How I Thrived In A Hostel – For A MONTH In Copenhagen, Denmark

Have you ever gotten so fed up with your day-to-day life that you want to do something crazy like chop off your hair, get a tattoo, drop out of school and/or quit your day job? If you have ever randomly decided to get bangs, then you probably know what I’m talking about.

In September of 2018, I was itching to do something different, it was like my soul was feigning for something but I couldn’t figure out what I needed. My responsible part of my brain convinced me to not quit my job or get any more tattoos (thankfully, because I already have 5 and most of them are silly.) One day an email popped up in my inbox “Seniors, Last Chance To Study Abroad. Short-term Programs Available”… you can guess what happened next.

A few months later I was getting dropped off by my mom at LAX, with my bags that were way over the weight limit, to study abroad for a month in Copenhagen, Denmark. I didn’t know a single person in the program and I had never lived in weather below 50 degrees Fahrenheit so clearly I had no idea what I was in for.

Where I Stayed

My program’s company organized for all the students to live together at a hostel in a very centralized part of Copenhagen. Everyone I told was a little worried because the term hostel has such a bad connotation in America but don’t worry, most hostels are nothing like in the movies! Luckily, I had experience staying in hostels from a past backpacking trip so I knew how to prepare.

A Girly Girl’s Tips For Staying In a Hostel:

1. DON’T OVERPACK – I failed at this miserably and it was difficult because the rooms are small and there was literally no room for my 3 bags, 5 pairs of shoes, and plethora of clothes.
2. Use packing cubes – I put all my undies, socks, scarves & beanies in packing cubes which helped me stay organized. Since you won’t have drawers, and will be living out of a bag, this is a life saver!
3. Bring an extra towel for your hair – They supply you with one towel but if you’re like me then one is not enough! I got this pack on amazon and it was perfect: https://amzn.to/2DXTEw9
4. Bring shower shoes – There’s nothing worse then feeling dirty after you just showered. In hostels you share a shower with other people so its a good idea to bring some plastic sandals.
5. Make a shower bag – Your life will be so much easier if you have a plastic bag that can get wet with all your goodies inside. Instead of bringing your toiletry bag with all your cosmetics into the shower area, separate out your shampoo, conditioner, razor and everything else you need so you can get in and out fast!
6. No blowdryer needed – Check ahead of time if your hostel supplies a blowdryer, it may be bad quality but packing one takes up SO much space. Also, the wattage of the plugs in other countries may make your blowdryer catch on fire. Don’t ask me how I know this.
7. Bring a small mirror – You will be sharing a bathroom with other people so you don’t want to be in there for 20 min doing your makeup. Bring a small mirror or a pallet with a mirror so you can do your makeup while sitting on your bed.
8. Don’t forget headphones with a mic – even if you don’t plan on listening to music or watching movies, bring headphones for talking on the phone or FaceTiming! Nothing is more awkward than strangers listening to your entire convo with your boyfriend.
9. Buy a small lock – Most hostels have a locker to put your valuables in, bring a lock for it so you can leave your passport, camera, computer, designer bag, etc in there.
10. Pack a travel size multi-mask set – Being away from your normal climate and routine will cause your skin to freak out in ways you can’t possibly anticipate. I packed this GLAMGLOW kit for all possible skin needs on my trip: https://seph.me/2WPqTt5

If you are going to Copenhagen and need a clean, affordable hostel check this one out! (There are also private rooms available.) https://www.steelhousecopenhagen.com

The best thing you can bring with you when staying at a hostel is your flexibility. You need to go with the flow. You have to be mentally prepared to share space and know it may take you an extra 10 minutes to get ready in the morning. But on the bright side, you are surrounded by other young people who probably love to travel as much as you do! I never felt unsafe and I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out in the laid back common areas downstairs! Of course its always nice to stay at a hotel but if thats out of your budget don’t be afraid to check out other options. When you’re traveling you should hardly be in your room anyways right?

More posts about Copenhagen coming soon. Thanks for following along friends! xx