Were you confused when you heard the word homestel and proceeded to search the internet yet hardly found answers? Are you a student interested in exploring the various kinds of accommodations available to you? Did you want some answers to the difference between a homestel and a hostel? Stress no more, GetRooms is here to enlighten and equip you with tools you need to make smart accommodation choices that will put you way above your peers.
To set the ball rolling, a hostel is simply put, a short-term shared social lodging where students can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a room alongside a shared bathroom, living room and a kitchen in most cases. On the other hand, a homestel (home + hostel) is basically a home or room within a house that is rented out to students seeking accommodation. If that wasn’t too clear, imagine yourself living in your house but this time with strangers. That is a graphical representation of a homestel.
While a homestel is apparently a new term, it is advisable for students to be abreast of the various forms of accommodation at their disposal.
Benefits of hostels and homestels
Proximity to Campus
While this is true, it is mainly dependent on the location of the hostel or the homestel. It is possible to find both homestels and hostels that are closer to campus. It would appear, however, that hostels are more common. Students who are not able to acquire hostels can consider a homestel. It may not be so bad and can provide a more intimate group of friends.
Cost
Some hostels are more expensive than others. Homestels can usually be relatively more affordable than others. However, the fact remains that both homestels and hostels are affordable.
Privacy
For those who do not joke with their privacy, a hostel or a homestel can equally be a good choice. There are differences, however between the two. Let’s analyse them closely. A hostel can provide one (and one’s roommates) exclusive rights to the following facilities; a kitchen, a bathroom and a bed. However, in a homestel, just like the way you and your siblings may not get to have your own kitchens so it is in a homestel. Most homestels do not give students occupying one room exclusive rights to their own kitchens.
The kitchens are usually one big place for all students to visit. Others go so far as to provide one bathroom for all students (of one gender) say occupying one block. It’s not so bad, right? Afterall sharing is caring. There are variations. I can guarantee though that homestels provide students with their own bed and the lounge is definitely shared with other colleagues.
Formation of close friendships
Both homestels and hostels provide students with the opportunity to make new friends; friends that may last a lifetime. For hostels, students can form immediate connections with their roommates (if they have one). People in homestels can equally do the same. However, because of the homely atmosphere in homestels, it is easier to make more connections with neighbours since they are practically living as ‘family’.
If you still need in-depth knowledge on homestels, feel free to check out this post by GetRooms. Are you staying in a homestel or a hostel? Let us know what it’s like for you in the comments below.