Experiences vary from hostel to hostel but essentially you rent a bed in a shared dormitory-style room. Dorms can range from 3 beds all the way up to 12 (or more). The good news is that the more beds there are in a room, the cheaper your nightly rate usually is.

The number of beds in a hostel room, commonly referred to as a "dorm," can vary significantly based on the hostel's size and target demographic. Typically, dorm rooms range from small 4-bed units to massive "mega-dorms" that can hold 20 or even 30 beds. The most common configuration is the 6-bed or 8-bed dorm, which offers a balance between affordability and a manageable number of roommates. Beds are almost always arranged as bunks to maximize vertical space. Many modern hostels now offer "female-only" dorms in addition to mixed-gender rooms to provide extra comfort and security. In addition to the dorms, most hostels also offer private rooms with one or two beds (double or twin) for those who want the social atmosphere of a hostel but the privacy of a hotel. When booking, the price usually decreases as the number of beds in the room increases, making the 12+ bed rooms the cheapest option for budget travelers.