Hostel vs. Dormitory: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 19, 2023
A "Hostel" is a budget-friendly accommodation for travelers, often with shared rooms, while a "Dormitory" is a large room or building providing sleeping quarters, typically for students.
Key Differences
"Hostel" and "Dormitory" both pertain to accommodations with multiple beds, often in a shared setting. A "Hostel" is usually a type of lodging targeted at travelers or backpackers looking for cost-effective solutions. On the other hand, a "Dormitory" predominantly refers to the sleeping quarters in educational institutions for students.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
The concept of a "Hostel" is broader and can be found worldwide. They are designed for short-term stays, offer communal experiences, and may include shared facilities such as kitchens and lounges. "Dormitories" are typically associated with longer durations, such as a semester or academic year, and are linked closely to institutions or workplaces.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
While "Hostels" are characterized by a more transient and diverse crowd, often from various parts of the world, "Dormitories" have a more stable set of occupants, usually students or workers of a specific institution or company.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
It's worth noting that in some contexts outside the U.S., especially in British English, "Hostel" might refer to a student's residence similar to a "Dormitory." But in the general American context, the distinction between travelers' accommodations and student housing remains clear.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
In essence, while both "Hostel" and "Dormitory" denote spaces with shared sleeping arrangements, their purposes, durations of stay, and target audiences differ considerably.
Harlon Moss
Nov 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Associated Facilities
Shared kitchen, lounges, sometimes events
Study halls, cafeterias, possibly shared bathrooms
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Occupants
Travelers, backpackers, diverse guests
Students, institutional workers, more stable occupants
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Cultural Context
More common and varied worldwide
More specific to educational or institutional settings
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Hostel and Dormitory Definitions
Hostel
An establishment for short-term stays.
Hostels are perfect for those on a tight budget and short stays.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Dormitory
Sleeping quarters in an educational institution.
Freshmen were assigned rooms in the main dormitory.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Hostel
A place promoting communal living for visitors.
The best part of the hostel was the evening gatherings with fellow travelers.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Dormitory
A residence hall associated with an academic institution.
Life in the dormitory was a mix of studying and fun for the students.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Hostel
A budget-friendly accommodation for travelers.
She stayed in a hostel during her backpacking trip through Europe.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Dormitory
A large room providing multiple beds for sleeping.
The summer camp had a spacious dormitory for the kids.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Hostel
A lodging with shared facilities and rooms.
The hostel had a communal kitchen where guests cooked their meals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Dormitory
Accommodation for students with communal facilities.
The university's dormitory was equipped with shared bathrooms and study areas.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
Hostel
A traveler’s refuge offering basic amenities.
After a long day of hiking, the travelers sought shelter in a mountain hostel.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Dormitory
Building or space for group living and sleeping.
Employees at the remote research facility had a separate dormitory.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 10, 2023
Hostel
A supervised, inexpensive lodging place for travelers, especially young travelers.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Dormitory
A building for housing a number of persons, as at a school or resort.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Dormitory
A community whose inhabitants commute to a nearby city for employment and recreation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Hostel
A commercial overnight lodging place, with dormitory accommodation and shared facilities, especially a youth hostel
A rundown hostel
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Dormitory
A room containing a number of beds (and often some other furniture and/or utilities) for sleeping, often applied to student and backpacker accommodation of this kind.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Hostel
(not US) A temporary refuge for the homeless providing a bed and sometimes food
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Dormitory
A building or part of a building which houses students, soldiers, monks etc. who sleep there and use communal further facilities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Dormitory
A sleeping room, or a building containing a series of sleeping rooms; a sleeping apartment capable of containing many beds; esp., one connected with a college or boarding school.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Dormitory
A burial place.
My sister was interred in a very honorable manner in our dormitory, joining to the parish church.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Dormitory
A college or university building containing living quarters for students
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Hostel
Inexpensive supervised lodging (especially for youths on bicycling trips)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
FAQs
Do both "Hostel" and "Dormitory" offer shared accommodations?
Yes, both typically feature shared sleeping spaces or rooms.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Is a "Hostel" primarily for students?
No, a "Hostel" is mainly for travelers, while a "Dormitory" is often for students.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Are "Dormitories" only found in educational settings?
Primarily, but they can also exist in institutional or workplace settings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Is a "Hostel" usually cheaper than a hotel?
Yes, hostels are typically more budget-friendly than hotels.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
Do "Dormitories" have communal facilities?
Yes, many have shared bathrooms, study areas, or common rooms.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
Are "Hostels" safe for solo travelers?
While many are, it's essential to check reviews and ratings beforehand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Are hostels only for young people?
No, people of all ages stay in hostels, although many cater to younger travelers.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Are all rooms in a "Hostel" shared?
While many are, some hostels offer private rooms at a higher rate.
Harlon Moss
Nov 19, 2023
Can "Dormitory" refer to a building?
Yes, a "Dormitory" can refer to an entire building housing students or workers.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Can the term "Hostel" mean student housing in some countries?
Yes, especially in British English, "Hostel" might refer to student accommodations.
Janet White
Nov 19, 2023
Do "Dormitories" usually have meal plans?
Often, especially in academic settings, meal plans might be offered.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Do "Dormitories" allow visitors?
It depends on institutional rules; some might have strict visitor policies.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
Is a "Dormitory" the same as a residence hall?
Essentially, yes. The term "residence hall" is often a more formal or preferred term for "dormitory."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Can you book a "Hostel" room in advance?
Yes, many hostels allow and even recommend advance bookings.
Janet White
Nov 19, 2023
Is a "Hostel" the same globally?
The core concept is similar, but amenities, services, and culture can vary by region.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Are "Hostels" a Western concept?
While popular in Western countries, hostels exist worldwide.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 19, 2023
Are "Dormitories" gender-segregated?
Often they are, especially in educational settings, but mixed-gender dorms do exist.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Do "Hostels" provide bedding?
Most do, but it's always good to check beforehand.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Are there private "Dormitories" outside of institutions?
Yes, some private entities offer dormitory-style housing, especially in densely populated cities.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
Can "Dormitories" be off-campus?
Yes, some universities have affiliated dormitories or recommend certain off-campus housing options.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
