed, or just need someone to talk to, your hostel mates become your second family. They’re there to share food, stories, and even last-minute panic before an exam. 🤣📖
I’ve had random late-night deep conversations, bonded over shared struggles, and found friends who made hostel life 10x easier.
💡 Key Lessons
✅ Respect personal space —yours and others’.
✅ Noise is inevitable —learn to adapt or find a quiet escape.
✅ Living with others = learning patience 🧘♀️
✅ Good hostel mates make life easier —choose your circle wisely. 👥
🔚 Final Thoughts
Hostel life teaches you patience, adaptability, and survival skills. While it has its downsides (like noise, lack of privacy, and the occasional messy roommate), the friendships and experiences you gain make it all worth it.
Would I do it again? Maybe. Would I change anything? Probably not. Hostel life was wild, but it gave me stories to tell for a lifetime. 😂
👉🏽 What’s your funniest or craziest hostel experience? Let’s hear it! ⬇️🔥
✍🏽 Written By: Esther Asiedu.
📍 Final year, Medical Student
🏫 Université Hassan II de Casablanca, Faculté de Médecine et de Pharmacie – Morocco
Posted by: Dr. Richeal Shola Makinde, UCC School of Medical Sciences Alumni, LinkedIn Profile
