How much should I budget each week for food in non-catered hostels?

This will vary depending on your personal eating habits, dietary preferences, and whether you prefer cooking for yourself or regularly eat outside the hostel.

In our non-catered hostels, volunteers are provided with a basic food budget or essential food items to support their day-to-day needs. Many volunteers who prepare most of their meals within the hostel find that this covers the majority, and often almost all, of their weekly food requirements.

Some volunteers choose to supplement this with additional groceries, specialist dietary products, snacks, takeaway meals, or meals eaten out with friends. As a result, spending can vary considerably from person to person.

We generally recommend having a small personal food budget available for any additional items you may wish to purchase beyond the essentials provided. However, volunteers who are happy to cook at home and make use of the food provided often find that their food expenses remain relatively low.

Once you have settled into your hostel and developed your own routine, it usually becomes easier to estimate your typical weekly spending.