HOSTEL LIFE

Does hostel life benefit you, or does it actually limit your capabilities? Is being
an on-campus resident beneficial for you at the start of your career? These are
the questions around which our study revolves. As we have now reached our
senior years at university, we wonder whether those living in a hostel are
better off than those of us who are not. This report brings in an interesting
dynamic, since one of us has never experienced hostel life while the other has
spent his entire university life in one. It is easy to see that this argument does
not have an easy conclusion, since it depends on the point of view of so many
different people from a variety of backgrounds. Thus, for our research we have
conducted surveys and interviews, while also considering our personal
experiences.
SURVEY:
The following graphs shows some of the results of our survey. All advantages
are based on the survey, as well as the conversations we had with students
who live in the hostel.
 ADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN A HOSTEL:

In a hostel, life is full of opportunities. One is constantly in touch with people of,
more or less, the same age and can do a lot of other activities except studying.
It is obvious that a hostel comprises of people from numerous backgrounds and
with different tastes, aptitudes etc., therefore mingling with these people can
open one's mind. Quality time can also be spent with friends after classes which
may lead to relaxation. Good arrangements of games and sports, Sunday
specials and eating competitions make hostel life an interesting way of life.
Apart from fun-leisure activities, hostellers have a unique unity and are always
ready to help one another whenever needed. However other advantages
include:
•
As a hosteller is not under the care of his family, he develops a sense of
• independence and self-reliance
An individual may form the habit of co-operation with friends and others
 •
Living in the hostel, that is usually located inside the campus, saves your
• travelling time and expenses.
• One gets a chance to bond with classmates
A student can take help of other fellows in studies if he has any problem
• with any particular topic
• There are facilities for fun, leisure and other recreational activities
Hostels provide the best atmosphere for study. If students enjoy the
hostel life in different ways, they also work very hard when the time
• comes for it
When a careless and negligent student sees his partner or his neighbour
• competing for the position, he also tries to follow his example
Hostel life tends to develop healthy competition and mutual co-
operation among hostellers

DISADVANTAGES OF LIVING IN A HOSTEL:

Hostel life with its so many advantages also has some drawbacks. Students
coming for the first time to a hostel find an entirely new atmosphere, the
freedom of the hostel at times leads them astray while nobody is there to keep
them in check. Some students might spend money lavishly and might even
excessively borrow money from their friends. It is also possible that if he looks
at a rich co-hosteller spending extra money and enjoying himself, he develops
an inferiority complex which spoils his character and personality. The students
staying at hostels are denied the love and affection of their near ones. Other
disadvantages may include:
●
●
Ragging by seniors
Influence of bad company may draw a student towards smoking, drugs
●
and drinking
At times it is difficult to concentrate on studies in the college atmosphere
●
that is full of youth and fun
●
Living conditions are far less comfortable than that at home
●
A lot of students have problems digesting the food served at the mess
Sleeping late may hamper concentration in class on the next day

CONCLUSION:
Although our research shows that there are some disadvantages of hostel
life, it is safe to say that most of them are quite subjective. In our opinion
the advantages, by far outweigh the disadvantages. This can be supported
and justified by the response we have received in our survey. Around 60
percent would opt to live in a hostel rather than their homes, while an
overwhelming 96 percent thought that the hostel provides them with
freedom which suggests that they feel more comfortable there.
Furthermore, over 75 percent felt they have become more responsible.
Now it is interesting to notice that two questions, namely: “Does living in
the hostel make you feel more responsible?” and “Do you think you have
become more responsible?”, had the same exact response. This result bears
importance because it shows that those who responded not only feel more
responsible, but indeed have become more responsible. It can also be said
that people might fail to provide the truth in the second question due to
biases, we decided to give them the benefit of doubt since the survey was to
be filled anonymously.