What Is The Difference Between Hostel and PG?

For those who looking for accommodation, it can be confusing to determine the difference between a hostel and a PG. But, below I tried to give more clarity on this topic.

What is the difference between hostel and PG? After getting into college, the most exciting part of college life is the hostel.

You live with people who share the same age group and goals as you. Hostels usually have a set of strict rules that every resident must follow, which brings your routine life into discipline.

On the other hand, PGs are usually smaller than hostels and might or might not have people who share the same age group or goals. Let’s discuss the answer to this hostel vs PG question by comparing each factor.

Factor	Hostel	PG
Definition As per the Indian law	According to the Hostel Act 1971, the definition of a hostel is “a unit of residence, by whatever name called, for students of the University provided, maintained, or recognized by it.”	There is no specific legal definition for PGs in Indian law as it is a complex topic and is governed by various laws like the Rent Control Act, Consumer Protection Act, Municipal Corporation Laws, and general contract law principles.
Ownership	Hostels are usually affiliated with universities or government bodies.	PGs are usually owned by a private player.
Purpose	The hostel’s main objective is to give accommodation to students, and making a profit is a secondary priority.	PGs’ primary motive is to earn a profit, as they are commercial establishments.
Cost	Living costs in the hostel are lower compared to PGs.	Living costs in PGs are quite high compared to hostels.
Quality of Life	As the living costs are lower in the hostels, it can only give you a low quality of life with less luxury.	Quality of life in PGs might be poorer than in hostels and sometimes too luxurious, depending on the type of paying guest you choose.
Food Quality	It is a well-known fact that food quality in hostel messes is really poor.	PG food is usually better than hostels and sometimes it is tasty too.
Housekeeping or cleanliness	Hostels have a housekeeping staff but have less cleanliness compared to PGs.	PGs generally maintain better cleanliness compared to hostels.
Curfew rules	In hostels, there are certain times beyond which you are not allowed inside the hostel gate unless you have prior permission from your parents with the approval of the hostel warden/admin.	In PGs, there are usually not many restrictions on entry or exit, but depending on the PG, they might have specific curfew timings for students.
Security	In hostels, security is generally quite tight as there are proper security guards and a warden who ensures the safety of each student.	PG security staff is less competitive than hostels. Only one or two individuals work as guards, and the rest of the security checks are done through CCTVs only.

Advantages Of Living In A Hostel Compared To PG

The biggest benefit of living in a hostel is that they are affordable and easy on the pocket compared to metro city PGs, where rent is quite high.

Advantage Of Living In A PG

Well, there are many benefits like getting more liberty and independence in a PG, and the food is also tasty, unlike boring meals in the hostel mess.

History of Hostels & PGs

The hostel concept was brought into existence by German professor Richard Schirrmann in 1909 for youth travels as an inexpensive option for accommodation, and the first hostel in the world was Altena Castle, which was founded in 1912.

While there isn’t a specific, documented history of student PGs (Paying Guest accommodations), their evolution through the broader context of urbanization, education, and societal changes. As higher education needs increased, the demand for paying guest rooms around education hubs also increased.

FAQ RELATED TO Hostels & PGs

Does the Hostel Accommodate Working People?

Most hostels only accommodate students affiliated with them. However, some private hostels also offer accommodation to working professionals.

Does Hostel Admission Require More Paperwork?

Yes!! Hostels are affiliated with the university and eventually require more paperwork compared to PGs as they have more liberty and fewer licensing requirements compared to HOSTEL.

Conclusion: Hostels are usually perfect for those who have a tight budget and are students who don’t bother about their privacy, while PGs are perfect for working people who seek complete privacy and want a blend of hostel atmosphere and independence of PGs.