Some hostels accommodate students for a semester (approximately 4 months) while others do so for a year or more. Homestels are more apartment like and may take in students for short or long term contracts which may last for over 4 years. Every hostel is different and people select them based on their needs, affordability and convenience. With the recent closure of hostels by the Ghana Tourism Authority it is important for students and travellers to be well do their homework before selecting a hostel. Here are some important things to look out for when selecting a hostel on or off campus.
Facilities
Find out what the hostel has to offer you in order to make you stay convenient. You should look out for these basic facilities;
| Wifi | Reading room or table and chair | Standby generator |
| Running water | Proximity to campus | Kitchen |
| Cleaning services | Shuttle services | Bed |
Apart from these make sure too that there are some good food joints in the area. Who doesn’t like a good meal? 🙂
Security
Make sure that the hostel has put in the necessary measures to ensure security of the tenants. Look out for things like the area in which the hostel is located, streetlights in the area, security personnel on the hostel premises and basically the burglar proofing and door locks. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
Price
Based on the depths of your pocket the price of a hostel room is very important. You should compare the prices of the various hostels in the area and settle on the best price for your pocket and convenience. Look out for their payment terms to.
Proximity
If you do not have a car then proximity to campus is an important factor when selecting your hostel. If you have frequent lectures or early morning or late evening lectures then you can weigh the option of selecting a hostel based on proximity. You should also look at the location of the hostel, is it located by the main road for easy access? Make sure to verify this. Before selecting your hostel.
Reputation
A good name is better than riches. Sometimes the name and reputation of a hostel will let you feel more confident about your new found room. After all it takes a level of excellence to earn such a good name. You can check with your University Dean of Student on the approved hostels off campus to make it a bit easier for you to decide where you would like to settle for the next semester or academic year.
Booking your room
The GetRooms website allows you to search and book your hostel room online with ease allowing you to communicate directly with the management. Dont make any payment to people other than the management of the hostel.
Following these guidelines will help you choose a hostel room which suits your need. If there is any other important factor you know of then feel free to add it to the comments below.