6 Unsaid Rules of A PG: Your Guide to Harmonious Hostel Living

Moving into a PG residence can be both exhilarating and intimidating. Whether you are looking for a pg in Ahmedabad or moving into your new abode, knowing the unwritten rules can make your stay truly comfortable. They’re not hard and fast rules hung on walls; they’re the implied courtesies that make a living space feel like home.

Top 6 PG Living Rules for Students & Working Professionals

(1) Respect Goes Both Ways

The basis of any shared way of living is respect. When you’re in a pg or hostel, you are not merely renting space; you’re part of a little community. Treat your housemates the way you’d like to be treated; it’s that easy. 

Respect people’s personal space. If the door is closed, knock softly and then wait. Don’t push your way into group bathrooms or common spaces without considering the others. Maintain shared environments as clean as possible, clean kitchen countertops after use, don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink overnight, and never fail to clean up in the bathroom. 

And most importantly, perhaps, be mindful of noise. Your neighbor in the pg there close to Navrangpura may be studying for an important exam when you are relaxing after work. A bit of awareness is all one needs.

Bonus Read – How working professionals are adapting to PG living

(2) Protect Your Privacy (and Others’)

Privacy is valuable when you’re living with others. Spend money on a quality lock for your stuff, most pg for boys and pg for girls to have lockers or secure storage areas. Use them. 

But the flip side is this: be respectful of others’ privacy as well. Don’t dig around in someone’s stuff, don’t read notes that were left on their desk, and for sure don’t blab about their personal issues to others. What goes on in the PG is to remain in the PG. This understanding with boundaries fosters a situation where all feel at ease and safe.

(3) Silence is Golden (Especially at Night)

We’ve all had it happen to us: you’re tired after a long day and desperately need to sleep, while someone in the hallway has music blasting or is yelling on the phone. Don’t be that guy. 

Keep the noise to reasonable levels, particularly during early morning hours and late evenings. If you reside in a PG near SG Highway, close to commercial zones, you may work with varying time schedules; some individuals work at night, while others start at 5 AM. Headphones are your best friends. They enable you to play your music or watch movies without anyone else’s inconvenience. 

When you have to make calls, go to a private room or at least speak softly. Your roommate does not have to listen to all of your conversations with your family or friends.

(4) Friendliness Costs Nothing

A smile and a friendly “hello” can completely alter the mood of your home. It doesn’t matter that you’re not necessarily the best buddies with everyone, but general friendliness makes everyday encounters so much easier. 

Talk to people in shared spaces. Lend a hand when someone is having trouble with heavy bags. Participate in group outings when asked, even if it’s just food ordering or a movie on the weekend. These tiny little interactions convert strangers into acquaintances, and occasionally, into best friends for life. 

Being far away from home can be lonely at times. Having friendly faces around makes your PG accommodation feel less like a pit stop and more like a second home.

(5) The Art of Sharing (Without Overstepping)

There’s a beautiful balance in sharing; it builds camaraderie without breeding resentment. Share things you’re comfortable sharing: snacks during a late-night study session, an umbrella when it’s pouring, or even just your time when someone needs to talk. 

But here’s the key: always ask before borrowing and return things promptly and in the same condition. Borrow someone’s iron? Return it the same day. Used someone’s milk for tea? Replace it or ask if you can share your expenses. These tiny gestures of consideration build trust. 

In many PG hostels, residents often create informal sharing systems for common items, splitting subscriptions, bulk-buying groceries, or sharing cooking duties. These arrangements work beautifully when everyone is honest and pulls their weight.

Get More – Budget-Friendly PG Room Décor Ideas for Students

(6) Hands Off (Unless You’ve Asked)

There is a lovely balance in sharing; it fosters camaraderie without generating resentment. Share what you’re willing to share: snacks during an all-night study session, an umbrella when it’s raining, or just your time when someone needs to talk. 

But here is the secret: always ask if you can borrow, and return things in a timely fashion and in the state they were in. Borrowed a friend’s iron? Return it the same day. Used a friend’s milk for tea? Replace it or offer to split costs. These little acts of consideration create trust. 

In most PG hostels, residents tend to establish unofficial sharing schemes for shared items, dividing memberships, buying in bulk groceries, or taking turns in the kitchen. These work perfectly when everyone’s on their honor and pitches in. 

This one’s simple but essential: don’t touch other people’s stuff without asking. That charging cable on the table? Ask first before unhooking your phone. That shampoo in the bathroom? Don’t assume it belongs to everyone. 

Taking something that belongs to someone without permission is one of the quickest ways to make things tense. What may seem insignificant to you may matter to them. Some people are very particular about their stuff, and that is okay. In uncertain cases, it’s best to ask. A simple “Hey, can I borrow your stuff?” saves the day from all the awkwardness.

Additional Read – Dealing with a Messy Roommate? Try These Simple Solutions

Finding Your PG Sweet Spot

Whether you’re searching for pg for boys or pg for girls, these unwritten rules hold true across the board. They’re not intended to limit your freedom; they’re designed to create a space in which all can flourish. 

The initial weeks are critical. Adhere to the guidelines below, observe closely, and get accustomed to the individual culture of your PG. Every location has its own pace. Some PGs are more study-oriented and quiet, whereas others may be more social and lively in nature. Observe and adjust accordingly.

Bonus Read – How to Build a Professional Network in New City

Keep in mind, the folks you’re sharing space with are not just facial expressions you see down the hall; they’re fellow travellers on parallel paths. You’re all strangers in a strange land, visiting new cities, establishing careers, or seeking education. A little compassion and common respect turn your living experience from merely tolerable to truly enjoyable. 

These unwritten rules aren’t restrictive; they’re freeing. They establish a level of respect amongst individuals that makes everyone comfortable enough to unwind, concentrate on their objectives, and sometimes, make memories that will last way longer than their PG years. After all, some of your favorite anecdotes may very well stem from the people with whom you shared accommodations when you were discovering your niche in a new city.