Moving into a PG (paying guest accommodation) or hostel can feel like stepping into an unfamiliar world. Whether you’re a college student adjusting to a new city, or a young professional trying to cut down on commute time, a hostel room is often your first real “home away from home.”
But let’s be honest—between the whitewashed walls, standard-issue furniture, and the occasional shared bathroom drama, hostels can feel more like a layover than a cozy space to unwind.
So how do you turn that sterile little room into a snug sanctuary that reflects you? Here are 10 creative and practical ways to make your PG/hostel room feel just like home.
1. Lights That Spark Joy
Harsh white tube lights can make even the coziest room feel like an operating theatre. One of the easiest and most transformative upgrades? Fairy lights, table lamps, or color-changing LED strips. They not only add ambiance but also help you create zones—study, chill, sleep—within your small space.
🕯 Bonus tip: Try adding a lavender-scented candle for ultimate dorm Zen vibes (if your hostel rules allow it, of course!).
2. Photos, Posters & Personality
Nothing screams “home” like your memories. Create a photo wall of family, friends, travels, or your dog with string and mini clips. Add inspirational quotes, art prints, or even a vision board for that motivational kick.
Whether you’re a Swiftie, Potterhead, or Marvel geek—let your wall tell your story.
3. Get Cozy with Fabrics
Generic hostel bedding = 😒. Invest in soft bedsheets, colorful pillowcases, and a throw blanket that makes you feel pampered. Bonus points if it smells like your home laundry detergent—smell is a powerful emotional trigger!
Don’t underestimate the comfort a good rug or floor mat brings either—it instantly warms up a cold floor and makes the room feel more “lived-in.”
4. Scent Matters
Smell has a huge impact on how we perceive comfort. Use a plug-in diffuser, fabric spray, or essential oil roller to make your room smell like calmness, happiness, or—why not?—your mom’s homemade biryani.
✨ Looking for a hostel that already feels like home?
Meet Hush Hostels – your go-to place for premium PG and hostel living across major Indian cities.
Unlike traditional PGs, Hush Hostels are built with comfort, aesthetics, and convenience in mind. Think:
- Fully furnished rooms with modern decor
- Daily housekeeping & high-speed WiFi
- Common lounges, co-working zones, and even gaming areas
- Zero brokerage & flexible stay plans
- Friendly community events and yes, Netflix nights
Whether you’re a student, intern, or remote worker, Hush gives you more than just a room—it offers a lifestyle.
🌐 Check out HushHostel.com and book a virtual tour today!
5. Plants, Even the Fake Ones
Add a touch of nature to your space. A couple of succulents, a money plant trailing from the window, or even fake greenery can freshen up your room’s vibe. Plants not only look pretty but also boost mood and productivity. No green thumb? No worries—fake it till you make it!
6. Organize with Style
Clutter is the enemy of comfort. Use colorful storage boxes, hanging organizers, or under-bed bins to maximize your space. Label your containers, and turn your shelf into a little display corner—store smart, but make it cute.
7. Music Corner or Vibe Zone
Missing your favorite playlist at full blast? Make a mini music nook—Bluetooth speakers, noise-canceling headphones, or even a ukulele if you’re musically inclined. Create a “you zone” where you can just chill, journal, or dance like no one’s watching.
8. Create a Memory Jar or Wall
Start a memory jar where you drop in fun notes, small mementos, or folded paper with “1 good thing from today.” It sounds cheesy, but on bad days, it becomes a time machine back to your best moments.
Alternatively, stick sticky notes or doodles to a corkboard or wall grid for a live timeline of your hostel life.
9. Food Touches That Feel Familiar
Hostel mess food got you meh? Keep a small stash of comfort snacks, spices from home, or instant coffee that reminds you of your kitchen back home. A small electric kettle or sandwich maker (if allowed) can also work wonders.
🍜 Late-night noodles + hostel gossip = bonding.
10. Add a Bit of Ritual
Establish a personal routine—like lighting incense before bed, journaling every night, or doing 10 minutes of yoga each morning. These small rituals create a sense of stability and personal rhythm even in a shared environment.
🏁 Final Thoughts
Your PG or hostel room might not have been your choice of décor, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your space. With a little effort, some creativity, and perhaps a touch of Hush Hostel magic, your temporary room can start feeling like a real home.
So hang those fairy lights, lay down that rug, and call up your folks—because home isn’t just a place. It’s a feeling. And you’ve got this
