A new beginning: my first hostel experience in the UK

Moving from India to the UK for my studies has been one of the biggest changes in my life, and staying in a hostel for the first time made it even more memorable. In the beginning, everything felt unfamiliar and a little overwhelming the cold weather, different culture, and new surroundings. Back in India, I was used to being around family all the time, with home cooked meals and a fixed routine. Here, I suddenly had to manage everything on my own, which was both exciting and challenging.

Living with flatmates has been one of the most interesting parts of hostel life. We come from different backgrounds, but we’ve built a connection through shared experiences. We have a lot of fun together - late night conversations, watching movies, cooking meals, and laughing. These moments make the hostel feel like a second home. However, living together can also bring small conflicts. We sometimes argue over simple things like cleaning responsibilities, noise levels, or using each other’s things without asking. At first, these fights felt frustrating, but over time, I realised they are a normal part of sharing space and learning to adjust with others.

One of the biggest changes for me has been becoming independent. I now cook my own food, do my laundry, manage my studies, and take care of daily chores. Even going grocery shopping and budgeting money has become part of my routine. Cooking is not always easy, and it often reminds me of home, but it also gives me a sense of achievement. Slowly, I am learning to balance everything on my own.

Of course, there are moments when I miss India deeply, especially my family, festivals, and homemade food. Hostel life in the UK is not just about staying away from home. It is about growing, learning, and creating memories that will stay with me forever.